I don't think so

Being a combined family, there are constantly little things that cause issues. Little things that maybe would be nothing if it wasn't a combined family. Those little things are not good and I'm not sure if they could ever be eliminated 100%. They pop-up at the most unexpected times and they make your heart drop.

Last night, one of those moments happened. It was something I could have avoided and didn't. Something that I always avoid ahead of time. Something that got witnessed by another mother. She even said she saw the happiness drain out of my face. It wasn't a huge issue. It isn't something we can go through, but it still lingers.

After witnessing it, the other mother looked at me and said "this is why, if anything happened to(insert her husbands name), I would never remarry."

I have thought about this before. I love my DH and for the most part we keep these little things to a minimum. Yet, if something was to happen to him or to us, I don't care if every single site in the world let me search for free and sign-up for free, I wouldn't do it.

Not just because of the kids, they are almost grown. More for me. It is a lot of work, adjusting to an others presence. Combining your lives and building a foundation. I know it is nice to have someone help carry your burdens. There are just some times, when you would rather stretch out in your comfy jammies and be alone.

All these feelings, from my DH responding to my son's request to get something to eat at the game. I always just give the kids money, before the game and I forgot! Evidently, he doesn't realize this. How does he think they go from school to football game - not home to 11pm at night without eating. And why in the world would it be okay not to feed your children dinner? I hurt inside for my son, who was given a rough time for wanting a sandwich.

I won't let this happen again.

You want my money, you better take it.

Until the day I have enough cash to live through the month......

No, until the day a debit card pays me back CASH for my transactions, with no fees, businesses better have card processing. I never carry cash and I'm only just beginning with the debit card. If you can call it that, I only use it at Aldi. I'm okay with this transaction, because Aldi saves me way more then the 1% I would received on my Visa.

Go ahead, make strange faces of pity at me. I don't care! I pay my card off every month and so far this year I have received $390 cash back. With more money on the way. Just because you can't manage your bills and credit cards, don't assume I can't.

I guess it is 100% up to the business, do they want my dollars or shall I head to the next location. It isn't a hard choice.

Free Protection

Are you protected when you shop online? Outside of your credit card line of defense, are there other safe guards that keep our information private?

I worry sometimes when I shop online. Not always. I tend to always look for the https at the top of the page adress. Then I generally chose to shop with vendors I know, giving me a bit more security. Whether real or imaginary, it provides me comforts.

Do any of you use the buySAFE site to make your purchases? If you do, does it mean you can't utilize other sites for shopping like Ebates and Upromise? Or do they work together?


BuySAFE offers access to the Safe Shopping Portal. At no cost to the shopper, all purchases are automatically protected with a bond guarantee of up to $25,000. As an added perk they provide free identity theft insurance. In our world, this could be worth much more then it was 10 years ago.

My thoughts are, this site is almost a necessity when shopping at the smaller, lesser known business out there. It is nice to know if you find something, no one else has, at a web-store you never heard of before, you can make sure you and your money are safe.

The buySAFE application is free to download on their site. So, why not use it? Especially, if you are preparing to do a major part of your holiday shopping online.

Now, if they could just figure out a way to protect me from the seasonal staff people hired at our brick and mortar stores that want to take my credit card number and codes!

Win a 2009 Civic Hybrid

When will Charter reach my area? This is a great offer. You either sign-up for Charter
services (telephone, cable and/or Internet) or just register on their site and you get entered to win the 2009 Civic Hybrid.

This is definitely a give-a-way to talk about and share. Need I remind everyone about the cost of fuel at the pump? Doubt it, the numbers are forever etched in our brains. The pain still throbbing from our pocket books.

The way I see it, if you live in the Charter service area, you best be at least registering on the site for this one. You can save green on their services and on with this sweet Green vehicle.

Here's the info on the 2009 Civic Hybrid:

• Polished Metal Metallic
• Up to 45 mpg highway
• Fabric interior
• USB Audio Interface
• 110-hp, 8 valve, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylider engine
• Continuously variable transmission
• MP3 Auxiliary Input Jack

Let's see, gets you from point A to point B and saves money on the way. Count me in! If only I lived in the Charter service area. Bummer!

