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Post by thinblue on Jan 19, 2011 13:21:25 GMT -5
I have continued to put $6.84 into my savings every day I brown bag my lunch! 13th straight day! Yay me! ;D
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vnot
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 14:05:11 GMT -5
Posts: 73
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Post by vnot on Jan 19, 2011 13:41:51 GMT -5
I have continued to put $6.84 into my savings every day I brown bag my lunch! 13th straight day! Yay me! ;D Wow, that's a pretty cool idea! Right now I bring lunch to work 4-5 days a week (some Fridays I eat out as a treat). I may have to try out that trick to get me to save more!
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Post by thinblue on Jan 19, 2011 13:56:25 GMT -5
vnot - I did a couple week analysis and figured that on average that's what I was spending each day. It was also not the healthiest choices, so now, I plan and execute bringing lunch to work. It has also taken out the 10 minute guessing game at the office..."where do you want to eat today?" Savings this month so far .... $88.92!
ETA....deepindebt...I liked your post! I gave you karma!
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coffeegrl
Established Member
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 0:33:29 GMT -5
Posts: 383
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Post by coffeegrl on Jan 19, 2011 17:21:01 GMT -5
I just called my cable company and cancelled my cable service. That will save me $66.79/month, which equals $801.48 for the year!!!! And I never watch cable anyway. When I see the overall yearly savings, makes me wish I had done this sooner!
I kept my high speed, wireless internet, as I'm in Grad School. "Technically" I could just sit in the library all day, when I need to work, but it's nice to not have to leave my house on some days and just do my work in my comfy clothes and makeup free face.
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family legacy
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 21:10:56 GMT -5
Posts: 177
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Post by family legacy on Jan 19, 2011 18:53:29 GMT -5
sweet! Thanks thinblue!
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,420
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Post by startsmart on Jan 19, 2011 20:39:37 GMT -5
Well I'm working constantly because we just launched an amazing online program.
*I negotiated a 20% raise in my hourly rate *I'll receive profit share from this program *I'm hiring a team to work under me as I do more managerial work and support the team in bigger ways
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ambellamy
Established Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
Posts: 458
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Post by ambellamy on Jan 20, 2011 9:31:08 GMT -5
I'm 20 days into my no spend month, and holding strong. Just groceries, gas, and bills.
I redeemed some points at MYPOINTS for a $25 giftcard to Target because I need new running socks. So that's something I won't have to pay actualy $$$ for =) So when I get the card I'll pick up running socks, and some shampoo... then pocket the remainder of the giftcard for something else i'll need next month.
I'm also 20 days in to being a vegitarian. I've lost a little weight too (which is always a plus). But Mexican sounds really yummy so I think i'll have to make some cheese enchilads, mexican rice and refried beans. that sounds delish!
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Deleted
Joined: Mar 19, 2024 8:02:03 GMT -5
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2011 12:30:48 GMT -5
This actually happened yesterday, but I didn't have time to tell it.
I found my credit cards!!!!! I recently took my primary card out of my wallet to stop my incessant on-line shopping. After I'd dressed for work, I decided to put the card up with all the others. When I opened my lockbox, I could see that the pack wasn't in its normal place. That's when I remembered that I'd removed it and hid it elsewhere.
I thought, "No problem!" I just placed inside of one of my other boxes. After going through box #6, I started to get worried. I went through all of the boxes with no luck. I didn't have any mroe time to waste as I needed to get to work. I was on my way out when I down at my donation pile. The Holy Spirit nudged me to look in the boxes, eventhough I just knew I'd already searched them before putting them in the pile. Lo and behold! The credit card stack was hidden in a box that I'd taken out for donation. I didn't know whether to jump for joy or kick myself!
Note to self.....STOP HIDING THINGS...I'm getting too old for this level of stress.
Removing credit card from wallet....Thrifty Finding credit card pack in Donation box....Life saving!
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MonicaLee5186
Established Member
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:04:30 GMT -5
Posts: 299
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Post by MonicaLee5186 on Jan 20, 2011 19:14:54 GMT -5
Ohh I was excited all day to post on this thread! Today on a break from work I went and sold some gold jewelry that i never wore, pieces that had lost their mates, etc. I got $34 for jewelry that was just sitting around in a drawer a few weeks ago while my fiance was off of work (he works for a university, they were closed for the holiday) he sold on Craigslist a bike that I won at a bar and a flashlight that his cousin bought for him, but it ended up being the wrong one. each of those brought in $100! So we're up $234 for the month We opened an online savings account to start saving money for the wedding. I will transfer the $34 in tonight, the $200 was already moved over. I'm having this urge lately to clean out the "stuff" in this apartment, so if I can do that AND make money off of it? That makes me one happy girl! ;D
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sj3339sta
New Member
Joined: Jan 14, 2011 21:39:53 GMT -5
Posts: 19
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Post by sj3339sta on Jan 20, 2011 23:34:31 GMT -5
Today I switched my cable tv provider. Prior to this, we had been paying $107/month for internet and phone. We were then paying $70/month for cable tv. With the new bundle, we will be paying $95/month for all three for the first year and $110/month after that year. So, we are basically getting free cable tv. WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!
