marvholly
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:45:21 GMT -5
Posts: 6,540
|
Post by marvholly on Jan 6, 2011 6:58:49 GMT -5
Right now I am making a pot (3/more servings) of bef vegtable soup from powdered bullion, frozen mixed veggies and a bunch of fresh veggies that were nearly neding to be tossed + some fresh mushrooms.
|
|
ambellamy
Established Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
Posts: 458
|
Post by ambellamy on Jan 6, 2011 9:16:15 GMT -5
It wasn't yesterday, but A few days ago I really need new running shoes... but they are normally $75.00 at the running store so I decided to hunt online...
I got an online coupon from Kohls for 20% off my purchase, paired it with a gift card from a return i made a while ago (which has $6.60 on it) and was able to score good running shoes (my feet pronate) for $40.00 out of pocket.
I had $50 in xmas money from an aunt so I took $40 of it for shoes, and used the $10 to go towards a pair of work slacks from the Limited that I got for Free because I took back a $30 shirt that didn't fit right that I got as a xmas gift, and I had my sister use her employee discount to make the purchase and the return for me.
=)
Last night I used up about 1/4 of a can of leaftover chili on a baked potato so I wouldn't have to toss it down the drain. It was a nice change instead of butter and sour cream.
I'm also trying out a month as a vegitarian... so i'll report on that later.
|
|
|
Post by sidney on Jan 6, 2011 11:29:58 GMT -5
Nothing exciting to report. Just two days in a row of no spend.
|
|
dividend
Established Member
It's 5:00 somewhere.
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 21:31:29 GMT -5
Posts: 387
|
Post by dividend on Jan 6, 2011 11:56:16 GMT -5
I quit smoking yesterday. It's been 26 hours, 48 minutes of pure torture since then. I've been smoking since I was 14 years old (I'll be 30 in April), and never seriously tried to quit until now. And this seriously sucks. But it will definitely save money ($90/month), and improve my life. But it sucks right now!
|
|
|
Post by sidney on Jan 6, 2011 12:02:29 GMT -5
I quit smoking yesterday. It's been 26 hours, 48 minutes of pure torture since then. I've been smoking since I was 14 years old (I'll be 30 in April), and never seriously tried to quit until now. And this seriously sucks. But it will definitely save money ($90/month), and improve my life. But it sucks right now! Good Luck. I don't smoke but I heard it's very tough to quit. Keep working at it one day at a time.
|
|
|
Post by ash on Jan 6, 2011 12:45:17 GMT -5
I'm here!!! Did everyone else make over?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Mar 28, 2024 19:13:32 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2011 12:55:02 GMT -5
I bought "broken" king crab legs for $3.99 per pound which is a STEAL for king crab. I bought 7 pounds, and the bonus is that most of the pieces are not broken up much. I plan to steam them with potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp. Mmmmmm ;D Yogi, please tell me where you found this deal!!!! My best friend and I usually buy them 1 every other month or so as a treat at $9.99 a lb on sale from Randalls. I know Krogers ususally has them at $7.99 on sale; however, Randall's come star-cut; makes them so much easier to crack.
|
|
naturallyfrugal
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 21:52:01 GMT -5
Posts: 160
|
Post by naturallyfrugal on Jan 6, 2011 16:03:52 GMT -5
Good luck, Dividend! My husband is trying to stop, too but he's not doing it totally cold turkey....he's starting out by not smoking once he get homes in the evening and then cutting back more, in stages, after that.......
|
|
|
Post by enjoythejourney on Jan 7, 2011 10:26:12 GMT -5
Okay, I did this two days ago, but here goes. I'm the new president for a volunteer group that helps abused children Had to have a first board meeting/kick-off luncheon at my house.