Take time to read the rules before you register or sign-up. Nothing worse then scary surprises. I have to assume that even current customers could register to win. Which is great! Most contest seem to only be for pulling in new customers.

For your convenience here are the Complete Rules

My car is beginning to cost me money

For a while now, I knew my struts were going bad. :-( I tried to negotiate with my husband, to hold off on repairing until I hit 125k in miles. That didn't go over good. I'm at a 108k now and he assures me, it would be more expensive later.

The cost $189. Labor was free, since I have the best husband in the world. With this expenditure I thought I should look at the true cost of my vehicle again.

Grand Prix - Purchased 3/05, Ownership 42 months, no financing

• Purchase Price $18,170
• Refund Warranty -$-1600
• KBB Value -$-7,240
• Repairs - $189

Cost to date $9,519

Bottom line $9,519 / 42 months of ownership = Cost to me of $226.64 per month.

I have declined a little bit. Of course, so has KBB.com.

There is another issue I hear a terrible high pitched noise when I turn the steering wheel. And if you all want to be safe on the road, I need to have the power steering rack looked at. Last time, a little fluid went a long way. This time, I'm sure it will be more. In the long run though, having a smooth running car saves lives and future dollars.

I guess, with my high mileage I was lucky to get this far.

Rave Reviews for the $8 Pair

Hey remember those $8 glasses? I thought they were an awesome deal for frames. Especially when the cheapest eyeglasses at our eye doctors is $100. OMG! That is before the even pricier lenses are put in. No wonder so many Americans are going without regular check-ups. Just like the dentist.

Anyway, a talk show host on talk radio is talking about them now. And there are many with positive feedback.

My thoughts are, we all need to tell everyone about this deal. Our eyes are important. With the huge influx of computers in our lives, more and more folks are needing these. Younger and younger people are wearing glasses. It is creating a huge financial burden on families. One that they can carry. So, spread the news - that all can see at a reasonable cost.

Also, we need to get this information to the aging population. Fixed incomes can not carry the burden of prices on glasses. And even if they can, why? When there are more affordable options, we need to move with the deal.

$27.14 a visit

As of this morning, I have completed my 14Th class at the new health club. Rendering my $379.99 payment to a manageable $27.14 per hour.

I'm really enjoying the Boot Camp. Which makes me feel like I am getting my money's worth. There is such variety.

The people are a plus too. I'm finding I like a crowd.

"Please Contribute"

Working at home, I avoid the added expense created by group gifts for other employees. I would definitely call this a perk. Seems like everyone is reaching for your dollars in an office environment.

Of course, I am not free of requests. I still have the Group Gifts and Wishlists requests from parent groups. Mostly, looking for appreciation gifts for teachers and coaches. It generally comes with a "we are collecting ??? amount from everyone". They don't seem to care if it is in your budget or not. And at least in my area they purchase some really extravagant gifts. Just crazy.

Why or why do I need to contribute for a $100 a plate meal, when we (my family) would not splurge for such a huge tap?

If your in charge of these kinds of things:

• Try it online
• Don't set a minimum
• Don't judge the giver

Save on Denim

Jeans take a huge bite out of our budgeted back to school clothes. Why is it okay to sell jeans for $100 and more? Better yet, why do some of us feel it is okay to pay these prices?



I will never be able to compete with the parents that spend these crazy dollars on their children. I try directing my children to Cheap Jeans, the kind I can afford. Even my sweet hubby just got Wranglers from Target for $17.99. Beat the heck out of $30 for Levi's. They are for work, he will survive. :-) At least that is what I told him.



Yes, I know I suck. Just ask my kids they will concur.




Right now I'm working on my daughter to find some more affordable teen clothes. I can't help but wonder if the price at $13.80 turns her away first. I should have just bought them, had her try them on and then moved forward. I'm a slow learner.



I know that discount clothes aren't always the best thing to buy. We all like having nicer things. I just think on the day to day basis, we should be able to squeeze in a few affordable items, to offset the big ticket named items.

Isn't $13.80 cheap for denim? They have other items low priced and clearanced for the young folks and those of us that can work with the younger look - at times.

Alaska Seeing Ice Form Early

Last week in church, my pastor was sharing of his recent cruise up to Alaska. Evidently, where they went is a regular journey for the last 20 years, for the ships captain. In all that time, this particular area has never been forming with ice at this time of year. It is now.

