Tax Time: Are You Happy, Sad, or Indifferent?

For some its the inevitable, for others its like a second Christmas and for others they are hoping to break even; tax time is among us and I have to say I am kinda looking forward to it.

As a person who doesn't understand a lot about tax codes or tax brackets, it refreshing to be able to go to a person nearby who does. I can ask many questions without feeling "not smart" and can get answers that I can comprehend. For me that is my husband.

Regarding my family, my husband got a new job offer in July of last year and as a result a new/increased salary; putting us in a higher tax bracket. Since we've had our only daughter as an only children for 4 years and claimed just 6 allowances, we been getting maybe $1,000 or so back. However, we have bought a house, have been paying my student loans, and even had another baby; so the tax calculator is now saying $2,100!!

I am happy because I was just hoping to break even, but a little extra doesn't hurt. Its nice not to give the government an "interest free loan" and we still get to have some money back. Plus my husband get a bonus from his job that will be paid out the end of February (which is 10% of his salary); so we'll probably get those 2 checks around the same time.

As for what we'll do with it; I like to follow the G.S.T. Method (a term I created BTW):

G is for GIVE: We GIVE to GOD first. Period. He's the reason we have it and its his money anyway. This includs tithes and an offering to someone.

S is for SAVE: We pay ourselves second. Put away some in our savings account.

T is for TREAT: I want my husband to be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor. If he wants something he should be able to have it; besides he never buys himself anything. He is a selfless person.

This tax season are you happy/sad/indifferent?

If getting a refund, what will you do with it?

1 Month = Free Stuff!!!!!!!

Lately, I have been getting "back in the game" regarding freebies and saving money. I originally took a long break to focus on my family and new baby. Now, I feel, it is time for me to get back to my roots and start collecting some HUGE saving discounts/free stuff!!!! I'll profile the current month (Dec. 15th-Jan. 15th) since that's when I started up again. Here is a list of things that were FREE, yes Free!! When my camera charges, I'll come and edit with a "real" picture; so you all can see the truth behind this..... Note: This does NOT include Free samples or Grocery/Coupon savings.........


$25.50 in the form of a check that will be mailed out in their next rotation which is Feb. 15th.






I received a $10.00 Home Depot GC (Gift Card) just for signing up with Ebates. It is a site that gives you money back on purchases when you buy through them; kinda like MyPoints; which I will get to later.





I am a member of Disney Movie Rewards. If you buy a Disney DVD, go see a Disney Movie, or even just find a code via the internet, you can have the chance to earn some great items. Since I have been a member, I have gotten a BLU-RAY National Treasure DVD and now a Handy Manny DVD for Free. Just save up your points until you earn what you want.




SWAG BUCKS, SWAG BUCKS, SWAG BUCKS!!!! If you have not signed up with them you should. Its FREE stuff just by doing something you do everyday anyway: searching the web. I have earned numerous GCs through them with the current being an Amazon GC.



My husband does not like to dine out, especially at "fast food" places but if he does go and grab a bite out to eat somewhere, it is either Chick Fil'A or Panera Bread. Through MyPoints, which is just like Ebates except you earn points instead of cash back, I have received a $10 GC form them about 2 weeks ago.

Another MyPoints GC on its way to me as we speak. $10.00 is the value. Again FREE Money.....





Since we have a TON of carpet in our house, keeping it clean is VERY important to us. We knew we needed to buy a Carpet cleaner but was just waiting on the right time to buy it....ON SALE...LOL. Target finally had one around Christmas on sale and giving a $20 GC in the process!!! So we bought it and I managed to find a rebate form in the local paper and also would give me $20 back in the form of a check from Bissell; that check arrive last week and is in my purse!!

Our Credit Union (this picture isn't our CU, just a general CU from online) has a rewards club for its members. Each time you make a purchase you earn points. We earned enough to get a $25 Best Buy GC; of coarse going to my DH, since that's his favorite store!!!!



Best Buy has a rewards club as well. Every time we make a purchase we earn points and this time we earn 1000 points which gave us a $20 Best Buy Gift Certificate; also going to my DH; he'll have a ball in that store...LOL



And last buy certainly not least......
ING has been a GOD send. If you are looking to save money and earn a little interest on it...then ING is your place. We already had a savings account with them but this past Black Friday they had a promotion where if you opened a checking account and make 7 purchases within 45 days, you'll get $103 in FREE cash. Well, yesterday was the 45 days and we are $103 richer!!!

If you like what you saw, don't forget to visit again!!! Would love to "see" you once more....

Seriously, Some People Can't Be That.......

......naive!

Someone recently said that the " cure-all" to most Americans being broke is for them to make more money!!!!! This person can't be serious. Making more money will not cure being broke if bad choices aren't changed into good ones. That's the problem nowadays; society pushing people to work, work, work...to make the all mighty dollar; and for what? To still be broke at the end of the day. Habits have to change; thoughts and ideas too!

The key is very simple to keeping more money in your pocket: try to keep your bills low and learn to love to live within your means! Easy and Simple, right?! For many people, it isn't.
Let me give you an example. When my husband and I started looking for a home to buy, we had a limit on what we wanted to pay each month in one big payment, including mortgage, insurance, and taxes.

We didn't bother looking at houses that would clearly bust our payment limit because we would just be fooling ourselves and our wallets. Now, sure we could've afforded a bigger house, but why? Our bills would be bigger, it would be more for me to clean, and more furniture we have to buy to decorate with! Besides, we wanted to live comfortably on what my husband was making at that time, since I am a SAHM; so if he got a raise or promotion (which he did), that would be extra money for us to keep in our pockets or give to other people in our family.

