If you've been reading my posts, you know that I sometimes talk about other ways in which I'm trying to lower our cost of living, besides just paying off existing debts.
For example, I've worked on lowering our electric bill, and I was able to lower our phone bill as well.
Well, today I am writing about groceries. The truth is that although they're a necessity, we don't have to pay as much as we do for them. Case in point, there are specific items that we ALWAYS buy (whether weekly, monthly or what), and if we buy them in bulk when they're on sale, we keep some of that money in our pockets.
Here are the things I was able to save money on this week:
Pork Sirloin Chops 1.99/lb Usually 4.49/lb.
Chicken breasts 1.68/lb Usually 2.99/lb
Bagels 2.50, Usually 3.69 (we like the really good ones)
Frozen blueberries 2 for 1
Toilet paper 2 for 1
Paper towel 2 for 1
Etc, etc, etc.
The point is, if I just bought what I needed this week/month, then I am going to pay more money for them the next time I need them b/c I can't count on them being on sale. So, I buy mass quantities of what I can stock up on. Then, I do it again the next time these items are on sale.
Doing this means you have to budget so much into your groceries for stocking up. You can do it, it just requires planning. A helpful website for planning is www.sundaysaver.com. You can look up your local grocery store's Sunday ads pages, click the items you are interested in, and print a list for that store. Then, you won't get distracted by other items in the store. Just stick to your list!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
$100 paid
It's not a big payment, but it's chipping away at that debt nonetheless. I made a $100 payment to the credit card. Ahh, it feels good to be knocking this sucker out, one payment at a time, until it's gone!!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
$300 payment...Attacking The LAST CREDIT CARD!!!
I paid $300 to the last of the credit cards this family will ever see!! I've got a ways to go, but I can SEE the finish line.
A year ago my family's life was very different. Fundamentally we were the same, but when bills are on your mind, and looking at the numbers makes a person queasy, life is definitely different for the spirit.
Today, I feel anxious in a good way when I sit down to look at the numbers. I am anxious about finishing up paying off debts. I am anxoius about getting aggressive in paying off our house. I am itching to get started on college funds for our kids. It's all POSITIVE excitement and anxiety.
What a difference a year of focused, conscious planning makes.
A year ago my family's life was very different. Fundamentally we were the same, but when bills are on your mind, and looking at the numbers makes a person queasy, life is definitely different for the spirit.
Today, I feel anxious in a good way when I sit down to look at the numbers. I am anxious about finishing up paying off debts. I am anxoius about getting aggressive in paying off our house. I am itching to get started on college funds for our kids. It's all POSITIVE excitement and anxiety.
What a difference a year of focused, conscious planning makes.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
1 DOWN, 3 to go!
It's official!!! Today I pay off credit card #1!
I paid $570 yesterday, and today I pay $422.60!! And, that sucker is out of my life, my wallet, my consciousness!
It feels awesome!!
I paid $570 yesterday, and today I pay $422.60!! And, that sucker is out of my life, my wallet, my consciousness!
It feels awesome!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
$150 to CC
And, the momentum begins to build back up!!! I paid 150 to the credit card today, and deposited a couple of paychecks. So, when those get posted, I will be sending another payment. Then, that big paycheck is coming for a month's worth of test proctoring, and I can't wait to put that towards debt.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Momentum, Interrupted
It's amazing how slipping even a little bit out of a good routine can derail an entire gameplan. I wouldn't say that's exactly what's happened to me, but I can say that my momentum has been slightly interrupted.
First, I chose to take a portion of my income and put it towards a home improvement project that we've meant to do for years. Although this seemed like a very practical choice, I missed not being able to post that I'd used that $ for a credit card payment.
Second, I started a new testing gig, and it only pays once a month. So, once a month there will be a BIG payment post, but again, I miss the momentum of posting 2-4 times a month that I've made payments. (However, I will LOVE seeing the post of the BIG payment I make once a month).
Third, one of my testing gigs has had some human resources turnover, and it seems to have occurred with their payroll department. They are a couple of checks behind.
The good news is that while October has appeared to be a lean month, I think it will end with a BANG. I just have to be paitent and wait for it.
:-)
God bless.
First, I chose to take a portion of my income and put it towards a home improvement project that we've meant to do for years. Although this seemed like a very practical choice, I missed not being able to post that I'd used that $ for a credit card payment.
Second, I started a new testing gig, and it only pays once a month. So, once a month there will be a BIG payment post, but again, I miss the momentum of posting 2-4 times a month that I've made payments. (However, I will LOVE seeing the post of the BIG payment I make once a month).
Third, one of my testing gigs has had some human resources turnover, and it seems to have occurred with their payroll department. They are a couple of checks behind.
The good news is that while October has appeared to be a lean month, I think it will end with a BANG. I just have to be paitent and wait for it.
:-)
God bless.
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