First off, I served lunch to 20 people -- a nice lunch -- for around $50. But, this is the BIGGIE. These women work hard as volunteers and many do this in addition to their professions, so I wanted to do something to thank them in advance. I wanted to have a favor at each place. I considered lgift bags, but I would have spent WAY too much to fill them. Dropping by Bed, Bath and Beyond, I found these great Amaryllis plant kits in bright attractive boxes (no wrapping needed) marked down 75 percent. I went into BBB to get some hand soap (w/ my 20 percent off coupon of course) and came out with these. Adding my handsoap onto the purchase of 20 plants, I used a $10-off-$30- purchase coupon which was a better deal than the 20% off. I REALLY HOPE NONE OF MY GUESTS ARE READING THIS...these big beautiful favors set at each place setting were priced at $1.25 each. But, I actually paid ONLY $1 each. WooHoo. And, they looked soooo good.
|
|
|
Post by texaspn on Jan 7, 2011 16:25:48 GMT -5
Got a free bottle of fish oil at Kroger-BOGO sale plus $2 off on the bottle I paid for.
|
|
djmj3284
New Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 19:13:56 GMT -5
Posts: 38
|
Post by djmj3284 on Jan 7, 2011 17:32:15 GMT -5
I haven't bought anything since Tuesday. When I lucked out and got to the grocery store just as the meat counter was closing and got 31 lbs of ground sirloin for 1.29/lb. So 3 days of hamburgers and then we browned all the remainder into 1 lb bags for casseroles for a couple of months. Today I may break my streak and buy gas, so I can come back to work tomorrow.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Mar 28, 2024 19:13:32 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2011 19:52:19 GMT -5
Congrats dividend! It sucks...esp when the craving hits. What I did for cutting out smoking and cutting back on Pepsi and Energy Drinks, was I started an extra sheet on my budget in excel and named it bad habits. I also started a savings account with the same name. I update it each day and will transfer the savings over. It helps (short term with the withdrawls) to watch it add up.
|
|
|
Post by bobbysgirl on Jan 7, 2011 20:55:02 GMT -5
I so wanted a pizza from PH, but had a grilled cheese sandwich instead. Does that count? I've spent 12.43 so far this month. I'm trying to stick with journaling my expenditures so I can see my weaknesses. Oh I forgot I did spend 10.95 at Garnet Hill today for 3 lunch bags for the grands for birthdays. They were 2.00 a piece and shipping was the rest. The reviews were 5 star so I thought a small toy and the bags would be a good gift.
|
|
coffeegrl
Established Member
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 0:33:29 GMT -5
Posts: 383
|
Post by coffeegrl on Jan 7, 2011 21:08:27 GMT -5
Hi everyone! This is my first post but I lurked over at the MSN Smart Spending Boards for a long time. I guess I haven't really done anything to save money (yet) for 2011. But I have been trying to improve my life which will help me save money. I decided that this year, instead of making one big goal that I don't stick with, I was going to make a small one every month and hopefully, after a month, it would stick for the rest of the year. For January, my goal is to get my 2 bed/1 bath apartment ORGANIZED. So far, my bedroom is organized, including the walk-in closet. I have another curtain to put up and a picture or two, but am waiting till I get a second opinion on where the pics should go before I put them up. I can't decide. My bathroom is organized, which includes the laundry room. My living room is organized. My office (which is technically the dining room, but I just have a small table and chairs, so plenty of room for my desk and a bookcase) is organized. This leaves the kitchen (which is smaller than the last place I lived, so it's going to be a bit of a hassle figuring storage out), two small hall closets (very small), a slightly larger closet in my "office" and the spare bedroom, with closet. Right now the spare bedroom is cluttered with boxes and crap. Some boxes haven't been opened since I packed them up from my mom's home back in August 2003 and moved to my first place. Sometimes I think I should just the boxes completely, but then I worry about what might be in there. So I just have to do it. GET ORGANIZED! I figure that somehow, that will help me save money. So many times I have thought to myself, "I should have that somewhere." But I don't know where I put "that" (whatever it is I'm looking for), and had to buy a new one. Little background on me. I have a bachelor's degree. Spent several years in retail management and decided that wasn't for me. Went back to school for a year to figure out what I wanted to do and am starting Grad School in a week for a Master's in Higher Education Administration. I do have debt, both CC and SL. No car payment. I think I have a leak in my power steering though. So my "Save Money and Improve My Life" Goal for January is to get organized! I hope to accomplish it and then decide on one for February!
