tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73604419874642602352023-11-16T02:37:55.647-08:00Paying it Off One Penny at a TimeA blog documenting my journey towards debt freedom, financial peace, and learning about personal finance.Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-2717024168083433762018-07-24T23:15:00.000-07:002018-08-03T04:28:44.719-07:0030 Days of Financial Action -- Day Two: LEGIT Online Data Entry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito1wK0zSIw7C6PRQ9G8zSYaSXhwxH7T4iMIiIQ0SaEP7qQgeH4Au8cXQ2tgyFhD3pAU5GUuzJJ2_Lo0OqmcW_6-bX2WZgW45HjB7s7CcJMSyeoNH1j_yvo5M-gYyPPTDBUjPy4RZNHA4/s1600/30+days+day+two.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="30 Days of Financial Action -- Day Two: LEGIT Online Data Entry" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito1wK0zSIw7C6PRQ9G8zSYaSXhwxH7T4iMIiIQ0SaEP7qQgeH4Au8cXQ2tgyFhD3pAU5GUuzJJ2_Lo0OqmcW_6-bX2WZgW45HjB7s7CcJMSyeoNH1j_yvo5M-gYyPPTDBUjPy4RZNHA4/s640/30+days+day+two.png" title="30 Days of Financial Action -- Day Two: LEGIT Online Data Entry" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday, I mentioned that I found a legitimate source for online data entry. There are a lot of scams out there, but there are a few real, legit options too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many legitimate online data entry gigs require you to work set hours and/or meet weekly or monthly productivity criteria (or even daily or hourly!). None of those options would work for me since I already have a full time job and lots of other responsibilities. Plus, I was looking specifically for options with flexibility.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stumbled upon an organization that has since changed names a few times, but at present is called <a href="https://thesmartcrowd.lionbridge.com/" target="_blank">The Smart Crowd from a company called Lionbridge</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because of privacy issues, I can't really share much in the way of screenshots, but here is the current home page:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://thesmartcrowd.lionbridge.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="967" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbheIxZBDX_jIFF6Ke971h3HklQnorJESMvUShCDtUJ2qknNx-eywIVfWTxZ67HbWje7RT4I5XOGOGcrj-RoMysXLtMFTa70BccdbGz0yicAsbp88NrUqA3A_-r2Uwje8FJZsojlPiAk/s400/SmartCrowd.png" title="The Smart Crowd online data entry" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You are <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">NOT </span></i></b>going to get rich with this, and you are most likely <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">NOT </span></i></b>going to be able to even pay your regular monthly bills. It's very low paying data entry work, but for me, the flexibility to do it anytime from anywhere in the USA are great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Typically, I earn enough money to pay for my monthly gas and a bit more, if I'm really on top of things.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I first signed up with The Smart Crowd, I took a few typing and data entry tests and then had to sit back and wait. Several weeks later, I received an email stating my application had been approved and I could begin working.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When you are finally set up, you log in and see a list of jobs, each falling into a type of data entry category and each with their own rules for processing. You click on one and are taken to a screen with a box on top showing a clip to enter and a blank box for your data entry. Below that, there are two preview windows of the next two snippets to be typed or entered.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main screen, after logging in, also shows you a break down of your productivity and earnings for the current month, current week, and current day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At present, pay out occurs on the 15th and the 1st of every month if you earn a minimum of $30. This past month, I earned $48. My goal kept increasing as I moved past $30, and I had hoped to reach $60, but real life got in the way of those plans -- real life is one of the reasons I like the flexibility of this gig!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I mentioned, you aren't likely to be able to pay your bills off of this data entry option, but you will earn enough for a tank of gas and a few other things if you really buckle down and stick with it. However, if life interferes, it's not a big deal to drop it for a day, a week, or even several months and then pick right back up again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are interested in trying it out, click <a href="https://thesmartcrowd.lionbridge.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to learn more about The Smart Crowd data entry.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What little side gigs do you have going on? </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaujSf7Wvm8pzOjfTj28VVEc3ZpYTvtfPU1yvnenhIDA7cieyofsukCBjurkb4cfMoKGA8YtZLpD09ipKDcCX_Ysj-QXk01Ltu5OVpfsVsM4wSzOvk-7UYLiuy988knr-Lj4sQ55XJhzI/s1600/Malea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="442" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaujSf7Wvm8pzOjfTj28VVEc3ZpYTvtfPU1yvnenhIDA7cieyofsukCBjurkb4cfMoKGA8YtZLpD09ipKDcCX_Ysj-QXk01Ltu5OVpfsVsM4wSzOvk-7UYLiuy988knr-Lj4sQ55XJhzI/s320/Malea.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are you following a cash envelope system to get your finances straight? Check out this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/259369892/printable-cash-budget-envelope-doubles?ref=shop_home_active_48" target="_blank">download-and-print cash envelope on Etsy</a>. It's fun, inexpensive, and you can print as many copies as you need! It doubles as a coloring page too:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/259369892/printable-cash-budget-envelope-doubles?ref=shop_home_active_48" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMNJODWTtoVzs7BZt31pyExe2gd_mMx9S8xmRvc4L1HOldHX60p5KGBmjkKArq5NWlsiH7QkUd6GyzlQlBAXwotq-ju5E_4YjjWOfkoVXqFdksvZs2_VOgEx_sGBM-byzHB_tNoX05Ec/s320/envelope1.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/259369892/printable-cash-budget-envelope-doubles?ref=shop_home_active_48" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7ePFjfiwUTrBOGDgrpgytC6jI-C4V4R8woPAix84Yk-jtj8JtPPpN_IkNP_Ab9ldz52odNA0_o3xew2KAVf31xyZLLUot2MNPgaQFgn4heHkUExVJwIx4RV7KpM8hEVYO_rCOyKcm6o/s320/envelope2.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/259369892/printable-cash-budget-envelope-doubles?ref=shop_home_active_48" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="570" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVfbSktdMOo3tIov7-mUBWJrtZz3YxDyruhFpkl6bPiGGh_U6oI7c_iNRNZei78Ev-t6GJay9f_bev7jvPQ4LPHnPUcc3yedFAnuDV7u9XhFitWeb-R0dU9jP8IAF6zgxi6l0MK4Co2g/s320/envelope3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out Day One of my 30 Days of Financial Action:</span><br />