Society have warped most people minds into thinking more money means your less broke. Nope, it doesn't. If some people rather get a purse from COACH, rather than Target or even a thrift store; then those are the ones who will be broke, even if they had more money. Keeping up with the Joneses or anyone else, combined with too many bills will kill any chances of us moving from broke to wealthy. Just my opinion!!! :-D

I'll write another post going through each category in our budget and how I try to keep that bill low and why we don't have other bills as well.

-Sheena

Emergency Budget-Update

Here's a post I write on March 10th. Now, more than 2 months later, I'd thought give an update; which is at the bottom of this post.

"In these difficult economic times, it is NEVER, ever to soon to start planning for the unexpected. After all, isn't that's what car/home insurance, wills, and other future planning documents are for. It is to have everything in place, as best as you can, so you and your family would be prepared for the worse.

It's no surprise that more and more companies are laying off workers; and although my hubby's job is pretty secure (works in pharmaceutical/technologically field), you just never know. Even if he received a pay decrease, we would need to have a plan in place to cover our bills; especially with me staying home and having 1 income. It's even more important.

I talked with my husband about having an Emergency Budget in place; to cover our necessary expenses until he found another job, if he got laid off. He agreed and we started working on one.

Here's our Emergency Budget (if something happened)-$2,000 a month. (from our savings)
-This does NOT include unemployment, that would just be extra income.

Mortgage, Taxes, Homeowners Insurance, PMI= $1,143.50
Electricity/GAS/Water (Utilities)= $160.00
Phone (basic service)/Internet (basic as well)= $40.00
Cell Phone (reduce plan to just 1 phone with basic plan)= $40.00
Food/Toiletries/household expenses = 275.00
Transportation ( 2 cars, paid off) = $85.00
Student Loans= $40.00 (get them deferred due to unemployment)
Misc= $100.00
Heath Ins. (Daughter would get FREE coverage from state; hubby and I will get coverage through COBRA)= 100.00
Credit Cards= $12.00 ( they have $0 balance, but company charges $12 in monthly maintenance fees)

Total Bills = $1995.50; so we just rounded up to $2,000 (This may sound like a lot, but it isn't)

These are our basic bills, and we figured after looking over everything, we would need $2,000 to cover everything, especially our house payment (so we don't lose it; were new home owners..lol). It pays to save and be frugal, especially in these times where no one or no job is off limits.

Update

Since the time I wrote this article more than 2 months ago, we managed to save over 4 months of Emergency Expenses (Once we get to 6 months; we will STOP adding money to our E-Fund) and my husband received a promotion & a 14% raise.

We will continue to contribute to our regular accounts as well; I.E. Retirement, Vacation, Regular Savings, Auto, Christmas & a soon to be New Car Account (yes, we really have all these accounts..lol)

Have you and your family developed a plan in case something happened?

Super Savings This Week!!!!!!!!!!!

$225.44 in Groceries for $91.00(Groceries for 2 weeks)->saved $134.44!!!!
We are a family of 3 who budgets $100 every 2 weeks for food; that's $50 a week!

Super Savings Today.
I go to 3 places; 2 supermarkets & 1 produce market

Acme-

Oust Disinfectant
Gatorade water
3 boxes of Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Wild Rice
2-6pks of soda
2 boxes of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran Crunch cereal
2 boxes of Kellogg’s Special K Berries cereal
Mc McCormick Grilled Seafood Rub
2 boxes of Pop secret popcorn
2 Kraft salad dressings
1 Kraft Zesty Italian dressing
2 McCormick Grillmates seasonings
2 bags of New York Texas Toast Croutons
2 boxes of Nabisco 100 calorie snacks
2 liter crush orange soda
2 liter grape soda
Box of Wheat Thins
½ gallon 1% milk
Dozen of eggs
Box of super pretzels
2 Right Guard deodorants
2 bags of salad
1 bag of salad finishers

Total BEFORE= $107.54
Total AFTER coupons/savings = $35.20!
Saved $72.34 according to my receipt today!

Pathmark-

Dozen of eggs
Ritz Crackers
Onion Rings
2 boxes of Capt’n Crunch Cereal
Minute Maid Punch Juice
Minute Maid Berry Juice
2 boxes of Welch’s Fruit Snacks
Ziploc Bags
Bag of Cheese Curls
1.97lbs of Bananas
Bag of Cinn. & Raisin Bagels
Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese
2 boxes of Uncle Bens Rice
Container of Sour Cream
2 Pepsi 2-liter sodas
Box of Hot Pockets Burchetta Panini
Lays BBQ Potato Chips
Box of Freezer Pops
Bag of 8ct Hamburger buns
1 Golden Pineapple
1.39lbs Collard Greens
2 Tropicana Orange Juice
Hershey Bar
Pillsbury Can of Biscuits
1/4lb of Pepper Turkey Breast
1/4lb of Munster Cheese
Pack of Turkey Breast Cutlets
2.65lb of Perdue Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast
Bag of Tilapia Fillets

Total BEFORE=$97.90
Total AFTER coupons/savings= $45.80
Saved $52.10 according to receipt!

Produce Market-

Strawberries
Granny Smith Apples
2lbs. of Broccoli
Bundle of Asparagus
Bag of Potatoes
Bag of Plums (9 for $2.00!)

Total =$10.00
Total if bought in Supermarket = $22.00
Saved $12!!

If you didn't notice, I love soda...it's one of my Guilty Pleasures; it has been like that for years..........

Super Savings-How'd about $110.15 in Groceries!

Shopping Trip-April 30, 2009-May 15th, 2009

Note: We are a family of 3 who budgets $100.00 to buy groceries every 2 weeks. This equals out to be $50.00 a week; which is $7.14 a day for 3 people to eat 3 meals..including snacks.