|
|
rubyslippers
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 19:32:42 GMT -5
Posts: 1,001
|
Post by rubyslippers on Jan 7, 2011 22:25:06 GMT -5
Coffeegirl, I'm sure when you find ways to be better organized, you will save money too. My dear mother was never organized and after she died, we found many duplicates and triplicates of the same things because she forgot she had them or she didn't remember where she put them. I have an aunt who is very organized and I remember her telling me that she could be blind and find anything she needed in her house because she knew where everything was. I think that is the key, having a place for everything. Good luck!
|
|
Apple
Junior Associate
Always travel with a sense of humor
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5
Posts: 9,931
Mini-Profile Name Color: dc0e29
|
Post by Apple on Jan 7, 2011 23:02:27 GMT -5
I love bleu cheese (in salads, on pizza or hamburgers, etc) and found it today at the "used food grocery store" for $1.50 a pound. Bought a small chunk and came home to see if you can freeze bleu cheese--you can I'll open it up and see if I like it (to me it's hit or miss with every different brand, some I like, some I can't stand) and if I do, I'll buy a couple more packages tomorrow and put it in the freezer. I rarely buy it because it's so expensive, but if it's good it'll be worth it to stock up a little.
|
|
motherto2
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 15:42:27 GMT -5
Posts: 1,719
|
Post by motherto2 on Jan 7, 2011 23:52:01 GMT -5
I ate in at work all week, to include one of the boss's 50th bday surprise pizza party ( showed up but didn't eat). looked at some cheap books on Borders for my new ebook, but didn't purchase them yet. Returned a couple of things today, got $20 back on one and even though I had the gift recpt for DD shirt, they credited the money back to her grandmother's cc. So much for trying to not let her grandmother know she didn't like it
|
|
NastyWoman
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 20:50:37 GMT -5
Posts: 14,233
Member is Online
|
Post by NastyWoman on Jan 8, 2011 4:01:35 GMT -5
All of you did such creative things to save money. I am not quite there. However, I do get paid weekly and noticed increase in net income due to the the 2% reduction in SS tax. So I turned around and increased my 401k with holdings by 2%. This will give me a little extra once I won't be able to work anymore
|
|
patchwork150
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 19:01:28 GMT -5
Posts: 240
|
Post by patchwork150 on Jan 8, 2011 13:20:27 GMT -5
funny Joss, I was going to post the same thing. I was notified my check will have 2% extra from the ssi reduction next week (bi-weekly pay) so I added the extra 2% for this year into my 401k. I still will get the taxes back on that 2% in my check, so yay me.
|
|
Apple
Junior Associate
Always travel with a sense of humor
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5
Posts: 9,931
Mini-Profile Name Color: dc0e29
|
Post by Apple on Jan 8, 2011 13:54:56 GMT -5
Wow, I haven't noticed the 2% yet. I'll look for that. I won't put it on my 401k yet though, I'll put it toward the new house. Once that is completed I'll be bumping up my retirement (right now I put away 15% with a 6% match, I've been at the max allowed since I was 21, until they changed it to a dollar amount instead of a percentage.) With the house as the last huge goal (vacations don't cost near as much, and I like nice vacations) retirement will be next.
|
|
|
Post by suzwantstobefree on Jan 8, 2011 14:06:46 GMT -5
Today I went to the grocery store and picked up everything I need for breakfast, work lunches and dinners this week. I started cooking a little bit today and will have a fridge full of good things to eat that won't require me to go out to lunch this week.
|
|
|
Post by lovemylife on Jan 8, 2011 19:15:06 GMT -5
Cleaned out my pantry and found a can of pumpkin that was ready to expire and made two yummy loaves for breakfast or company!!