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<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2018/07/30-days-of-financial-action-day-1.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0_TWR2hja0yvp2ztMNQ1byDsOz7GaABypO19l6x-OXoTVVnrf9sG4_zkxBL9Lp8zaNm98PjJhRSHjnKXmOP0qjskztSZr6V6gf9WM_Dmm5i4-Gh635iwOpI1KUi23LqJWeiLn6fNrpM/s320/30+Days+Day+One+Twitter.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-87382013888333506532018-07-23T11:32:00.000-07:002018-07-23T11:32:22.899-07:0030 Days of Financial Action: Day 1 -- Getting Started<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7XzY8mCpPJmb9SB3k1ZqS71L1hK5KDP18LmdtAp6ppWnS3nDLWUXu9TN4_RBgFaPSnAXUScg7_KX6e2YgCqJqLhbLfBks_ld5CJm8WkZovw7-zu_HTZQ3597hUJnvSh0y5QmbmqipYQ/s1600/30+Days+Day+One.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="30 Days of Financial Action: Day 1 -- Getting Started" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7XzY8mCpPJmb9SB3k1ZqS71L1hK5KDP18LmdtAp6ppWnS3nDLWUXu9TN4_RBgFaPSnAXUScg7_KX6e2YgCqJqLhbLfBks_ld5CJm8WkZovw7-zu_HTZQ3597hUJnvSh0y5QmbmqipYQ/s640/30+Days+Day+One.png" title="30 Days of Financial Action: Day 1 -- Getting Started" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't blogged at Paying it Off One Penny at a Time in a really long time! I've just had so much going on, as well as a bit of (a lot of) anxiety and depression. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, I recently got my mojo back and am here to embark on renewing my journey to financial freedom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, I am committing to blogging for 30 days about my DAILY financial freedom actions.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>So, what have I done today towards my financial goals?</i></b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some online data entry--my goal is to cross the $30 earnings mark today (I'm at just under $28) which is the minimum required to be paid. {{Edited: I crossed the $30 mark!}}</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I added a few items to several craft supply destash bags that I have listed on local Facebook buy/sell/trade groups.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made coffee AT HOME instead of going and buying a drink.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did my own yard work until it warmed up enough for some bees to come out and start hovering.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>My goals for the rest of today, financially are:</i></b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bump up my Facebook buy/sell/trade listings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Add my Facebook listings to NextDoor App and Let Go.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep on the data entry throughout the day, even if I cross the $30 mark.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See if a job I want has posted, and if it has, apply!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get in touch with my accountant about some things he was supposed to send me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get in touch with my lawyer about my uncle's estate and probate issues.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Work on listings for one of my Etsy shops -- <a href="http://thecraftyhermitress.etsy.com/" target="_blank">The Crafty Hermitress</a>.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How about you? What are you working on in your financial freedom journey?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Come back tomorrow when I blog about online data entry--I found a LEGITIMATE online data entry company!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-PvjR-XzJA_YG7iGB08rtmZ1ej69SMKeZPKYDk6GnHGypNSh1iQ3jYpFv7vGpqfrTBDKtW8vIbTCHugkldlJwwFlGgZ-v0ESqB4Ne3maONJZmK7XysvjOrZPJuDHq3ysFM-2lXenTFI/s1600/Malea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="442" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-PvjR-XzJA_YG7iGB08rtmZ1ej69SMKeZPKYDk6GnHGypNSh1iQ3jYpFv7vGpqfrTBDKtW8vIbTCHugkldlJwwFlGgZ-v0ESqB4Ne3maONJZmK7XysvjOrZPJuDHq3ysFM-2lXenTFI/s320/Malea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-34943675424564409112018-06-25T04:56:00.000-07:002018-08-05T04:57:30.465-07:0030 Days of Financial Action -- Day 3: Resisting temptation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCNWLLN7gYLVZwe-QJSnCTkMCNaaSSjbW7ZC6ZxgKkv7IKlCbu4eYoLKht_XLF1cnFl89OegQy_s7EGqF3EdWlwmMvmoaRo_s8Sg-8D842R0ksU0AVN7yr6XvouN73QEuBq-k3fWEGdc/s1600/Copy+of+30+days+day+two+Twitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="30 Days of Financial Action -- Day 3: Resisting temptation" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCNWLLN7gYLVZwe-QJSnCTkMCNaaSSjbW7ZC6ZxgKkv7IKlCbu4eYoLKht_XLF1cnFl89OegQy_s7EGqF3EdWlwmMvmoaRo_s8Sg-8D842R0ksU0AVN7yr6XvouN73QEuBq-k3fWEGdc/s640/Copy+of+30+days+day+two+Twitter.png" title="30 Days of Financial Action -- Day 3: Resisting temptation" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hat was so cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I LOVE a good hat and I only have two...what's one more?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was sooooo cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I clicked on "add to bag" and put the hat in my virtual shopping cart. I browsed some more and added a meal planner to my cart. I added a sticker sheet. I browsed some more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then, I clicked on my shopping cart and saw the total.