Acme-$41.00
Shoprite-$48.85
Produce Junction-$5.25

Total of all my (3 stores) items BEFORE savings/coupons = $205.25
Grand Total I paid OOP (3 stores) = $ 95.10
Saved $110.15

Here’s what I purchased:

Produce Junction-
Aspargus-$1.75
Green Apples-$1.00
Blueberries-$2.50
---------------------------------------------
Total = $12.75
Total in supermarket = $27.00 (priced)
Total Saved = $14.25

Acme-
11 Boxes of Kellogg's Cereal (for stockpile/giving some away)
V8 Tropical Splash
2 boxes of Ronzoni Pasta
Archway Molasses Cookies
2 huge bags of Tortillas
1 jar of salsa
2 boxes Sunrise Capri Suns
1 2-liter Ginger-ale
3 6pks of Soda (orange, black cherry, grape)
¼ lb of Turkey Breast
1-lb of Extra Large Shrimp
2 cartons of Strawberries
1 Chocolate cookie mix
Puffs Plus Facial Tissue
Vlasic Relish

Total BEFORE savings/coupons = $81.71
Total AFTER savings/coupons = $40.42
Total Saved = $41.29

Shoprite-
Box of Popsicles
2 boxes of Begal-fuls
2 bags of Green Giant Broccoli Steamers
2 boxes of Barilla Pasta
2 Stayfree Pads
2 Lb of purple grapes
2 boxes of Purina Cat Food
Box of Kids Sanitizer hand wipes
Reynolds Aluminum Foil
Whip cream
3 boxes of Tasty cake Krimpets
Lysol Bathroom Cleaner
Lysol Wipes
Lysol toilet cleaner
Electrosol Dishwasher tabs
½ lb. Turkey Breast
2 Glade Sprays
Colgate Toothpaste
2 boxes of Keebler bite snacks (for my dad)
4-pack of Ocean Spray Juice (for dad)
24-pack of Nestle Spring Water
Raid Ant Bait
Breyer’s Strawberry Ice Cream
2 packages of Sargento Cheeses
2 Langers Juices
6pk of Portuguese rolls
Tomato Paste
3 big cans of crushed tomato sauce
Can of Star-Kist Tuna
2 bags of Carolina rice
4 Bottles of 2-liter Pepsi

Total BEFORE coupons = $96.54
Total AFTER coupons = $48.85
Saved $47.66 ( had this amount from coupons ONLY; not including store savings)

Oh, how I LOVE coupons!

My Superb Kmart Deals

I really have to find the charger to my camera, so I can take a picture and show you all what I got. I'll type it out though, so at least you can read what wonderful savings I had at Kmart.

I usually do not shop there because they are expensive, not organized, and out of the way; however since they were running their double coupons deals, I decided to brave it and pay them a visit.

Let say, I'm glad I did. I got $113.32 worth of items for $41.32 (before tax)! I got numerous items for free or for a little change. Tons of paper towels, toliet tissue, cereal, etc.

My Out of pocket cost would've been lower but I found FABULOUS wall painting on clearence for $7.50 when the regular price was $30 and I picked up an Easter basket for my daughter...since she was being good....for $2.50...all the baskets were 75% off.

I had tons of coupons and I had more but could'nt use all of them since Kmart will only let shoppers use 25 in each transaction per day. I even had a $5 off Kmart coupon which I used with my other coupons as well. I managed to save $72 this trip and Kmart is even giving me a gift card, through the mail, as well!

It took a while to scan all the coupons as the cashier was going very slow but the people in line behind me, the cashier, and manager all complimented me on being a "smart shopper", in their words. The lady behind me, even asked if I taught a class..lol. I think some people were surprised to see a young person shopping that way...since I'm just 24. She asked me how I learned do shop that way and I told her I learned via the internet....reading & research; but before that, the Lord is who gets credit because if he didn't open my eyes and shown me how to shop this way, it would've not happened.

Here's what I purchased:

Huggies Pull-ups
Huggies wipes
Huge Easter Basket
Giant wall art picture'
Johnson & Johnson Lotion
2 Johnson & Johnson travel packs (includes lotion, body wash, powder, diaper cream, & shampoo)
Ziploc Freezer Bags
7 rolls of paper towels
12 rolls of toliet tissue
2 Glade carpet cleaners
Pledge muilt-surface cleaners
2 Glade refills
2 Glade Warmers
Box of Wet Ones-24 ct.
Electrsol Tablets
Airwick Air freshner
4 boxes of Kelloggs cereal
6 pack of orange soda
2 Hershey Bliss bags of candy


I plan to go back, once I gather my coupons. This is too much of a good deal to pass up.

Btw: the wipes, tissue, cereal, glade warmer, glade carpet cleaner, and some other items were FREE, after coupons!

Did you find any good deals at your Kmart?

Saved $92.10 During Supermakert Outing!!!

Did pretty good on this shopping trip. As always I take no credit, but give all glory and thanks to GOD for makign this possible.

My family budgets $200 a month for grocery shopping, which equals $100 each shopping trip. I had 5 $20 bills in a envolope in my purse (to aviod over spending)and 3 places to tackle.