While my pastor shared the news as a warning to a very cold winter. I took it is as good news at the time - I can't stop thinking about the Polar Bears. Darn Discovery Channel!

Today is October 1st. On the thermometer outside my bank this morning it said 46 degrees. Holy cow, it is cold here already. Last year on October 8Th, it was 80 degrees here. The year prior to that, I was able to not turn on the heat until October 12TH.

My furnace is not on yet. Windows are closed and throw blankets are out, but I suspect that I will be giving in soon. Cause folks, it is chilly in here. Thank goodness for coffee.

I'm terrified to turn the heat on. Blaming my fears on the new NICOR gas rates. I just don't know how we will make it this year. Especially, if this is a long and cold winter.

I need to buy an electric space heater for my office. So, in the day time I can keep the heat low until everyone comes home.

50 Free Ziploc Sandwich Bags

My mailbox was crammed full yesterday. Don't get me wrong, we usually get a lot of mail. We never have an empty box. To many people and businesses at this location. :-)

Yesterday, was a bit different though. I received a box from Right @ Home with another box inside. A Ziploc Box with 50 Sandwich Bags. These will save me some money. They also sent coupons. Again, money savers!

I also received, 2 different freebies from Tampax. One was from the company itself and the other from Walmart. :-) Both had 3 freebies and 2 coupons. SWEET!

Why do freebies make me feel so good? Highly unlikely that we will become magically rich this way. Although, I felt rich shampooing and conditioning free for 2 days this week. :-) Especially, when I used one product that surprised the heck out of me, how terrible it was. I will never lose money buying this product. :-)

Good week in the savings department. Even when we went out to eat, it only cost $10 (kids were busy). And my $5 share ended up feeding me and DS2. I couldn't eat all the food I got at the fest. I brought home many, many treats,a pork chop sandwich and a hot dog. Treats are going in lunches and DS2 ate the pork chop and hot dog for dinner after football.

I did order checks online

Back in June I realized I was running out of checks. Or at least I thought I was. I made my order checks online, utilizing the best price I could find. It cost me $11 for 2 boxes and no shipping. Definitely a bargain. Although, I did hit one snag, I couldn't order without having my bank fax over confirmation of me and my account.

A hassle, but worth it in savings.

There are many sites that offer savings on checks, from the bank offerings. I found my deal in the Sunday Paper. I suggest taking your time and checking all options before you order, if you need checks. Make sure you get all available discounts by checking for codes.

For instance - if you order from Vista use Coupon Code: Check25 and you will save 25%. Not sure if that is the best deal? Make a spread sheet. List:

• Company/Site name
• Quantity offered
• Price per quantity
• Discount offered
• Shipping if applicable
• Calculation of cost
• then another calculation of cost per check (last calculation divided by quantity)

At least then you know you are getting the best price. Funny thing is, I right so few checks, that I still haven't used one of the checks I ordered yet. :-( 2 Months Later.

Training at home

I keep looking at DVD programs to help me work out at home. I've learned I can NOT do this alone. I'm enjoying the gym, but 3 days is about all I can muster there. Or should I say, the only days that the classes fit with my schedule. How can they go wrong with a 5 am class? I'm not working then only sleeping. :-)

Has anyone heard of Eric Paskel? I haven't. Well, not until today. He has this system on DVD that combines 3 different exercise systems. He calls it Triple Training. Triple Training is a combination of Martial Arts, Power Yoga & Dance. He markets this system as XFLOWSION.

To me, this system looks very high energy and fun. I love the addition of the live band to set. I've never seen this before.

Here is the draw for me. The XFLOSION specifically says it will help you surpass your plateau, where I am. Folks who have tried and succeeded in this system have articles in First, In Style & People magazines. They claim utilizing this system will help you drop 10 pounds in 10 days.

I'm not a believer in fast fixes, but I would be happy with 10 pounds in 3 months.

My wallet is beginning to smoke

And everyone knows where there is smoke, there is fire.