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NOPE! Not going to buy anything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Does that happen to you too? You see a great shopping haul video on YouTube or a cute pic on Instagram and next thing you know, you're mindlessly adding things to virtual shopping carts and making purchases without really thinking about it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ugh!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, I had a sudden flash of cash flying out of my bank account to make this purchase and I stopped myself. I had almost $100 of products in my shopping cart, and it would have been so, so easy to enter my billing details and check out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instead, I tried to remember my desire to be debt free, to own my own home, and go on amazing adventures around the globe. I can't do any of that if I'm mindlessly spending money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Does this moment of resisting temptation mean I've been perfect lately? Nope. I did spend more than I planned at the grocery store two days ago -- largely because I took my son with me and that almost always means going off-list. And, I did buy take away coffee last night and the night before on my way to work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall though, I've been doing pretty well with minimizing my spending the past two weeks. And, since that blip a few days ago, I've been even more conscious of my spending habits. Last night, I almost went to Subway on my way to work for a sandwich, but instead, I remembered all those off-list items I'd purchased at the grocery store and found something in my freezer to take to work. And, instead of getting a snack from a convenience store on my break at work, I packed the second half of a smoothie which I'd stashed in my freezer two days ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My spending habits aren't perfect, but I'm trying and I'm doing better at curbing mindless spending and avoiding temptations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How about you? How often do you cave in to temptation?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaujSf7Wvm8pzOjfTj28VVEc3ZpYTvtfPU1yvnenhIDA7cieyofsukCBjurkb4cfMoKGA8YtZLpD09ipKDcCX_Ysj-QXk01Ltu5OVpfsVsM4wSzOvk-7UYLiuy988knr-Lj4sQ55XJhzI/s1600/Malea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="442" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaujSf7Wvm8pzOjfTj28VVEc3ZpYTvtfPU1yvnenhIDA7cieyofsukCBjurkb4cfMoKGA8YtZLpD09ipKDcCX_Ysj-QXk01Ltu5OVpfsVsM4wSzOvk-7UYLiuy988knr-Lj4sQ55XJhzI/s320/Malea.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other posts in this series:</span></div>
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<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2018/08/30-days-of-financial-action-day-two.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOc9L-kmuYQQkfMe3iev4QU5MjJu8CRuHk9QW9U1gtyLYVH_PJZZ5wjVTT974qZ9hUJ8SG3RrghzFQkQPENA0mGnoba0kRNY7J_acP-L08Zf0eG5QvHtTB74T-yyy3EKdX0HrTw9Dljc/s320/30+Days+Day+2+Twitter.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2018/07/30-days-of-financial-action-day-1.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUUSFYNPbSyNIQFnk75voNyHFG_VnfWuFs6t2wat0WyXH1YbecHhqQefSZtFlOIlImrqaWvaBM5zgYXJFvWB-9YrKbTxpZQQCKGUiiGphkZAVeJnRwJaEDdQGwo0XwCsGebPKjnQtRxg/s320/30+Days+Day+One+Twitter.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-24477341676377642382016-07-09T15:22:00.000-07:002016-07-09T15:25:45.498-07:00Grocery Haul: July 1st, 2016 and the grocery savings and rebate apps I love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qhymKXJYpCJO0lJLIMniMKHo4qDZ3xfmHz5dpxYNb4gC9weUrvhBS10Taued3WX1c3b9BVNuaI27bTYWTYD0GOkDq5WyZXfucONbQYwjqN-pWG15cgYBAiK4POOOb1WWSAygVw_yGak/s1600/July+Grocery+Haul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paying It Off One Penny at a Time: July 1, 2016 Grocery haul and the savings and rebate apps I love" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qhymKXJYpCJO0lJLIMniMKHo4qDZ3xfmHz5dpxYNb4gC9weUrvhBS10Taued3WX1c3b9BVNuaI27bTYWTYD0GOkDq5WyZXfucONbQYwjqN-pWG15cgYBAiK4POOOb1WWSAygVw_yGak/s640/July+Grocery+Haul.jpg" title="Paying It Off One Penny at a Time: July 1, 2016 Grocery haul and the savings and rebate apps I love" width="426" /></a></div>
I happen to LOVE grocery haul videos on YouTube! I don't know why, but they get me kind of excited. I really like seeing how other people eat and what groceries in different areas of the country and at different stores cost compared to my own.<br />
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I'm not quite at the taking video stage yet, but I plan to get there. In the meantime, here is my grocery haul (well, part of it) from July 1st, 2016. I made a few additional stops over the last few days for more produce and staples that were cheaper elsewhere, but this gives you a basic idea of some of what we eat.<br />
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Please note, we are a family of two--a mom and a teenage boy. We also buy most of our produce separately at different stores so not a lot of produce is pictured here.<br />
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The apps I mention below are (please note, some are affiliate links):<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://ibota.com/r/p6xnxw" target="_blank">Ibotta</a></li>
<li><a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">Saving Star</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.checkout51.com/" target="_blank">Checkout 51</a></li>
</ul>
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and the website I print my coupons from is:<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> -- Go to the Shopping tab in the menu and then find the link for grocery coupons. With Saving Star, you get points for redeeming coupons. These points, along with points accrued from other activities via Swagbucks, can be redeemed for giftcards. Over the last several years, I have paid for my son's birthday and Christmas presents almost entirely with giftcards earned in this manner. Most months, I am able to earn an average of $20 in Amazon gift cards via Swagbucks. Sometimes I earn a bit more and sometimes I cash out for Starbucks gift cards instead. You can earn a lot more on Swagbucks, but it can be time intensive if you aren't picky. It can also generate a lot of unnecessary junk email if you aren't careful. </li>