I went to Acme, Shoprite, & Produce Junction-Budget $100 cash

Grocery Shopping (Apr. 17th-Apr. 30th)

PJs

 2lbs of Broccoli Crowns
 Bundle of Asparagus
 Bag of Baby carrots
 1 cartoon of Strawberries
 4lbs (8) Plums
 3lbs (5) Apples

Total at Supermarket = $25.00
Total at Produce Junction (Farmer’s Market) = $9.50

Shoprite

 Tropicana orange juice
 White vinegar
 Box of Ice pops
 3 boxes of Kellogg’s Raisin Bran
 Grapes
 Popsicle maker
 3 bags of stemmers green beans
 Turkey Hill Ice Cream
 Baking Ingredients
 Shredded Cheese
 Corn on cob
 Dole salad
 Yellow onion
 1 tomato
 Munster cheese
 Turkey Breast (deli)
 6 pk of Kaiser rolls

Total BEFORE savings = $ 39.43
Total AFTER savings = $31.17

Acme

 2 boxes of Suddenly salad
 2 bags of Kettle potato chips
 Bottle of cooking white wine
 2 4/pk of bath tissue
 Mustard
 2 bags of croutons
 Paper towels
 4 packs of box juices
 Case -24pk of water
 2 V8 veggie/fruit juices
 6 2/liter sodas
 Box of dark brown sugar
 Milk
 Storage bags
 Air freshener
 Orange juice
 Sour cream
 2 boxes of broccoli
 Huggies baby lotion
 Huggies body wash
 Kotex pads
 Pork chops
 Ground turkey
 Chicken breast
 Italian Sausage
 Bananas
 Sloppy Joe mix

Total BEFORE savings = $121.62
Total AFTER savings = $53.34

Total Budgeted for 2 weeks ($100), for family of three. Total amount of food bought was $186.05. Paid $93.95 cash out of pocket. Saved $92.10!!!!!!

Saved $80.51-Re-stocking Pantry!!

Went to Acme to stock up on some items for our pantry. Since we needed chicken, milk, etc…I matched coupons with the current sales and saved a ton of money.

Note: We are a family of 3 who budgets $200.00 a month for food. This trip, however, came from our savings fund, since stocking the pantry usually occurs every couple (3 or 4) months.

Budget $50.00

Betty Crocker Brownie Bowl = $2.19
Marcal Paper Towel = $1.99
Herr’s Potato Chips = $1.59
2 liter Ginger Ale = $1.89
2 Bounty Towels = $2.50
Snuggle Fabric Softener = $4.99
2 Pringles chips = $ 4.00
2 Ziploc Storage Bags = $5.58
4 Boxes of Uncle Bens Rice Mix = $9.56
3 Tubs of Betty Crocker Frosting = $ 7.17
2 Boxes of Ronzoni Pasta = $3.78
2 Betty Crocker Warm Delights = $5.58
Kellogg’s Mini Wheats = $5.29
Kellogg’s Special K –Blueberry = $4.79
Kellogg’s Raisin Bran = $5.29
Box of Potatoes = $1.99
Baking Supplies = $2.39
Vanilla Extract = $5.29
Nestle White Chocolate Morsels = $3.49
Nestle Milk Chocolate Morals = $3.49
Dozen of Eggs = $2.39
Cool Whip = $2.99
Totino Pizza Rolls = $2.69
Johnson & Johnson Children’s Detangler Conditioner = $3.99
3 Dial Liquid Soap = $6.00
Bulk Chicken Breast = $4.56
Bag of fish fillet = $4.99
1lbs of Extra Large Shrimp = $8.99
Bananas = $1.06
Pineapple = $3.99
Gallon of 1% Milk =-$3.39

Total BEFORE savings/coupons = $129.37
Total AFTER savings/coupons = $48.86

I saved $80.51!!!!!!!! Even the cashier told me “coupons are the way to go”. I said “yep, when you put in the time, they are worth it”. No wonder I can NEVER get the FREE Hams/Turkeys during the Holidays...I never spend enough...which is a good thing...LOL

I came $1.14 UNDER my “Pantry Re-Stocking” Budget!!

Some GREAT deals I came across were:

1. I received 4 $5 off a purchase of $50 or more from ACME in the mail-so I used one of them.

2. Acme had a sale on cereal/milk-buy 3 boxes of cereal for $7 and get a gallon of milk free. I had 3 $1.00 off coupons on each box of cereal, which brought the price to 3 boxes for $4.00 and I got a FREE gallon of milk! (We now have 12 boxes of un-opened cereal.)

3. I bought 2 Betty Crocker brownie bowls which was 2 for $5.00. I had 2 $1.00 off coupons which came to $3.00 and I got a free dozen of eggs as part of the deal.

4. Bought 3 Betty Crocker Frosting on sale for $1.99 each. Used 3 coupons which took $1.00 off plus an Acme store coupon for $1.00 off.

5. Had a Free Marcal Paper Towels Coupon.

6. Had a $2.00off coupon of any size Snuggle Crème Fabric Softener. Acme had it on sale for $3.99, used coupon for this.

Coupon Tip: I buy a Sunday paper on Saturdays and look through the coupons; if they are really good, I will buy more newspapers; at least 2. That way during the good sales, I can buy the same item multiple times and use coupons on them as well.

Planning for Easter with a BUDGET....

Just like with all the other wonderful Christian holidays, it's ever so important to have a plan, list, and budget in place; especially if we are known to over spend. I try as much as I can (through God's guidance) to give my family a great holiday without going into debt.

With Easter fast approaching, I am starting my planning today. This Friday, we are going to see a Easter play (we have seen it before and it was fantastic). I have to get my materials and such to make some Easter baskets, write a list of decorations/items that need purchasing for Easter Dinner...we are hosting this year. I also have to buy the food that I have to fix as well. I'm going to tidy up our home the Saturday before Easter, so I wont to do any cleaning when I get home from church on Easter. I just want to decorate and get the food warmed up when we get home as we will have guests arrive at 5pm.

Here's my Budget so far:
Easter

Item/s Budgeted

(5) Easter Basket supplies/goodies $20.00

3 Bags of Candy $3.00

Food I have to cook (rice, broccoli, brownies) $10.00

Decorations/balloons/table cloths, etc $10.00

Easter dress for Issy (something she can
wear more than once, shoes (will spend extra for good shoes so she can wear them on multiple occasions), stocking, socks,
hair bows) I have a coupon for the dress & shoes.... $50.00

Misc $7.00
____________________________________________________________

Total tentative Easter Budget = $100.00

The above number may sound like a lot but compared to most people, if they kept track of how much they spend on Easter for clothes/shoes/accessories for the kids, food, and entertainment...they'll find that what they spent is well over $100.