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Post by mastershake on Jan 20, 2011 23:59:51 GMT -5
I needed to get my 30K mile check-up/service done on my car (it is necessary to keep the warranty valid) so I called the dealership. Their 30K service pack included a coolant and transmission flush along with some other stuff and they wanted $470 dollars for it. I just about fell over! I went home, read the requirements in the manual, and talked to my car buff friend. Found out the coolant flush isn't required until 60k and the transmission until 100k! I just need an oil change, new spark plugs (which oddly enough wasn't part of the dealership's package), a new air filter, and to inspect a bunch of hoses and what not. My friend is going to help me out with it and everything should only cost about $50.
Moral of the story - doing your own research pays ($400).
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happyscooter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 5, 2011 9:04:06 GMT -5
Posts: 2,416
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Post by happyscooter on Jan 21, 2011 6:12:09 GMT -5
mastershake, go on line and see if you can print a coupon from Auto Zone or Advance. I get Advance coupons in the mail all of the time. $10 off of a $50 purchase.
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ambellamy
Established Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
Posts: 458
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Post by ambellamy on Jan 21, 2011 8:56:27 GMT -5
I went to my bible study last night and we had a semi potluck. I was asked to bring a couple of two liters, and i found them for 0.77 a piece at Ralphs!! (I never buy soda but I know that's a good deal for my area)... and I was sent home with leftovers which will make a nice happy lunch today for me. =)
I also got a little bit of overtime yesterday working on a project... so I'll be able to use that towards my wedding.
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Post by texaspn on Jan 21, 2011 13:39:44 GMT -5
DH took the car in yesterday to get a flat fixed and see about getting new tires. The manager at Discount Tires, fixed the flat, checked the tire tread and said we still had a lot of good tire usage there, and didn't charge us a penny!
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Agatha
Familiar Member
Yes, I guess I'm a rather sedate dragon. Fire-breathing only at request or when absolutely necessary
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:21:21 GMT -5
Posts: 644
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Post by Agatha on Jan 21, 2011 17:09:10 GMT -5
DH took the car in yesterday to get a flat fixed and see about getting new tires. The manager at Discount Tires, fixed the flat, checked the tire tread and said we still had a lot of good tire usage there, and didn't charge us a penny! Don't you just love Discount Tires? They've saved me a bundle!
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Post by desertmover on Jan 21, 2011 17:58:18 GMT -5
Put an additional blanket on the bed and snuggled the dog instead of turning up the thermostat! Drove way below the speed limit to avoid sliding into a ditch and wrecking my car. Ate leftovers for lunch. Hugged my DH for stress relief.
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constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
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Post by constanz22 on Jan 21, 2011 18:09:17 GMT -5
Yesterday I decided to list a set of barstools on Craigslist. I have someone coming tonight to buy them for $150, which is pretty darn close to what I paid for them 2 years ago! Yes, I will probably replace them, but, I never really needed 4 in the first place, just bought all 4 cuz I found such a great price. They also weren't exactly what I was looking for at the time. I still have $100 gift card from Target, so, will check there first. Very excited!
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ambellamy
Established Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
Posts: 458
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Post by ambellamy on Jan 22, 2011 12:34:05 GMT -5
I filed my taxes with turbo tax, and while I paid almost $70 to get them done, without the software I would have lost out on a lot of deductions I wasn't aware of... and that makes me more mindful for my taxes for 2011... I didn't know you could write mileage off to go to the doctors, or your copay fees for doctors visits and perscriptions (as long as its 7.5% of your AGI)...
I also realized I may have more charitable mileage that I can write off for a different charity I volunteer for. =)
and i finally took the time to look up my VLF to add that in there too!
and i realized that most of my itemized deductions from my federal taxes are transfered to my state taxes, so i saved a bundle there too!!!! (If i used the free file on the FTB, I would have just claimed the personal standard deduction there without knowing about it)
all the money is going towards my wedding in July so i'm excited. With the gift from my mom ($5000), and my tax returns, we should have all the money we need to pay for everything in cash now!
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Post by yogi on Jan 22, 2011 15:51:52 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. Texasjunebaby, I am in the midwest and buy the broken king crab legs from our local grocery chain, Hy-Vee. They don't have the $3.99 deal often, but when they do I always stock up! $7.99 is still a really good deal for king crab! Sometimes you can also get a deal if you buy an entire box from Costco.
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dogmom
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 7:00:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,094
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Post by dogmom on Jan 22, 2011 16:35:02 GMT -5
I shopped by sale and coupons only. It kept me in budget. However, I wasn't satisfied with the "sale" our local grocery chain offers and their misleading ad. I contacted them about it. I don't expect anything in return, but, most of where I live there are seniors and, because they won't go elsewhere due to "convenience" are really being ripped off. Otherwise got some exercise trying to break up some of the ice in our driveway.