This 4 day weekend is going to cost me damn near what our week in Jersey cost. Without all that entertainment! I'm going to miss my brother's humor. After sharing with my in-laws how much fun we had, they have high expectations for this families get-a-way. I hope my m.i.l. gets what she hopes for. I already told my DH to pay attention to his mom and spend some time. Time is our most valuable asset!

Picking up the Soccer Mom Rental today. It ended up being cheaper taking it for a week, then what 4 days would cost. Crazy math! So, we are grabbing it early and dropping it late to not feel so stressed. Plus, saving some cash along the way. Out the door, I suspect about $500 in cost with the insurance.

The hotel has been booked for a while and will be waiting for us. I negotiated an extra night not in the wedding package, to save a couple bucks. When the Groom heard about the cost for the extra night, he went all crazy on the hotel and explained how we are all coming so far away and need to rest before the wedding. ETC.ETC. He ended up getting them to extend the wedding price for extra days for everyone.

Food, Gas, Tolls, and miscellaneous - I'm lost. I have no idea. I'm still too new to this and Hurricane Ike has raised our gas prices through the roof. I can only hope that every where we go has credit card processing, because this will be the payment of choice. Our savings is ZERO and this is a mandatory family obligation.

I refuse to allow these expenses that will be gone within 30 days from our debt, to stifle my fun. I love weddings! There is just something so wonderful in the air when 2 people give of themselves completely for another. Creating what I call the MAN-Made Unconditional Love. As opposed to the kind one receives at the birth of a child or looking at their parents, this is free will.

Panic in the voice

I'm very grateful my husband can complete 95% of the remodeling jobs I come up with. After all, it is my job as the wife to keep our home looking fabulous and his job to make his princess happy.
I know how lucky I am and am reminded of it everytime the phone rings around here and I hear the desperation of the caller. Seems they have a rough edge already, sure they will be ripped off and not wanting anyone to think they are a chump. It is just terrifying finding a contractor to complete your remodeling or repairs that you can trust.

After all, don't we all hear the horror stories???

Luckily for us, we do not have a need to deal with folks that are razor sharp with fear. ALL of our business comes from repeat business and referral ONLY. It is the way business around here has always been done. We will bid jobs, for folks we know, but generally we find when a bid is being requested for financial reasons - we will not be the lowest cost. Although, I would stick my neck out and say my DH and his team are the best!

I don't need to stretch my neck too far - there are many folks that echo this. :-)

When you find yourself in the need of help on that project around your home, don't just go through the telephone book. Instead:

1. Call your family - maybe they have done business with someone or know someone who just had work done.
2. Call your friends and neighbors - remembering references are the best.
3. Utilize services that check these companies out - like your local chamber of commerce or a site like ServiceSpider.com.

Try to get a few company names. If a company name shows up in multiple spots, make sure they are on your call list. When you get the names, talk dollars! Make sure they are in your budget before you call them. Ask the prior customers about their service, timeliness, cleanliness.

And here is one that has held true forever - check out their truck, when you meet them. Is it organized, cleaned, maintained? A vehicle represents a lot about the contractor. You want to see the truck of the guy doing the work. Quality is priceless.

Last, but certainly not least, talk with the guy/gal and see how you click. This could become an issue if you need something changed or altered. Not all contractors will this be an issue. Of course, like any relationship you want to have a clear line of communication.

Wedding and Trip Spending

Family is expensive! Yesterday, we hit Penney's to get some additions needed for the wedding and rehearsal apparel. This trip was all about my boys.

Boys are odd creatures. They don't care enough about the condition of their clothes, hair or stuff - too understand the importance of appearances. At least mine don't.

They looked at me, like I was crazy, when I asked to see what they were bringing and wearing to these events. I've learned in the past, to NOT trust their judgment! Things are always 'good enough' for them. This is a formal occasion and 'good enough' ain't good enough for me.

The girls on the other hand are ready, willing and able to get all new for this event. Yep, including me.

Spending wasn't too bad, considering I took 3 guys shopping. Although, I was yanking my hair out and getting sick from hunger before the task was completed.

My dear sweet hubby, is a particular creature. Oh sure, he says 'whatever' and 'I'm okay with anything', but folks - he is not. He could have been a female in a prior life, if you believe that kind of thing. Thankfully, I know most of his quirks and am able to follow them. We have his black shoes, 2 pairs of dress pants and ties. We were only looking for 2 shirts - one dress and one casual dress for the two occasions.