</ul>
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Most of these apps and the website are only available to users in the USA, although I believe Checkout 51 is also available in Canada.<br />
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Since that haul, I did temporarily misplace my receipts so I am not totally sure of how much I spent or what my savings were overall, but I recall being pleased other than a hiccup with three coupons that I mention below. On average, I save 30 to 50% per grocery trip BEFORE applying rebate app savings. On occasion I get up to 75% savings. My dream, of course, is a 100% savings trip!<br />
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On to the haul...<br />
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We eat a lot of sandwiches so I picked up two packages of Oscar Mayer lunch meat--both on sale AND I had a coupon. I also picked up a package of dry salami (on sale) and two packages of pre-cooked sausages. And, for my son I picked up a package of pre-sliced Tillamook cheese. For cooking and baking, I picked up a package of Imperial margarine since I am allergic to dairy and thus can't use regular butter. The cheese was on sale AND a rebate was available via the savings app Ibotta. I printed the coupon for the lunchmeat via the website <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4pyVASep3URFrBJ7XM8jgQUHiKhWyAZmgU7uYbExWWZdmv8ZctRuRwNgpUKmX_RNgX-d03riYLIS0KrI2FMd0FufJYCX-ZYQXLXTnWE4J5CGRoKpHJ91m7Qw21Ud0nhR6QtMZpxhYWw/s1600/20160703_172844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4pyVASep3URFrBJ7XM8jgQUHiKhWyAZmgU7uYbExWWZdmv8ZctRuRwNgpUKmX_RNgX-d03riYLIS0KrI2FMd0FufJYCX-ZYQXLXTnWE4J5CGRoKpHJ91m7Qw21Ud0nhR6QtMZpxhYWw/s320/20160703_172844.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sugary cereals aren't my ideal, but sometimes we need a super easy sweet treat. Cereal was on sale AND I had coupons printed from <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> AND a rebate from <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">Saving Star</a>. We use rice milk in place of regular cow's milk and were running low so I picked up two containers. Our favorite bread was not in stock so I bought our second favorite as well as some bagels. The hamburger buns were on sale AND I had a rebate available from <a href="http://ibotta.com/r/p6xnxw" target="_blank">Ibotta</a> resulting in the buns costing next to nothing. We just use them for regular sandwiches. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvpsM700Dw37RmEJQrWOlZQC3ZWcSjR0r5hleeAm1har-Iz4WJVHlHrBiKIHsZDNWXYkkofJ-37nryPFFoMY64HgNHgZP8a14BeNRYz1FWeVb6ziUUvhWqMNpmq72uo1XzSsg-GBY-HI/s1600/20160703_173013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvpsM700Dw37RmEJQrWOlZQC3ZWcSjR0r5hleeAm1har-Iz4WJVHlHrBiKIHsZDNWXYkkofJ-37nryPFFoMY64HgNHgZP8a14BeNRYz1FWeVb6ziUUvhWqMNpmq72uo1XzSsg-GBY-HI/s320/20160703_173013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had run out of laundry detergent so I picked up a new bottle. My hair also has been unusually tangled and coarse lately, I think due to the water quality where we live now, so I also picked up some apple cider vinegar. Dilute it with water (I do about 20% vinegar to 80% water most of the time but increase the vinegar after swimming) and pour it over your hair after shampooing and rinsing. Then, rinse it out. The tangles come out so easily! It's like magic!</div>
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I also bought some bulk oatmeal, unbleached flour, and sugar to make blueberry muffins--I guessed on how much of each I would need and my guess was spot-on! I also bought my favorite jelly (with a coupon) and muffin tin liners for the blueberry muffins. The jelly jar also will eventually become a bulk spices container once the jelly is all gone and I've washed out the jar. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOzz5WYzlekKmPAIejzbWOfruURDicEdPUBn1GukcHEqFyAKJ4aCsNzJwSTrDndoNrtfU3PPtn3n4UrSx8CAOyMJkkzfXYyFhOB3QbdYjM8rFpvJszEzjgtt97piA05uNn7HwBNtIK5k/s1600/20160703_173159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdOzz5WYzlekKmPAIejzbWOfruURDicEdPUBn1GukcHEqFyAKJ4aCsNzJwSTrDndoNrtfU3PPtn3n4UrSx8CAOyMJkkzfXYyFhOB3QbdYjM8rFpvJszEzjgtt97piA05uNn7HwBNtIK5k/s320/20160703_173159.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lighbulbs...I bought a reading lamp after our move due to not enough natural light in our space, and the only bulbs I had available were much to high in wattage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTqaKTb9FMcrb2WBzm1r97dXzKjS7iocZDTNnMkiN_s4XFTy5zNNMGgT-CYbnyT7E_1-NZUfAMyuw1IDsuSn9aP8gaJJYs_Ieg7N_Wogwm3mjMBKD50BXNa9oTfz9kMu535BsesbhK64/s1600/20160703_173308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTqaKTb9FMcrb2WBzm1r97dXzKjS7iocZDTNnMkiN_s4XFTy5zNNMGgT-CYbnyT7E_1-NZUfAMyuw1IDsuSn9aP8gaJJYs_Ieg7N_Wogwm3mjMBKD50BXNa9oTfz9kMu535BsesbhK64/s320/20160703_173308.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
PRODUCE! You can see the blueberries in the back, then two bell peppers, one bunch of radishes, a pound or so of green beans, zucchini, and tomatoes. I had rebates for the peppers and zucchini via Ibotta. I also had a rebate for tomatoes through the app Checkout 51.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SRefluP9-b3vQWdyfB6I35WblLC-Zg8-eZqBTmULsKKh2Pa3fyWxAYEhTAjzohACX8EIYe59F0MosBpZos2rU_2Ym1cQ8rB4WCpSgIy-n_idzrhy_E0g7C-Wd5Uckq3KysoCV8iQ8_Q/s1600/20160703_172724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SRefluP9-b3vQWdyfB6I35WblLC-Zg8-eZqBTmULsKKh2Pa3fyWxAYEhTAjzohACX8EIYe59F0MosBpZos2rU_2Ym1cQ8rB4WCpSgIy-n_idzrhy_E0g7C-Wd5Uckq3KysoCV8iQ8_Q/s320/20160703_172724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Snackies... The Wheat Thin crackers were on sale and I had a rebate available through Checkout 51. I had coupons for the Justin's nutbutter packets that should have made them free, but they resulted in an error message each time the cashier tried to use them. I ended up paying full price for each nutbutter packet and plan to write to the company for a refund due to the coupon problem. I also received a rebate on the Luna bar from both Ibotta and SavingStar and a coupon and a sale price resulting in my $1 Lunabar costing me only 25-cents! The pretzel bites and soda...no comment! My son actually bought the chips himself but gave me the cash and tossed them into our cart.