Fixing the leaks . . .

Now that my leaky roof is a fading memory, I am
turning my attention to my budget. I am reconnecting
with my inner financial geek.


OOOOooooooohhhhmmmmmm . . .

I switched satellite tv providers to save $15 per month.
I pleaded with the propane company to put me on a payment
plan to avoid paying $5 per month in interest charges.

I am watching my bottom line like a hawk. I have cut my
Christmas budget by 1/3rd for the kids and cut it to the
bone for everyone else.

We eat in alot. We cart leftovers to work, to each others'
homes, etc.

I share and get a lot of ideas for free or nearly free
fun stuff to do in and around my area with the work chicks.

I let folks know that I'd love to be the recipient of
their unwanted stuff. Several girlfriends cleaned out their
closets. My boyfriend loaned me a couch. Dad gave me a
bunch of stuff just before he moved.

My budget for the rest of the year is wicked tight. I'm
trying to make grocery lists instead of winging it. I often
grocery shop with cash, and shamelessly put stuff back
when I've reached my predetermined limit.

~M

Holidays, blended families and finances . . .

Thanksgiving is next week and everyone
has been very cool about not making demands
of the kids. We're all almost too cool
about it. My bf called and said his oldest
would be up our way next Thursday evening.
Bless him for getting the ball rolling.
We decided that dinner would be at my
place, I invited my folks up and checked
with the ex about his plans before inviting
the kids. We still haven't checked with
his ex, but hopefully things will work
out.

My folks offered to bring stuffing and handle
the gravy. My bf and I will do the rest.
I'm not a stickler for everything being
homemade, I just want to enjoy the holidays.
I'll probably buy an extra turkey and put
in the freezer for Easter.

I've started Christmas shopping with the kids.
They pick out what they want, try it on and
I take it home, wrap it and stick it under
the tree. No hassles, no returns. My budget
for them is quite modest this year. I
told the bf that I can only buy a small gift
for his youngest kids, I have a roof to pay
for in 12 equal monthly installments.

And I asked him for a wheel barrow.

~M

This and that . . .

I should be doing "the feed" and getting
ready for work, instead I'm sipping a
second cup of coffee and posting here.

My boyfriend and his former son-in-law
brought me a lovely couch late last night.
Well broke in and loved on, needing a bit
of mending here and there, but awesome.
"You need furniture," My oldest said.
"The rooms echo."

My new roof survived tropical storm Ida
and it was nice not to worry about leaks
for a change. I have one moldy looking
spot that needs some attention . . soon.

My oldest daughter met my boyriends'
youngest kids, and I swear you could see
God's hands in the matter.

I've been living credit card free for
almost a month. I'm watching my money
much more closely and don't make rash
decisions anymore. (Still have debt,
but no visa other than a check card.)

I've been pondering some "what if's", I
am a doomer after all. What if my car
needs repairs, etc. And I basically need
to work on my savings.

~M

Update . . .

 

later.

~M