Let me say, I picked out his casual and left him options for his dress. Told him to select which one he liked best and then went on to help the boys. Easy for him, right?

I helped DS1 get casual dress shoes, tennis shoes for bumming, casual bottoms and a casual top. Then I helped DS2 grab tennis shoes and casual bottoms by the time DH made it back to me at shoes. I have no idea what took so long. Mind you, both boys had to try on clothes.

In the end we brought $526.64 (w/tax) of items up to the register. Or at least that was their 'regular' price. I call it the rip-you-off-list price. Every single item we grabbed was either on sale or on clearance. I then had a 15% off coupon and a $10 rewards from my last trip. All of which, brought my total to $223.51 out the door.

Thank goodness the boys still had the suits from Confirmation this past spring!

Spending while the town appears asleep

I woke up at 4:15 this morning. I was surprised that I could pull myself out of bed so easily. Maybe the excitement of something new, gave me the push.

I felt like a thief, creeping around my house in the dark, while my family slept. After putting on my gym attire, washing my face and brushing my teeth, I was off - without my coffee.

Yes, it was a volatile situation. Many lives have been lost to an un-caffinated me. :-)

I was walking through my laundry room to the garage, when I saw a pile of clothes. Yes, kids bring their clothes up and down at the oddest times. So, I threw a load in on my way out.

It is so dark at 10 to 5 in the morning.

I made it to the gym and filled out their waiver, in case I died in the first class. Then, thankfully my friend who arrived at the same time - led me through the motions. :-) My other friend who pushed me to come to this class, arrived just as the class was beginning. Thank goodness I didn't wait for her.

She may have needed the coffee more then I.

Here is the funny, the teacher/leader whatever you call the gal in front of the class, was my kids daycare provider when I was a single mom. It was like reunion time at the early bird kick your butt class.

I am lacking rhythm and coordination.

I felt like Raggedy Ann, always trying to catch up. Thankfully, my one friend is about 6 inches taller then me and blocked my view of the mirrors. I did not need to see my silly self. My other friend, hid in the back - now I know why!

I was sweating like a banshee! A good sign of a solid workout.

I was surprised of how many people I knew in the class. Even teetering on too many. :-) It took me, almost as long to fill out the paperwork after the class, then the class itself. Do my friends talk a lot or do I?

I joined, because I love charging. No, just kidding. I joined because physically I need the help to keep going. And emotionally I need the me time. I'm going to try the club out and utilize some of their offerings, before I look into the trainer side. I need to grow up and take care of myself. It is just so hard.

Paying was much easier with a full year membership priced at $379.95. Yep, I committed myself to a year.

Underestimated the job

After the paper and breakfast this morning, the sunshine called me to the back yard. Where my deck has been in dire need of a face lift since we first moved in.

Last week, we went to Home Depot and purchased the Behr Stain. I learned from the my various projects how good Behr covers. I selected a solid stain, as usual. I see too many projects by other home owners look like crap after using a transparent version.

6 hours of staining and I am bushed. I'm only 1 gallon into the job that will take 5. My hubby says I am too into the details. I don't care. I just want it to be a fresh gathering place!

And what does he know? He also thought my color choice of Chamois was wrong too. After he saw it on the deck, he now claims this is why he lets me buy whatever I want. I think that his way of complimenting my color eye. :-)

It's supposed to rain tomorrow, so no staining tomorrow. Hopefully, I can complete the project prior to next weekends end. I love painting! It is so relaxing and rewarding to see it all come together. With a side benefit of making my home beautiful!

FEAR:Check In + Bills Out = Money Left

Talk about creating an internal panic. When you receive your monthly paychecks and not your rental or investment income yet. Then you pay all your bills, initiate a transfer to retirement, pay off your equity line and credit cards (less the 0%) and see a substantial balance in your checking account.

Fear is automatic at that point.

I completed the month end for our business last night and as always paid all the business bills and the employees (us), then completed billing. There was a lot of invoicing to do, since we were on vacation last month and did not bill anyone. It's okay, this time - generally folks want regular monthly bills when we are on a job. The particular home we are building has a very wealthy farmer as an owner. It will not phase him very much, when he received a bill over $100k.