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Deleted
Joined: Mar 19, 2024 8:02:03 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2011 1:02:11 GMT -5
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. Texasjunebaby, I am in the midwest and buy the broken king crab legs from our local grocery chain, Hy-Vee. They don't have the $3.99 deal often, but when they do I always stock up! $7.99 is still a really good deal for king crab! Sometimes you can also get a deal if you buy an entire box from Costco. Thanks for the follow-up Yogi...Too bad there's no Hy-Vee here and I don't have a freezer. But I may look into the Costco deal....Maybe have a girls' night.
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nalto
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:31:54 GMT -5
Posts: 777
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Post by nalto on Jan 24, 2011 1:41:23 GMT -5
Did I miss if Morro ever made it over?
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donnafreedman
Junior Member
Smart Spending Host
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:09:39 GMT -5
Posts: 230
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Post by donnafreedman on Jan 24, 2011 1:59:43 GMT -5
Morro did make it over. What I did today: Ate the last of the egg salad for dinner. I'd made a batch of it the other day. Frankly I didn't *feel* like eating egg salad, but I reasoned that (a) I'd made it so (b) I should eat it. It tasted good. I just felt picky. I didn't want that to be an excuse not to eat the perfectly good food. Also: I clipped the coupons while noting that there aren't any great deals this week -- so I'll stay out of Walgreens et al.
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lindabc123
New Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 18:23:17 GMT -5
Posts: 22
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Post by lindabc123 on Jan 24, 2011 2:36:12 GMT -5
Donna: Is Morro still under the same name as she was on the MSN Money board?
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Post by sidney on Jan 24, 2011 11:23:42 GMT -5
Ohh I was excited all day to post on this thread! Today on a break from work I went and sold some gold jewelry that i never wore, pieces that had lost their mates, etc. I got $34 for jewelry that was just sitting around in a drawer a few weeks ago while my fiance was off of work (he works for a university, they were closed for the holiday) he sold on Craigslist a bike that I won at a bar and a flashlight that his cousin bought for him, but it ended up being the wrong one. each of those brought in $100! So we're up $234 for the month We opened an online savings account to start saving money for the wedding. I will transfer the $34 in tonight, the $200 was already moved over. I'm having this urge lately to clean out the "stuff" in this apartment, so if I can do that AND make money off of it? That makes me one happy girl! ;D Good Job. Way to get creative.
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Post by yogi on Jan 24, 2011 19:49:25 GMT -5
Baked homemade lasagna for dinner. Perfect comfort food on a freezing cold night like tonight. Plus, we have enough leftover for 3 or 4 lunches.
Also managed to transfer an extra $200 into my emergency fund today, yay!
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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 Jan 24, 2011 22:26:54 GMT -5
I ended up spending a little bit, but not much, today and was able to use a $10 coupon!
I had a coupon from World Market (Cost Plus) for $10 off any puchase. I had been wanting one of the the double walled plastic tumblers with a lid - they kind of look like what you get chai tea served in at Starbucks - and a straw but they are so expensive. SB's has them but I couldn't justify the price. Well, World Market had them for $6.99 each and with my coupon, I paid $3.98 with tax for two! Should save on ice consumption and save the tables from water rings. So spent a little - it had been planed for - and ended up getting double what I intended for just a little over half of what I that I would spend. DH already had one and now I will have one and when we move in with DMIL later this year, she can have one also.
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ambellamy
Established Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 10:05:26 GMT -5
Posts: 458
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Post by ambellamy on Jan 25, 2011 9:26:30 GMT -5
Since i'm wedding planning/paying... I was looking at some pictures of my wedding dress from the alterations day... and I really fell in love with the photos without this extra beaded ribbon sash i had originally picked out to add some sparkle to the dress.
So when the item arrived and I went to pick it up, I returned it, and i returned 4 pairs of earrings i got for my bridesmaids and maid of honor to wear and i swaped it out for the following:
earrings and a necklace for me 4 earrings with matching necklaces for my Bridesmaids and MOH a blusher that i'm really going to use as a simple veil
and i only had $27 out of pocket!
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Post by bobbysgirl on Jan 25, 2011 9:48:02 GMT -5
Well I'm working constantly because we just launched an amazing online program. *I negotiated a 20% raise in my hourly rate *I'll receive profit share from this program *I'm hiring a team to work under me as I do more managerial work and support the team in bigger ways My Gosh START. Look how far you've come in under a year! Congradulations!
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Post by bobbysgirl on Jan 25, 2011 9:50:02 GMT -5
I love this thread - I was very new to the Smart Spending Boards, thank you to all who got them up and running over here. What I did today to save money, called and reduced my land-line, cable, and Internet bill - by 20% for six months, and then 10% for a year. Will call after that. I am calling to refinance my mortgage - to 3.96 for 15years, from 6.086 - Have to get my cell phone out of my husband's name into mine for a 22% savings through my employer - overall goal - reduce our output by 10% for utilities, use that money to pay down mortgages early. Fund retirement accounts, build EF - and get grocery/HH bill down to $100. per month for a family of 4 (could be impossible if I don't find some good coupons and deals). Any help and encouragement is WELCOME 4HENDRICKS: Making such big decisions is commendable. It seems you are ready. Keep up your emotional health by shaking your head at yourself when you feel you goofed up and move along quickly. We've all made boo boos.
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