|
|
Apple
Junior Associate
Always travel with a sense of humor
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5
Posts: 9,931
Mini-Profile Name Color: dc0e29
|
Post by Apple on Jan 8, 2011 21:09:02 GMT -5
I went to the grocery store and picked up about $3 in veggies (beets, celery and coleslaw) and made becks's borscht for DS for dinner (something he asked me to make a couple months ago, I'd never seen it before and then becks offered to post a re-designed recipe DS is happy, I actually liked it too (I don't like veggies or tomato soup so I didn't know what to expect). Now there are enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow so I'll only have to cook dinner. ETA: the recipe is posted in "other soups" if you want to take a look. I can't believe I finally had nearly everything on hand. Parsnips were 50 cents a pound this week (parents didn't plant any this summer) so Ms Rigby's Parsnip cake will be tomorrow or later this week.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,425
|
Post by startsmart on Jan 9, 2011 13:41:39 GMT -5
Yesterday I stayed home, mostly inside and didn't spend a dime. Instead I,
*moved out the Christmas tree *vacuumed the carpet (all those needles!) *rearranged furniture in the living room *moved more things to the garage for donation *folded laundry *made a stack of towels to donate *cooked a pasta dish for lunches this week *watched movies I bought on sale over Christmas *gave candy from my grandma to a friend who will eat it (in full disclosure it came from grandma) *edited pictures from my DSLR
I also put in a few hours of work and arranged to visit one of my cousins when I'm in Colorado on a work trip this month. Really looking forward to it!
Today I get to meet an awesome friend for lunch, will peruse the bookstore but probably not buy (self imposed book ban) and get my hair cut. Pretty frugal day. I'll also be working 5-6 hours tonight since I submit my payroll tomorrow.
|
|
|
Post by texaspn on Jan 9, 2011 14:42:15 GMT -5
Haven't bought anything for the past two days but did spend money on a continuing education course, which will be reimbursed-that improves my life by keeping my nursing license up to date.
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Jan 9, 2011 15:15:35 GMT -5
I didn't leave the house yesterday or today, so, no money spent, no gas used. I usually go to the grocery store on Sunday, but, decided I don't really NEED anything, so, again, no money spent on stuff I don't need.
I gathered up a bunch of stuff I bought at Walmart after Christmas to return tomorrow. Yeah, it was all 75% off, but, I don't need it so it's going back. I should get back $25 or more.
I've been weeding out my master closet. I'm so tired of having a closet so stuffed full that I can't even put away the clean laundry, yet feel like I have "nothing to wear." So, yesterday, I took EVERYTHING out of the closet, put in on the bed in the spare bedroom and have been going through it all weekend. I already pulled out over 30 items to donate and I'm still working on it.
|
|
|
Post by bobbysgirl on Jan 9, 2011 15:33:50 GMT -5
I've been staying home too. Tomorrow i will go to RA and do some fancy footwork.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Mar 28, 2024 19:13:32 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2011 17:11:11 GMT -5
I had a package of hamburger I got on sale thawed. It was a big pack and I froze it before I split it. So I made 2 sheppard's pies, and 2 lazy man lasagna's (both are 2 meals for me) and a batch of spaghetti sauce that should feed me until at least Tuesday. All for under $10 all ingredients included.
|
|
Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 12,284
Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
|
Post by Artemis Windsong on Jan 9, 2011 17:56:29 GMT -5
Two goof ups. I didn't print the CVS $3 off a $15 purchase e-mail coupon BUT I did get the $10 EB on the kleenex offer and used my extra savings coupon. The 2nd was a woman gave me the money off refrigerator coupon for chicken breasts. I didn't have time to go back, get them and go through the line; so I put the coupon by the other coupons for someone else.
I need to slow up and think things through.
|
|
Becks
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 5, 2011 22:36:58 GMT -5
Posts: 887
|
Post by Becks on Jan 9, 2011 21:52:12 GMT -5
I haven't left the house all weekend. Picked up just a handful of groceries Friday and cooked a few decent meals using what I had on hand. Cheapo pizza for $2.50 Friday which will be 3 meals for me in the short term. Added fresh mushrooms and green pepper to perk it up a bit.
Saturday lunch was a big pot of Borscht, which helped me use up a bunch of fresh veggies. I even got the beets the night before on clearance, everything else was on hand. Sat. evening, defrosted shrimp, mixed with pea pods I had frozen previously, w/julienned carrots in a simple homemade peanut sauce. Wonderful!
I made a small batch of chocolate chip cookies today, which is a rarity, but a nice treat. Overall a low key weekend, and I was able to get various things done around the homestead at my own pace. Which makes me feel productive despite being a hermit!
|
|