This will be funded from our savings and is not included in our monthly budget.

Enjoy your day!

Spring is Here!

I've been super busy as of late...having guests over, planting a garden, spending time with family, dealing with issues (please pray for my family), and trying to spend less time on the computer and more time focusing on GOD.

I cannot believe next week is Palm Sunday; the year is just going by so fast, I can't believe it! Before we know it, it's going to be the summer season.

With tomorrow being April 1st, I am really going to be sure to document ALL of the money we spend, so we know where every single penny is going & to become better stewards of what GOD gave us.

Hope you all are doing great! The Lord is sure blessing us!

Kohls: Over $119.00 worth of items for $38.00!!!!!

I saved $81.93!!

Yes....I went and picked up some items from Kohls that would've been $119.93 but due to sales and clearance prices I paid $38.00 (incl. tax)! I saved $81.93!!

Since we bought our 1st home back in Jan. 09, we have been trying to find ways to decorate it with nice things but for an inexpensive price. We've been doing pretty good and bought most of the items we already have on sale or clearance. My rule of thumb when entering a store is to go straight to the clearance section. I have been very lucky in that department and I give all the credit to GOD.

Here's what I bought:
Dark wood wall frame that hold 3-5x7's. ~Org. price-$49.99 Clearance price -$9.99
Cocoa & Mug set~ Orig. $14.99/Clearance price -$1.49
Door Hanging decor~ Orig. $14.99/Clearance price -$1.49
Candle~ Orig. $9.99/ sale price - $4.99
Garden Flag~ Orig. $9.99/ sale price $5.99
2 wall inspirational portraits~ Orig. $19.98

Now I gotta find my camera so I post a picture so you all can "see" it.

Enjoy your day!

Having an Emergencey Monthly Budget

In these difficult economic times, it is NEVER ever to soon to start planning for the unexpected. After all, isn't that's what car/home insurance, wills, and other future planning documents are for. It is to have everything in place, as best as you can, so you and your family would be prepared for the worse.

It's no surprise that more and more companies are laying off workers; and although my hubby's job is pretty secure (works in pharmaceutical/technologically field), you just never know. Even if he received a pay decrease, we would need to have a plan in place to cover our bills; especially with me staying home and having 1 income. It's even more important.

I talked with my husband about having an Emergency Budget in place; to cover our necessary expenses until he found another job, if he got laid off. He agreed and we started working on one.

Here's our Emergency Budget (if something happened)-$2,000 a month. (from our savings)
-This does NOT include unemployment, that would just be extra income.

Mortgage, Taxes, Homeowners Insurance, PMI= $1,143.50
Electricity/GAS/Water (Utilities)= $160.00
Phone (basic service)/Internet (basic as well)= $40.00
Cell Phone (reduce plan to just 1 phone with basic plan)= $40.00
Food/Toiletries/household expenses = 275.00
Transportation ( 2 cars, paid off) = $85.00
Student Loans= $40.00 (get them deferred due to unemployment)
Misc= $100.00
Heath Ins. (Daughter would get FREE coverage from state; hubby and I will get coverage through COBRA)= 100.00
Credit Cards= $12.00 ( they have $0 balance, but company charges $12 in monthly maintenance fees)

Total Bills = $1995.50; so we just rounded up to $2,000 (This may sound like a lot, but it isn't)

These are our basic bills, and we figured after looking over everything, we would need $2,000 to cover everything, especially our house payment (so we don't lose it, were new home owners..lol). It pays to save and be frugal, especially in these times where no one or no job is off limits.

Have you and your family developed a plan in case something happened?

It's never to soon to start.

Enjoy your day!

My First Real CVS Shopping Adventure Was A.........

Success, to say the least!

I saved over $32.00 on my first time there with no ECBs!

Here what I did:
I had a $4.00 off a purchase of $20.00 coupon; so I figured I'd start with that.
I had some items I wanted to purchase such as diapers, wipes, snacks, etc.

Since I already had some regular coupons in addition to the $5.00 off Huggies coupons, I'd thought I try CVS and see how I come out.

I bought:
1 Pack of Huggies Diapers
1 Pack of Pull Ups (Huggie's Brand)
3, yes..3 Huggies wipes
VO5 Conditioner
Betty Crocker Brownie Bowl
Bag of Pretzels
1-2 liter Sprite
1-2 Liter Cherry Coke

I had a coupon for EVERY item listed except for the sodas, shampoo, and pretzels...

Here's what each item cost:

1 Pack of Huggies-9.88 (on sale) -$5.00 (Huggie's coupon) = $4.88
1 Pack of Pull ups-$9.88 (on sale) but it rung up as $17.99 and I got it for FREE!!!
3 packs of Huggies Wipes $7.99 - $3.00 off (Huggies Coupon) = $4.99 for all 3!
VO5 Conditioner = $0.99
Betty Crocker Brownie Bowl $1.66 -$0.55 off = $1.11
Bag of Pretzels = $0.79
Both 2 Liter sodas = $3.00

So my total OOP was $12.47 for all this stuff!!!

Saved $32.81 according to my receipt

And I earned over $16.00 in ECBs (Extra Care Bucks) AND another $4.00 off a purchase of $20.00 coupon for next time! (I think we already had $16.00 in ECBs and just didn't know it..LOL)

I will surely be visiting CVS again in the near future and printing out more Huggies Coupons..LOL!

