❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 22, 2010 14:46:59 GMT -5
THREAD RULES ~ Every day, whoever is the first poster (more or less) to visit the thread gets to ask a new Question of the Day. Just label it " THURSDAY QUESTION OF THE DAY" and ask your question! (You can, of course, answer it as well!) All subsequent posters get to answer that question. The next day, we will need a new question ... in the same thread! You are, of course, free to answer several days' worth of questions ... and to comment on people's responses. You should also feel free to start a brand-new thread (separate from this one) if a topic is of particular interest ... that way we won't completely derail the Question of the Day Thread!
And, because this is the Smart Spending Sub-Forum, it would be nice (though not completely mandatory) if the question was at least remotely related to the topic of Smart Spending, Frugal living, Spending, Saving, Debt Reduction, etc.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 22, 2010 14:47:57 GMT -5
THURSDAY QUESTION OF THE DAY
As 2010 draws to a close, did you meet some (all?) of your money-related goals?
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Post by joynerk on Dec 22, 2010 15:09:52 GMT -5
Yes paid off all debt,now I have more money then I can spend. Send it my way! ;D We've actually done well with our finances due to the fact that I'm a SAHM with a new baby and have made several large purchases this year... some planned, some not so much! Not able to "save" as much as we wanted, but didn't incur any debt.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 22, 2010 15:13:55 GMT -5
Our primary goal for 2010 was to (a) keep spending + expenses under control and (b) begin to replenish savings. We've been reasonably successful in both areas, though (of course) I'd like to have replenished savings a bit more.
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NancysSummerSip
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:19:42 GMT -5
Posts: 36,311
Today's Mood: Full of piss and vinegar
Favorite Drink: Anything with ice
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Dec 22, 2010 15:22:43 GMT -5
Yes to some. I saved more spare change in my spare change challenge ($158 this year vs $135 last year), but less in my $5-per-laundry-day challenge. I did start an HSA, which was needed, since I needed new glasses this year (not covered under insurance), and what a relief to have that money ready to hand over in cash! I got serious about the freelancing, starting with one site, and I am now up to seven. All the money is put into one account, separate from everything else.
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Post by thinblue on Dec 22, 2010 16:07:01 GMT -5
Yes! I fully funded my EF, paid off my car, and opened an ING account...it's a great feeling!
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 22, 2010 17:09:46 GMT -5
Wow! Sounds like everyone did well!
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Deleted
Joined: Apr 17, 2024 16:54:01 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2010 18:58:02 GMT -5
No we didn't. We wanted to pay off our Heloc but it didn't happen. Next year for sure!
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Post by carolinagirl on Dec 23, 2010 8:28:51 GMT -5
we went backwards. DH laid off now for over two years. He has been able to find some odd jobs, temp jobs every now and again. but in Sept. I had to have emergency surgery due to Ovarian Cancer. tumor the size of a large cantelope! I am doing ok now but with me being the bread winner the time out of work was not good! Short term disability only takes you so far when it isnt 100% of the paycheck. 2011 will be so much better!!
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merryheart
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:39:53 GMT -5
Posts: 179
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Post by merryheart on Dec 23, 2010 9:30:50 GMT -5
I did not meet all of my goals. But I now think I have DH understanding what needs to be done to even consider early retirement for him so I'm hoping that 2011 will be very successful at meeting goals!
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Post by Celtic Queen on Dec 23, 2010 9:40:53 GMT -5
I'mm actually proud of us. We weren't too set with goals at the beginning of the year. But DH got laid-off mid-year and that forced us to really take a good look at where we were financially and set some concrete goals. We're making pretty good progress toward those goals and I really hope that we will have met them all by the end of next year.
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Post by thinblue on Dec 23, 2010 10:08:59 GMT -5
Thursday: Question of the Day!
What are everyone's goals for 2011? Mine are as follows: 1) Boost EF to six months expenses 2) Start a car repair fund (car is paid for, 6 yrs old and functioning fine but want to be prepared) 3) Start a New car fund (so I NEVER have another car payment) 4) Plan and take a family fun adventure vacation i.e. whitewater rafting 5) Payoff last lingering CC which should happen by June
Anyone else?
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Post by westerngal on Dec 23, 2010 12:43:24 GMT -5
Hopefully pay off two loans this year and my cc. And add more to savings. Hope to be able to do a little remodel job in the kitchen too.
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Deleted
Joined: Apr 17, 2024 16:54:01 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 23, 2010 12:55:08 GMT -5
Pay off our Heloc!
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 23, 2010 14:43:12 GMT -5
heh heh heh ... OK, yesterday was WEDNESDAY, so I messed things up royally with a Thursday Question of the Day a day early. (oops) So here's a new one.
THURSDAY DEC 23 QUESTION OF THE DAY
Name three items you almost ALWAYS stock up on if you find it at the right price!
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NancysSummerSip
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:19:42 GMT -5
Posts: 36,311
Today's Mood: Full of piss and vinegar
Favorite Drink: Anything with ice
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Dec 23, 2010 16:00:56 GMT -5
Toilet paper
Pasta sauce
toothpaste (I use the sensitivity type of paste, so it isn't on sale often)
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Post by joynerk on Dec 23, 2010 16:04:29 GMT -5
toilet paper laundry detergent (have to use all free & clear because everyone has sensitive skin ) ketchup
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dancinmama
Senior Associate
LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 20:49:45 GMT -5
Posts: 10,659
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Post by dancinmama on Dec 23, 2010 16:43:17 GMT -5
I am one of those crazy WIR Grocery Challenge mega couponers who will stockpile ANYTHING that we use if I find it at the right price (uhm, I like FREE after coupons the best). Usually this means that I end up with a pretty good stockpile that allows me to take a pass on that item for quite a while.