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w5g7ikmrthQ9u_RjWJ6f5RjmoXQ_VOtWLlBsrprOoW_SY6HOv5RhPfMh0ruOAcDjI-ThQVfHayrDRakViln2WxH0KUW7D3t80MQndmayJYU05whAlyScjBgnIwiCYDVSHyGD7CcMB3w/s1600/20160703_172545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w5g7ikmrthQ9u_RjWJ6f5RjmoXQ_VOtWLlBsrprOoW_SY6HOv5RhPfMh0ruOAcDjI-ThQVfHayrDRakViln2WxH0KUW7D3t80MQndmayJYU05whAlyScjBgnIwiCYDVSHyGD7CcMB3w/s320/20160703_172545.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My work schedule makes it hard for me to prepare three meals per day every day for both of us, so my son gets more frozen foods than I care to admit. The Morning Star patties are for me though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsL9Lbs3JaKizU-0Ol61IaEymkz663IiJK65k7BdkR7sV5tz2GEdoIsjge8JyAJ8Fb9F4MJJE71YZ9NZvBiPn5ssSUwe0M7rNwL9d909bGjb2g-ta8xiO3EwjkoVxy7iOK06aj9x_UXE/s1600/20160703_172320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsL9Lbs3JaKizU-0Ol61IaEymkz663IiJK65k7BdkR7sV5tz2GEdoIsjge8JyAJ8Fb9F4MJJE71YZ9NZvBiPn5ssSUwe0M7rNwL9d909bGjb2g-ta8xiO3EwjkoVxy7iOK06aj9x_UXE/s320/20160703_172320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These next three pictures show my shopping and savings method. I write out a list of what's on sale from each store I frequent with the sale prices, item names, item sizes, and any limitations. Then I also mark (SC) if I have a store coupon, (C) if I have any other coupon, and then abbreviations for any apps that have rebates or offers on the items on my list. </div>
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So, I might write:</div>
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<ul>
<li>$1 Luna Bar (C) (Ib) (S*) to indicate that Luna bars are on sale for $1 but I have a coupon plus rebates available from both Ibotta and Saving Star.</li>
</ul>
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I also note the rebates I have selected from <a href="http://ibotta.com/r/p6xnxw" target="_blank">Ibotta</a>, <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">Saving Star</a>, and <a href="http://www.checkout51.com/" target="_blank">Checkout 51</a>. At the top of the page, I make a list of anything else on my shopping list. After I get home or get back to my car, depending on how many rebates I need to take care of or how many stops I've made, I process the rebates. For Ibotta, Saving Star, and Checkout 51 and my local stores, this involves scanning the barcodes on most items (the apps include the scanning mechanism) and taking pictures of the receipts. Ibotta pays out the fastests after scanning your items, but Ibotta and Checkout 51 both require that you accrue $20 before you can actually get the rebates sent to you. Saving Star has a threshold of $5 before you can request your rebates. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjY7v2Sbf1ZPcK6sGYCa6EFrgKwp_lZ2Ui_m37XxavDZ4nK6bHQdJxGjtjaqpj7Ep26kgEj9l7mJur6E0QJySht0PTqYuIqap2RtEZGdUVx9AQwYL6dgRqZwP7vJCoilrhxhKZCuTXGM/s1600/20160703_173517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjY7v2Sbf1ZPcK6sGYCa6EFrgKwp_lZ2Ui_m37XxavDZ4nK6bHQdJxGjtjaqpj7Ep26kgEj9l7mJur6E0QJySht0PTqYuIqap2RtEZGdUVx9AQwYL6dgRqZwP7vJCoilrhxhKZCuTXGM/s320/20160703_173517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mqusIVW-FxGiZVfO5S8lTZRgKIPwMZoJkHHpKQ4-_Dgo9tZSuq4sdwZBiL_oZ-P4ftQoMh_2Q5DPyS6pEbgc4pKPGPxzNEC-s9rgZv91qdmotz-yW4MTVy4MiCpg4iJCJ17d4CahKj8/s1600/20160703_173529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mqusIVW-FxGiZVfO5S8lTZRgKIPwMZoJkHHpKQ4-_Dgo9tZSuq4sdwZBiL_oZ-P4ftQoMh_2Q5DPyS6pEbgc4pKPGPxzNEC-s9rgZv91qdmotz-yW4MTVy4MiCpg4iJCJ17d4CahKj8/s320/20160703_173529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThvvIocxFUq9XmtOZZrjtR4-_IPZrK7w0WT6ecAgV7IJFcyI7IGXIt56eML-EuzCjheR_PjcWiuUX2jx3ZpQ3cfUrTh82w5aTKFSe09ONE72ifICXZbF86y_nTsKUlrW__N4x2S7E5Qc/s1600/20160703_173537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I also recently started using <a href="http://get.shopkick.com/nevada76840" target="_blank">Shopkick</a>. I'm so new to it that I have yet to decide how useful it will be. It appears that you can get deals and savings through Shopkick, but I am far more interested in the fact that you can accumulate points (called "kicks") just by walking into certain stores or by scanning the bar codes on selected products. Right now I have 275 kicks. </div>
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You can trade the points in for gift cards ranging from Starbucks to TJ Maxx/Homegoods/Marshalls to clothing stores to Wal-Mart. Some are available for as little as 500 kicks, but that is only for a $2 gift card. My current goal is 1250 kicks for a TJ Maxx/Homegoods/Marshalls gift card as we moved at the start of June and have lots of things to replace! Our move was far enough that we got rid of almost everything we owned before moving (sold, donated, or trashed everything!).</div>
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If you use <a href="http://get.shopkick.com/nevada76840" target="_blank">Shopkick</a> or <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> and redeem your points or kicks for Starbuck's gift cards, be sure that you register one card and transfer all of your balances to it via Starbuck's! That way, every time you make a purchase using your Starbuck's gift card you can earn Star Rewards--points towards free drinks, food, and merchandise. Most of the time you earn 2 stars for every dollar spent, but there are monthly double reward days and other deals and specials that can greatly increase your stars and your potential for freebies. </div>
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What other apps or saving programs do you utilize? I have downloaded a few others but either they don't have items available that I would use or they aren't as easy to navigate. </div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-9048018803442509022016-06-25T16:52:00.000-07:002016-07-09T16:04:38.861-07:00Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze -- Introduction and Chapter One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1UEVap5" target="_blank"><img alt="Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOPqYZ4NAaexoob78Kno5Cy6TZMsF7ONQepSoewPpDQyfZk3BW0xKu2gzdswmz5eycsojV0k_vYGpuT64mJ2Wv0nDyRAwkCZwPrXYxHwgRvgLScLsxOe_8664bDxApiFfwHTrNxQrc_A/s640/smartmoney.jpg" title="Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze" width="428" /></a></div>