Saved $56.14 On Groceries for 2 weeks!!!!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!

Shopping Trip (March 1st-March 14th)

Budget-$100.00

Acme-$33.13
Wise Garlic Potato Chips $1.00
Canola Oil $2.99
Yeast $0.99
Dora Fruit Snacks $ 1.67
Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats $1.67
Kellogg’s Blueberry poptarts $1.67
Kellogg’s Strawberry Poptarts $1.67
3 bags of Planters Trail Mix $3.00
Box of Rice a Roni $0.99
Fanta Orange 2 liter Soda $1.00
2-2 liter Dr. Pepper sodas $2.00
Nestea Lemon Ice Tea-2 liter $1.00
Simply Orange Juice-1/2 gallon $3.00
Daisy Sour Cream $1.34
2 Sunday Papers $3.00
2 Stayfree personal feminine items $5.00
1lb of Large tiger shrimp $5.13
2 boxes of breakfast sausage $2.50

Total BEFORE coupons/savings = $ 69.80
Total I paid out of pocket AFTER coupons/savings = $33.31
Saved $36.67!!!

Shoprite- $47.44
6-pack of poppy seed Kaiser rolls $1.40
Bag of Tortilla white corn chips $1.89
½ gallon Strawberry Ice Cream $1.99
½ gallon Vanilla Ice Cream $1.99
Kraft shredded cheese $1.99
Pork Chops $4.62
Crescent Rolls $2.50
Bag of plain potato chips $1.89
Nestle Mint Chocolate chips cookie dough $1.68
2 lbs of collard greens $2.18
BIG bag of candy $2.00
2 Santa Fe Salsa Dips $2.00
Large Organic Eggs $2.50
Quart of 2% milk $1.39
Secret Deodorant $4.59
Baking Item $1.00
Chewing Gum $0.99
½ LB Pepper Turkey $4.90
Box of Linguine pasta $0.99
Parmesan grated cheese $1.48
3-Langers Juices $5.00
Box of Super Pretzels $2.50
Dozen Regular Large eggs $0.99
Rice Cakes $1.66
Loaf of Wheat split top bread $1.69
Carton of Strawberries $2.50
1 Onion $0.26
1 Donut $0.59

Total BEFORE coupons/savings = $ 67.09
Total I paid out of pocket AFTER coupons/savings = $47.44!!!!
Saved $19.65!!

Produce Junction - $14.50
Blueberries
Bag of Granny smith apples
Pineapple
2 lbs. Red seedless grapes
Bag of Spinach
Bag of Carrots
Bag of Red potatoes
Bag of Romaine hearts
2 lbs of Broccoli
Total = $14.50
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All 3 stores-----Acme $38.31
Shoprite $47.44
Produce Junction $14.50
__________________________
Total Food Money Spent $95.25

Came $4.75 Under Budget!!!!!!-Coupons are a HUGE help!!!!!!!!

Eliminating Bills/Debt....contiuned series...

Now that my baby is taking her nap, I'd thought this would be a good time to post the next topic in this financial series regarding SAHMs and money...enjoy!

Some debt quotes to get us started and to lighten the mood a bit.......

"The only man who sticks closer to you in adversity than a friend is a creditor." ~Author Unknown

"In God we trust; all others must pay cash." ~American Saying

"There are plenty of ways to get ahead. The first is so basic I'm almost embarrassed to say it: spend less than you earn." ~Paul Clitheroe

"Today, there are three kinds of people: the have's, the have-not's, and the have-not-paid-for-what-they-have's". ~Earl Wilson

I selected each of these quotes for 2 reasons: 1. it brought a smile to my face and 2. they are true in every sense of the word.
We all have debt. We all have bills. However, there is a HUGE difference between the 2, from my perspective. Bills are things we NEED and that are on-going. Examples would be Mortgage/Rent, car payment, insurance, savings (yes, think of it as a bill), misc (cause something ALWAYS will come up), food, gas, utilities (water, phone, heat, electricity), and household (daycare, toiletries, diapers, etc) . These bills will probably be around for most of our lives and will be money that we'll have to pay out matter what.

Now, let's move on to Debts. Debts are NOT things we need but are created by things we want. For example, having a house isn't a debt, BUT having a house that is too big for you and your family and that require more upkeep and money than what you bring in every month is debt; because if you don't bring in the money, where's the rest coming from?...credit cards!

We remember, at least I do, going into Macy's or our favorite stores and seeing an outfit or pair of shoes we love. They just seem to have kept calling our name, begging us to purchase them and take them home with us. Sound familiar, doesn't it?! I made bad decisions like this on the whim, just figuring I would worry about it later. I thought I was young enough where I could bounce back...but boy was I WRONG!

Debt is also create when we WANT, yes, I said WANT things that costs too much but for appearance purposes we stretch ourselves and our wallets to full capacity. We don't need an Cadillac Escalade when a Toyota Corolla will serve our NEEDS, but we just have to have the Escalade because we like SUV's, or it's nice looking, or we want to keep up with the Joneses. I have to admit, I was like that. I didn't care that it was too much for me or that I couldn't afford it; I just wanted what I wanted. As a result, it take years to pay off, leaves you broke in the meantime, and with more than your fair share of grey hairs.

Now, don't get me wrong not all debt is bad...Mortgages, Student Loans, Car Loan (on a car you NEED); these are good debts and wont harm your credit score too much.

But, then we have those bad debts...like credit cards/unnecessary personal loans....(all types of credit cards, i.e. store cards, gas cards, etc.) I remember someone saying, 'if I don't have the cash or money in the back to purchase an item, even if it's a good sale, I don't buy it because it's not a sale for me." How true is that statement! If we all thought about every single item before we bought it to make sure we really needed it, we wouldn't be in this economic mess to begin with. But the fact of the matter is, we as Americans feel as if we can't go without. That we want what we want NOW!! No Exceptions!! We don't want to wait and save and work for it, so we will charge it and worry about it later...OR we'll just pay the minimum balance on the credit card, refi our house, take out a loan, or something else.