Starting 12/26, CVS will have the Swiffer refill products on sale for $3.99 (best price I've seen in a long time) and there will be a $.50/1 coupon in the Sunday paper. I will be stockpiling the wet jet pads and paying for them with excess EBs so they will be free after sale and coupon. Once I have done that though, I will not need to buy them for quite some time, so they will no longer be on my radar.
Toilet paper and laundry soap used to always be on my list, but I was able to sufficiently stockpile these items in 2010. The toilet paper was free and the laundry soap (All - including the free and clear variety) was $1/32 load bottle at CVS with the combination of a sale, the use of $/$$s and several $2/1 MCs. I paid for my stockpile using EBs. Now, the only deal that I will be interested in on either is if they are FREE.
I have been able to stockpile a ton of non-persishables that we use every day mostly for free with the help of the Grocery Challenge: garbage bags, ziploc bags and conainers, laundry soap, fabric softener, TP, paper towels, dish washing liquid, dishwasher detergent, household cleaners, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, shampoo, conditioner, makeup, body wash, body lotion, shaving needs, cologne, over the counter meds, lip balm, gum, candy, snacks, soda, etc.
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Post by somedaybdebtfree on Dec 23, 2010 16:48:47 GMT -5
Laundry detergent, cake and brownie mix in a box, spaghetti sauce.
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gailbon
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 21:22:02 GMT -5
Posts: 74
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Post by gailbon on Dec 23, 2010 21:08:03 GMT -5
I am a serious stockpiler of nonperishables. My top three are toilet paper, shampoo, and lip balm.
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 23, 2010 21:40:48 GMT -5
1. Fiber One Cereal 2. Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup 3. Toilet Paper/Paper Towels
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Post by suzwantstobefree on Dec 23, 2010 22:00:10 GMT -5
I am answering a couple of days worth of questions I wish I did a little better last year but did pay off my car, all my credit card debt and managed to save some money in my EF. I also contributed over $10K to my 401K. For 2011 I plan on getting my home mortgage under $150K and save more money in my EF. My plan is to pay an additional $150 from my payroll towards my home mortgage and $100 from my payroll goes to savings. From my rental income half will go to my home mortgage and half will go to savings. Any other unexpected money is split half to savings and half to my home mortgage. I think this should get me under $150 on my mortgage (currently $164) and should increase my savings by at least $7200 this year. I also plan on contributing an extra 2% to the 401K this year since our payroll taxes are going down again. I am a single woman living alone and boy do I have the stockpiles. Whenever my boyfriend opens the bathroom closet he laughs at me. He doesn't laugh as much as he used to though when I tell him how much I spent. Tooth paste and tooth brushes are a plenty in my house and I have a lot of paper towels, toilet paper, and liquid dish soap. Waiting for a good sale on dishwasher soap and laundry detergent though as they are getting a little low in my house!!! I also have quite a supply of baking mixes!!! In addition to that, I always stock up on small gifts such as items from Yankee Candle and Bath and Body Works. I am getting ready for the after Christmas sales for that!
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Post by kadee on Dec 24, 2010 13:59:32 GMT -5
1. Toilet paper 2. Paper towels 3. OTC meds we use regularly (ibuprofen) We use it fast enough to not worry about dates. 4. Napkins & Kleenex 5. Cake mixes, brownie mixes & other baking essentials
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Post by kadee on Dec 24, 2010 14:01:03 GMT -5
Fri., Dec. 24 question of the day....
How many of you are hitting the stores on Sun & Mon to take advantage of the 1/2 off (or lower) after Christmas sales?
I most likely will be! ;D
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Dec 24, 2010 14:44:07 GMT -5
I might. There are a couple of clothing stores that I really like, and I expect that they will both be having nice sales after Christmas ... so I may venture out on Monday (or later in the week). I doubt I will be doing that on Sunday ... I want to avoid crowds in general as well as people with returns.
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Post by suzwantstobefree on Dec 24, 2010 16:01:14 GMT -5
I will be out on Sunday! After church on Sunday I will head out to the shopping center that is closer to my church. I plan on going to Bath and Body works, Target, Yankee Candle, and the Christian store. They all have sales the day after Christmas and I will buy most of my gifts for the next year on Sunday. It is always a little crowded but it will be ok I think. Generally, everyone else is tired of shopping and out of money by then, lol. A lot of people like to shop on Black Friday, my Black Friday is the day after Christmas!!!!
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Post by mommydl on Dec 24, 2010 21:19:30 GMT -5
I managed to pay off my car this year....2 years early....now I have NOOOOO car payments! Yea me! Also refinanced the house from 23 years to 15 years and am only paying $30 more/month due to the cheap interest rates, so now my goal is to throw ANY extra $$ I have on the house to pay it off sooner. Everything else is paid off in full every month and I refuse to get myself into a situation that I can't get out of. I tend to stockpile Toilet Paper, Goldfish, and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers! lol I have two boys....need I say more!?!?!
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Post by suzwantstobefree on Dec 24, 2010 21:32:13 GMT -5
Mommydl - congrats on paying off your car and refinancing the house! I paid off my car this year too and am working on paying down my house as well. Isn't it nice living like this? It gives you so many more options.
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marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
Posts: 6,540
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Post by marvholly on Dec 25, 2010 6:45:23 GMT -5
12/24 Question
I will be going out sometime in the next week. I am all out of christmas wrap and tags. Also need to check out any toy clearance as have 3 grands w/bdays in March.
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Post by suzwantstobefree on Dec 25, 2010 8:12:28 GMT -5
12/25 Did you stay on budget for this Christmas and what will you do next year if you did not?
I did pretty well this year but next year I am going to save my credit card rewards for next year and try to cut down my actual dollars spent. (I pay off my credit card in full each month so the rewards aren't "costing" me anything).
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