Recently, my former boss and great friend took me to a women's entrepreneurs conference at her church. It was sponsored in part by Dave Ramey's organization and many of the presenters based their business savvy on Dave Ramsey-like principles.<br />
<br />
Although I was not there for the first day, my boss/friend showed me the book she had picked up, <a href="http://amzn.to/1UEVap5" target="_blank"><i>Smart Money Smart Kids</i> by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze</a> (Ramsey's daughter). Not only did she get this book, but it was bundled with several other items for the price of the book. As the day wore on, I kept thinking about that book and finally wandered over to the table where Ramsey and Cruze's books were beings old. Rachel wasn't there, but the person at the table was gracious and kind and I ended up buying the book and the bundle. And...I got a signed copy of the book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqJskYqEMC7SVT425C-QV1tGZZbZaodtJyjg7OPitsM8iJNKIq-lU88nC9RSrmIjnaFarD0lG1BHwSj9oipN_HbReljFIQ9ZhUP9HrxoTZLF0CG_ZKMX7580er4yC7-7XltfmfJKKZW0/s1600/cruz+signed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqJskYqEMC7SVT425C-QV1tGZZbZaodtJyjg7OPitsM8iJNKIq-lU88nC9RSrmIjnaFarD0lG1BHwSj9oipN_HbReljFIQ9ZhUP9HrxoTZLF0CG_ZKMX7580er4yC7-7XltfmfJKKZW0/s320/cruz+signed.png" width="320" /></a></div>
While my son, at nearly 18, is much older than the principles in the book are meant for, I think it will still be valuable to us as we navigate financial freedom. I still have a ton of debt to pay down and we aren't anywhere near being able to afford to own a place of our own. My son is about to start college too and I don't want him to end up with a pile of debt just as his adult life gets under way.<br />
<br />
So, although I had already read the first two chapters, I am going to restart the book and have my son read it as well.<br />
<br />
Below are our thoughts on the introduction and chapter one.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>My thoughts:</b></i></span><br />
My first impression of <i>Smart Money Smart Kids </i>is that Dave Ramsey has been-there-done-that. It's easy to forget that he once was in my position: worried about money, beating himself up over stupid money mistakes, and wondering how on earth he could get his family's financial situation back on track. From the start, he is honest about how it felt to be handling money poorly and seeing the impact on his family. His daughter also paint a clear picture of her childhood as being anything but flashy and filled with whatever money can buy. This is a down-to-earth, humble family who built themselves back up from ruin to financial stability and beyond.<br />
<br />
Reading chapter one was a bit difficult for me as it's written from the point of view of Rachel, Dave Ramsey's daughter. I kept thinking, but I'm the parent! I'm the one that should know how to handle money! I'm the one that should be teaching my son money lessons! We shouldn't be having to learn these things together and the child should definitely not be having to teach the parent! Ramsey's daughter is only ten years older than my son and I had a moment of, "You're not old enough to teach me this!"<br />
<br />
I got over it though...<br />
<br />
My son and I <i><b>NEED </b></i>this. We both <i><b>NEED </b></i>to improve our financial situations. We both <i><b>NEED </b></i>to be financially free.<br />
<br />
So, I kept reading...<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>My son's thoughts: </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<div>
I read the introduction and first chapter of the book. I don't
really know what to write about specifically because most of the
introduction and first chapter are just the authors talking about
their personal and family success and how they've helped so many other
people, and then also reminiscing about events in their life which I
can't really identify with or relate to. I'm not really 100% with
their mindset of big success, big business, big money and all that as it
is; I just want to be happy. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Money is not necessary for happiness. It
just helps you get along in the modern age and opens up new avenues for
you. I see it more as a resource rather than a means of being
successful; if you're an idiot, you'll mess up and burn; if you're
smart, you'll get where you want eventually. </div>
We have basically no money to spend as it is, and I generally mindlessly squander the
majority of the money I'm handed because it will never, ever be enough
to pay off actual college funds, and the things I immediately want are
already just pointless material goods that I don't need and thus don't
need to 'save up' for. They don't really matter as much as bills that
I'd need to save for would, had I a house or a car. At the very least,
though, they keep me happy for a month or two and provide new things for
me to do with the people I spend most of my time.<br />
<br />
I
know my monetary choices may not seem smart, and they aren't smart,
but when I have an actual job and am trying to feed and clothe and house
myself, I'm confident enough with my intelligence to say I won't be
powerwashing all of my cash down the drain. <br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>My thoughts again:</b></i></span><br />
I think we NEED to read this book together. <br />
<br />
Pick up your own copy of Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze at your local library or from Amazon <a href="http://amzn.to/1UEVap5" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post contains affiliate links.</i></span></div>