In order to become free of these bad habits, we must admit we have a problem, find a solution, and then carry that solution out. I knew if I wanted to have money tucked away for my family that first I'd have to put a stop to buying stuff I didn't need, especially when I would never even use it. It would just sit in my closet or I'd give it away or throw it in the trash. I knew I needed to confront and get rid of any debt we had, then start saving some money..seriously. When something happened with the car, we'd have no savings and all the credit cards would be maxed out; so we'd have no solution; nope none at all!

I hated living like that and so did my husband...if we wanted to buy a t.v. or go to dinner we couldn't because we had no money and all our bills weren't even paid yet. He would work and work and work and couldn't enjoy the fruits of his labor because of my bad habits. I'm so glad we made a turn around. I really am...we sleep better, arguments are much rarer, we have a peace of mind, and our relationship is better. Like I mentioned before....all the student loans are current, both of our credit cards have $0 balances, no car payments (we just keep driving our 10 and 14 year old cars), nicely funded savings account, and over 4 months of our living expenses saved in another account..along with a Christmas and Vacation funds.......and now we are moving towards investments; all with 1 income!

Keep in mind we still have bills just like everyone else, but we choose to limit our bills and put that money away. We have wants; don't think for a minute we don't. This gives us so much more fulfillment than shoes, dresses, and even going to our favorite restaurants.

If you see yourself in the same boat we were in...start by looking at your bank statements and taking note of where all of your money is going to. If you see that you have more bills/debt than what your bringing in..find ways to reduce and put that money aside in a savings account. Trust me, you'll thank yourself for it later.

Tune in tommrow for the last post of this series....Investments/Retirement.

Savings & Emergency Fund....contiuned series....

Look familiar?:

"Financial Bank..........Account Number....00001"

Transactions Amount
ck #100 $ -50.00
overdraft fee $-35.00
phone bill $-100.00
overdraft fee $-35.00
car payment $-200.00
overdraft fee $35.00

Total Balance $-455.00!!!!

Early in our relationship, my husband and I were used to seeing our account in red. We didn't like but we felt as if we couldn't come up from there considering our situation. We always wanted to save money but never got around to it. Either something would come up, we'd buy something we didn't need, we'd go out to eat, or spend it on something else. Before we knew it, we were saying, " I wish we coulda, woulda, shoulda". Before long weeks, months, and even years would go by and we'd still have nothing but constantly owing others. One day we decided that enough was enough! If we wanted to provide a good future for ourselves and our daughter, we needed to have a savings account with money in it!..lol

Since we had 1 income and loans, credit cards, and our regular bills, we needed to create a budget that fitted our needs and stick to it. No if, and, or buts! We also decided to put something towards savings each time their was a paycheck even if it was just $25...kinda like tithes..taking it from off the top. One night after seeing I had spent over $100 in a week and a half on just eating out, my hubby and I printed out our account statements from the past couple months and got a pen and calculator. We wanted to see exactly how much went to just eating out in 3 months. Can you believe that it was almost $1,500 in just 3 months! $1,500! That is a lot of money to waste on eating out, when it could've been saved.

That was the final straw. We created a budget, stayed on top of our money and bills, and started saving. Our first goal was $500.00. It was an good starting point for us and we were able to achieve this goal in a couple months. Then we increased it to $1,000...and once we were able to meet that goal it made us feel good; really good and saving money started to replace the urges of buying clothes, shoes, bags, etc.

Once we saved a $1,000 we knew we could and wanted to save more. So we set a goal for ourselves to have 3 months of living expenses saved, and we not only achieved that goal but we have over 4 months saved, working on 5 months! This is our Emergency Fund! It's there in case hubby loses his job or something happens. We also have other savings accounts such as a Vacation Fund, Christmas Fund, Regular savings, a soon to be Car Fund, and now we are starting to go down the investments path. This is what I think about when I see an outfit or a pair of shoes I want. Or if I want to stop at Burger King or order takeout because I don't want to cook. It motivates us to not waste money but find different ways to save.

Now, I realize every situation is different but we really have to ask ourselves if we are truly being good with what the Lord has given us, including wives, especially SAHMs. Our hubby's count on us to use the hard earn money wisely. When we don't care and spend, spend, spend; then we are showing ourselves to be lazy and selfish..at least that's what I thought I was. I wasn't being considerate to the fact that my husband has to work hard for that money, I wasn't keeping in mind our bills, getting diapers, etc for our daughter, or even trying to save a little bit. I was feeding a bad hunger that needed to be removed and replaced with a good one.

God forbid the car breaks down, a pipe breaks, gotta buy a new bed, or someone you know may need something....how will you handle the situation with nothing saved? Of coarse GOD will be with us but sometimes we get ourselves in a jam and GOD will allow us to suffer in it a little while so we learn better the next time. That's certainly what happened to me. I felt trapped. I felt like I couldn't get under from the debt. It was truly a stressful time in my life, but I thank GOD for allowing me to stay in the fire a little bit so I can truly learn to do right by everything.

So..today my hubby and I have 2 credit cards with no balances....current on all my student loans (which is considered good debt, like mortgages), over 4 months of living expenses saved, funded regular savings, no car loans, and able to give to others. It can be done in any situation, just take the first step and never try to live up to others. Each situation is different and just as good in GOD eyes.

Do you want to be free from bad financial habits like me? Pray and ask GOD to help and guide you to be a better steward today. Just trust him!