I would be having a stroke.

Anyway, I stopped working in time to watch McCain. Let's not go there. I did not complete our bill paying till this morning. I have most items automatic, but there is still some recording and initiating that I must do.

I am in shock!

I have paid everyone. I currently owe nothing in the monthly category. Including paying off all current month charges. Even though they are not due to the end of September. But I had money in the account and I like ZERO's. And I still had money left.

So, I initiated a payoff of our home equity line. It is now zero, until the 0% card expires. And I still had money left.

I paid all the business bills, that I usually wait for the rent checks to cover. I'm still missing 2 rent checks. This made me very happy - with over $2k coming in still this month personally.

I still had cash and did what I thought was best - I paid an extra payment on the 2nd Mortgage to make an even thousand balance on the loan. Then I made the retirement contribution for my DH. And I still have money left.

This isn't right!

I had no choice, I had to print a transaction report for this month and last month. I'm looking for a missed bill due. I must have forgotten something - right?

No, I didn't. Here is what I found:

• After vacation, I transferred out our savings dollars to pay the big annual bills.
• There was enough money there to pay those annuals and the credit card balances from vacation - plus that new a/c unit.
• This left me with some unusually low credit card balances for September.

Credit cards are my cash. So, with balances so small - my regular card had a balance above $400, where it usually is above $2.2k. I'm feeling rich.

This is a great way to head into the last quarter of the year. Now that I am positive I will not take any current bills and add them to our debt load, I have some goals for the last quarter.

1. Keep paying minimums on 0%
2. Transfer 0% to Line prior to the maturity dates
3. Max out DH's retirement before year end
4. Max out my retirement before year end
5. Get through Christmas Debt Free
6. Pay for N.C. Trip with current month income
7. Pay for KY Trip with current month income

If all that takes place, we will be in a sweet spot come January 09'. Even after 4 vacation/get-a-ways this year. Michigan weekend, Jersey Week, North Carolina long weekend & Kentucky weekend.

This past year was a huge jump to freedom for us. Funny how the jump is so much easier now.

Higher Grocery Costs?

We have all seen our dozen of eggs go from 79¢ to $1.29. Remember milk for $1.99? High price increases across the board have left me with the knowledge that I need to plan on spending more for food and supplies in our home.

I have always worked to keep this category under $200 a week. And up until lately, this has been a doable thing. Even with a house full of regulars and irregulars. :-)

Lately, due to time and worry, I have ignored my grocery spending. Frankly, I just didn't want to know. I know this is bad, but it is true.

I have made a ton of changes to my shopping in the last 8 months.

1. Buying generic laundry supplies
2. Buying less bulk
3. Starting the Drug Store Game!
4. And Shopping at Aldi!

Instead of these things showing me instant proof of my savings, they only served to confuse and mix up the numbers.

For instance, the only generic laundry supplies that work are best priced at Walmart. Walgreens does sell them, but their price is higher - unless on sale.

Our bulk supplies for paper products and food basics has been less often, due to the laundry sale. I just avoid this trip. So, I have been paying more to keep the garage refrigerator full with drinks and bring home DH's Charmin. Although, in August I did make another Sam's run. Where I brought down my total cost for a 3-12 role packs of Charmin from Walmarts price by $6 alone.

The Walgreens Drug Store Game has been fun and I have saved some money, but being new I am not positive on the full effect of these efforts.

Finally, oh how I love Aldi. Eggs @ 90¢. Milk from $1.99 to $2.40. Ice Cream 1/2 the price of Walmart. Aldi had me at OPEN!

In the end, I am bringing in multiple receipts each week. :-( This is the messy part. So, it is not as easy to see my savings.

With the end of August complete, we are 8 months done in the year. That is 35 weeks complete. Which would mean I would have spent $7k at this point in groceries and cleaning supplies. I keep the total cost together.

If you factor in the huge graduation party I threw that added in another $1k of supplies and groceries, you know this year has been expensive.

I was elated to see that my total cost is $6902.90 for the first 8 months. I can't believe with the party and higher prices I am still in my budgetary limits!

I guess coupons, the drug store game and Aldi are my gems for survival!