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-23243629972077146992016-06-20T12:00:00.000-07:002016-06-20T16:00:21.924-07:00June 2016 update--it's been a while!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJc9Y8YQSCBzPp8zUTLzfi5IkuADsfigXJ2u-PMeF6sjTqYsQ3d5ULwXQGzKcfCOiNSE09-EZINSZX6AoKRTw6_UXMELMlMr9vWB8uemZgpxX_omAkHT1P-fuMXjy8ln4LHgkn-GgH2KM/s1600/june+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="June 2016 Update--Paying it off One Penny at a Time" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJc9Y8YQSCBzPp8zUTLzfi5IkuADsfigXJ2u-PMeF6sjTqYsQ3d5ULwXQGzKcfCOiNSE09-EZINSZX6AoKRTw6_UXMELMlMr9vWB8uemZgpxX_omAkHT1P-fuMXjy8ln4LHgkn-GgH2KM/s400/june+2016.jpg" title="June 2016 Update--Paying it off One Penny at a Time" width="353" /></a></div>
I can't believe I last blogged here in March and that I had only ONE post that month! If nothing else, that's a sign of how stressed I have been over the last several months.<br />
<br />
I had a job I loved (and now greatly miss) and great coworkers, a close friend in town, and my son and our dogs. But, beyond that my son and I both weren't feeling too satisfied with our lives. We were on the tightest budget we'd been on in a long time--made worse by the negative impact of benefits and a raise (more in a minute), and we just didn't really like where we were living.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Money was tight.</b></i><br />
<i><b>Moods were low.</b></i><br />
<i><b>We needed a change.</b></i><br />
<br />
Despite working hard earlier in the year and late last year to stick to a spending fast, it didn't help our budgets this winter and spring as I got hit with the flu for the second year in a row, followed by severe asthma, then severe seasonal allergies. Add to the mix a second virus that was quite flu-like.<br />
<br />
I was a mess. And when you feel like a mess, a lot of your promises to yourself go out the window.<br />
<br />
I dumped my spending fast in place of convenience.<br />
<br />
I didn't calculate the financial cost of taking a raise and more hours compared to the cost of the benefits that would come with those hours compared to getting a second part time job instead. I didn't calculate the cost of no longer qualifying for a reduced cost energy program or an employer sponsored health plan versus a state sponsored plan.<br />
<br />
I didn't calculate a lot of things.<br />
<br />
As a result, we became even more broke than we were before.<br />
<br />
I could say I just give up and let the world roll me over, but instead, I decided, along with my son, to make some huge changes in our lives.<br />
<br />
First of which was that we moved...not only did we move many, many miles away, but we moved in with a relative. This alone will save us several hundred dollars in expenses. We are paying him rent, but it's significantly less than what we would pay if we stayed in our old town, even if we had moved into something smaller or into a less well to do neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Second, I did get a new job that pays more and has the opportunity for bonuses, on average an extra $500 per month. I started last week and while it's been slow to start and a steep learning curve, I think I'm going to enjoy the job. Unfortunately, it will require a lot more driving so we'll see how that impacts my budget due to gas consumption.<br />
<br />
Third, I started a new business with a friend. Our immediate goals are to build our audience, but by the end of August, we hope to be turning a profit, even if it's small. Long-range, however, we believe we can earn a tidy sum while helping others. You can check it out <a href="http://www.mom2momed.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Fourth, <a href="http://andthenwesaved.com/spending-fast-prepping/" target="_blank">I had an article published on the blog And Then We Saved</a>! I didn't get paid for the article, but it's still a great accomplishment considering how widely read that blog is! Of course, the article was about how I planned to make my spending fast work! As noted above, my plans didn't exactly go as expected, but for the period of time that I was on track, I managed to pay off a tiny bit of debt, pay my expenses, and feel like I was on the right track.<br />
<br />
Fifth, I have recommitted to my spending fast! I already did well last week by not going to the nearby coffee shop when doing training at my new job's headquarters and I didn't stop at Starbucks on my way to or from training either. And, I've been looking ahead to this coming week. I know I will need to get gas and buy some groceries, but otherwise I plan to make do without.<br />
<br />
This coming week, instead of spending money I plan to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Catch up on reading (check out my reading blog <a href="http://caffeinatedwhilereading.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</li>
<li>Work on my new business with my business partner (check it out <a href="http://www.mom2momed.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>)</li>
<li>Walk my dogs more often, bringing my son along </li>
<li>Study for my new job</li>
<li>Plan for the following week</li>
</ul>
Overall, I feel like we are back on track and living with my relative is a critical part of the process of not only getting back on track, but staying there. My goal is to set aside as much money as possible over these next few months, building up my emergency savings fund, and to pay off some small, lingering debts. My hope is that I can pay off enough small debts to eliminate them AND to see my credit score rise. <br />
<br />
I even have a plan for when I feel like I need a reward or a treat for doing well--I have Starbucks gift card credit thanks to <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> and also a free drink from taking part in Starbucks's rewards program (using built up gift card credit!). At the moment, I am just shy of enough credit for two grande Americanos, but by Wednesday I should have two drinks covered. I'll save them up for a time when I'm really feeling that urge to splurge!<br />
<br />