The Savings & Emergency Fund, Elimanating Debt/Bills, and Investments/Retirement Series from a SAHM's Perspective

This has been a post that I have been planning on writing for some time and since I am up early this morning, I'd thought this would be the perfect time. It comes from a christian, 1 income point of view.

Saving money is VERY important to me and my family. It gives us a sense of calmness whenever something unexpected happens. There's never a need to fret because we have what we need to get by. But it hasn't always been like this. There was a time when I would be so afraid of looking at the account. It made my stomach hurts to have to see a negative red number. We'd have to rob Peter to pay Paul because things were bad. Now, with the recent downturn of the economy, it has been even more important to be wiser regarding our money. People are losing jobs, their 401ks, IRA'S, and other investments due to the wall street collapse. As a result people turn to their credit cards to help them get by until they find another job or a way to bring in some more funds; which in turn increases their debt.

Being a young couple (I'm 24 & hubby is 29) and living on 1 income, it is even more important that we use what money we have the best way we can. We have to save more, be wiser, and more frugal than a 2 income household. We have the same bills, students loans, and now a mortgage to pay for. Yes, their are times when money gets tight and that's why I strongly encourage budgeting. It not only allows you and your mate to know exactly where every single penny is going but it also prevents unnecessary arguments, which can lead to an unhappy marriage and household. And statistics shows that money is the #1 cause of divorce nowadays, even among Christians.

Being a saved couple, we strive to be good stewards of what the Lord has given us. That includes giving without expecting anything in return, not wasting money, and saving some for those times when it's truly needed. We believe that GOD gives his people a little to see how they treat it; if they do good by it, then he knows that they will do right by a lot. Besides, if we can't be responsible with our own, then how do we expect GOD to allow us to be responsible over others. Like I mentioned before, would I want someone to run my company's finances if their own finances are not good.

Now, when we got married, both me and hubby was working. We were that example of having 2 incomes and NEVER saved a dime. We always spent, spent, spent. Never put nothing away or gave to others. I used credit cards, paid bills late, always wanted to eat out somewhere. We were irresponsible with our money. God knew and saw this. When I was 6 months or so pregnant, my hubby and I decided that I would quit my job and become a SAHM. I mean, we couldn't complain because we were already in the red and at rock bottom so going to 1 income wouldn't be much different we thought. We knew that even on 1 income, if we did our best with our money and be responsible stewards, the Lord would not only make the 1 income work, but possibly add on to it or stretch it a long way ( and we all know that no one can stretch a dollar like GOD can!).

When we finally sat down and reviewed our finances, we realized that we wanted to have a stable financial future for ourselves as well as our daughter. We knew GOD would be with us but we also knew GOD expected us to do right by what he had given us. We understood that if we weren't doing right by the money that GOD would see us through any situation but not without suffering for a little while first. And trust me nothing can cause you heartburn like getting a financial whipping from GOD.

To get on the right track We had 3 basic steps we wanted to concur: Savings & Emergency Fund, Eliminating Debt/Bills, and Investments/Retirement. We finally reached this point and it took us years but it doesn't have to take others the same amount of time. We did it and so can you!

Now, each of these topics needs a separate post of it's own because they are quite lengthy. Today, I will post about Savings/Emergency Fund, and will continue tomorrow and Saturday (Lord's will) with Eliminating debt/bills and Investments/Retirement. I hope you get something out of this series and any feedback/responses would be great!

A Recession!! What Recession??

My hubby, bro-in law, daughter, and I went to Delaware last Saturday to purchase a t.v. for our new home.

Note: my hubby always wanted a nice, big t.v. and since we budgeted for it, we figured this was a great time to buy.

So......
.....................we go to Circuit City first and the parking lot was so full; I mean full! There was not one parking space available. We had to drive around a few times before there was a space and there were other cars coming in the parking lot every second. When we got in the store, there were people everywhere in the store; buying moves, cameras, video games, and don't even mention televisions. It seemed like everyone was buying one and not small or medium sized ones either. These were 50in and up; so we're talking $1500 and higher. The lines were long, kids crying, people carrying lots of cash, yes carrying around cash, and hardly any carts left. We looked at several televisions they had left in the store. We didn't find a television and since we refuse to settle, we went over to the Best Buy.

They had a bigger parking lot and it too was full. We had to drive around in circles before a space was free. They too had people everywhere in the stores with computers, cameras, t.v.'s, video games, and printers, etc in their carts. They had long lines and only 2 lanes open (doesn't that just bother you). So I turned and asked my husband, "how in the world are we in a recession with everyone buying up all this stuff. I thought people were cutting back?". I guess I was wrong on that one.

So, when we found a t.v. we wanted to purchase, guess what?! They were sold out completely. So we looked around and found another t.v. and they were sold out of that one also. So we looked again and found another one and go ahead and guess.....they were sold out! I was thinking " how in the world a place that specializes in electronics are sold out of all three types of t.v.'s?" We asked the associate about it and he said everyone came and bought them up.

So we left there empty handed as well. That's the beauty of having a budget...we can go somewhere else and take our time finding what we want. We WILL NOT buy something just to be able to walk out the store with a bag or something in our cart; but I had hoped we would find a t.v. for my hubby

O.K., so I figured either the media is feeding us untruthful information or people aren't saving and using their money for these items or using their credit cards.

I wonder which one is it? I think it's the latter of the above statement.

Which one do you think it is?


Quick savings goal update:
We have 4 months of our monthly expenses saved! Woo Hoo!!! Now we are working on 5 months! It can be done, even on our 1 income; yes, 1 income.

ING: Here we are!

We finally opened the ING account. Yep, we are opening 3 accounts, General Savings/Christmas Fund/Vacation Fund.

We also have a savings account with my hubby's credit union.