Dave Ramsey suggests $1,000 in an emergency fund, but my goal will be to have $2,000 in an emergency fund by September 1st. It will be tight, but I think I can do it!Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-20205230463000679242016-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:002016-04-02T16:13:02.744-07:00Stop hunger now -- donate to your local food bank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAGRQWFZbMf6EhjuTg1bEb1o8ocJERKwLy-LalwRNynjM4x5uEEE4OKz5PqHWwFqgmhTAE2sGynwyDQYDXCXnTxlEFPD8UasKfPxQdXX6NNPclRDCIhorWNfm-9JsRNehyphenhyphen4Kr2fNzIDw/s1600/END+HUNGER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="End hunger in America -- donate to your local food bank" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAGRQWFZbMf6EhjuTg1bEb1o8ocJERKwLy-LalwRNynjM4x5uEEE4OKz5PqHWwFqgmhTAE2sGynwyDQYDXCXnTxlEFPD8UasKfPxQdXX6NNPclRDCIhorWNfm-9JsRNehyphenhyphen4Kr2fNzIDw/s400/END+HUNGER.jpg" title="End hunger in America -- donate to your local food bank" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What would you do if you were so broke that you literally could not afford to eat? Would you turn to a food bank?<br />
<br />
For many, a food bank is their only option, no matter how tight their budget is, no matter how careful they are with their money, no matter how hard they work. Although my son and I have never been truly at risk of going hungry, thanks to generous family members, there were times where help from family was the only reason we didn't end up at a food bank.<br />
<br />
Many years later, I still vividly remember those dark days, and as a result I have committed to donating to my local food bank (or food closet or food pantry--whichever term you prefer) as often as I can.<br />
<br />
I recently donated the following, in addition to many items not pictured--our local food bank takes both perishable and non-perishable food, as well as hygiene and personal care items--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAktaeus7aLYLjyaNve22USqMfF4w6AX6SUyVabj-nfPSJTHSuWL961m-PJ8M3XVLwXH5NQafqHII9m3auTAIxio61fYXrlrRQmmChx5-_zeQwqzSM9Au56Xfp7uaZ1oCszLrRfyXoKZQ/s1600/KIMG1214-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stop hunger now by donating to your local food bank" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAktaeus7aLYLjyaNve22USqMfF4w6AX6SUyVabj-nfPSJTHSuWL961m-PJ8M3XVLwXH5NQafqHII9m3auTAIxio61fYXrlrRQmmChx5-_zeQwqzSM9Au56Xfp7uaZ1oCszLrRfyXoKZQ/s400/KIMG1214-1.jpg" title="Stop hunger now by donating to your local food bank" width="308" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmJpO1tRFYntWI30wCNk0YODDBd4My59tnIEyTVErjqnyLUdxAa6tjZ8ZvWTQizD3dwugk5npAicTCtMv0ImD4rZ15icBA8mISMrI5jxc1qA3MLZCqkf9nTPbJksPQYfqkmWv4mSC2lc/s1600/IMG_20160207_180344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stop hunger in America -- donate to your local food bank" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmJpO1tRFYntWI30wCNk0YODDBd4My59tnIEyTVErjqnyLUdxAa6tjZ8ZvWTQizD3dwugk5npAicTCtMv0ImD4rZ15icBA8mISMrI5jxc1qA3MLZCqkf9nTPbJksPQYfqkmWv4mSC2lc/s320/IMG_20160207_180344.jpg" title="Stop hunger in America -- donate to your local food bank" width="320" /></a></div>
My donation, in the end, filled two large paper grocery bags and included:<br />
<ul>
<li>Several cans of soup</li>
<li>Several cans of beans</li>
<li>Several cans of vegetabls</li>
<li>Two full size tubes of toothpaste</li>
<li>Two razors</li>
<li>One box of tampons</li>
<li>Three boxes of breakfast cereal</li>
<li>Several bars of soap</li>
<li>Several sample size lotions and soaps</li>
<li>Dental floss</li>
</ul>
If you think you can't afford to donate to a food bank because your own budget is tight, consider looking more carefully at sales flyers and coupons. I've been able to get many items for pennies or even free and often those are items I pass on to the food bank. One of our local stores also has a huge sale two or three times per year where they have many canned goods marked down to a mere quarter per item! I use whatever change is in my wallet or purse to buy a few items for the food bank during these sales.<br />
<br />
If you have fruit trees or a garden that produces more than you can possibly consume, consider calling your food bank and asking if they take produce. In Arizona, not only do food banks accept produce, but if you have fruit trees, there are organizations that will come and glean (or harvest) them for you and deliver the excess to the food bank all for FREE!<br />
<br />
If YOU are in need of help or feeling despearately broke, please don't bear your burden alone! Check out <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">THESE</a> blog posts for ideas on how to make ends meet, where to turn for help, and more. Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-59800155795165373822016-02-19T12:00:00.000-08:002016-07-09T16:09:11.290-07:00Freebie Friday: Pinch Me Unboxing Day! {{Feb 19, 2016}}<div style="text-align: center;">
Freebie Friday: Pinch Me Unboxing Day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
February 19, 2016</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdghrNA-n2x4mJK9RJQ-pdtcG46zJC48D8bgv9c7Wvmjv25slp3MUpTRRa8deoBZcbB-7fPnh-H3UMTyzTKj38C0ADq4DhhItpkAOSl-eA6zfvDyRVqL2DF8mC9XNlxfjD4F0lj9SkRNo/s1600/pinchme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freebie Friday: Pinch Me Unboxing Day! 2/19/2016" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdghrNA-n2x4mJK9RJQ-pdtcG46zJC48D8bgv9c7Wvmjv25slp3MUpTRRa8deoBZcbB-7fPnh-H3UMTyzTKj38C0ADq4DhhItpkAOSl-eA6zfvDyRVqL2DF8mC9XNlxfjD4F0lj9SkRNo/s640/pinchme2.jpg" title="Freebie Friday: Pinch Me Unboxing Day! 2/19/2016" width="489" /></a></div>
I've mentioned PinchMe.com a few times, and I have to say....<br />
<br />
I LOVE A GOOD FREEBIE!<br />
<br />
Or two or three...<br />
<br />
I received my second Pinch Me box of free samples, and I am thrilled! The samples in my first box were good, but today's are GREAT!<br />
<br />
I didn't do an unboxing for my first Pinch Me order, but it contained a dog food sample, a small lotion, and a coupon for $100 off of a case of $160 worth of wine from an online retailer. I didn't select the wine coupon and don't drink enough to use it, but my dad might find it useful. Today's box had another wine coupon! I'll offer that one to my dad as well.<br />
<br />
Before I get into today's unboxing though, maybe I should tell you a little about Pinch Me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdo3xGqLuqNYfUO_foPWxSRKEhAyMCuxxTibMRrK3OifOVENz8SXNxTYfPFxp3WXvxw4r7o1Lb0qbJmAHuIro6y_sTJugNWpHvmM4_Y0vM3RwtaTztsnaHZp3Xnbr-V__GFFNAtFNAqI/s1600/pinchme1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PinchMe.com -- an UNBOXING" border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdo3xGqLuqNYfUO_foPWxSRKEhAyMCuxxTibMRrK3OifOVENz8SXNxTYfPFxp3WXvxw4r7o1Lb0qbJmAHuIro6y_sTJugNWpHvmM4_Y0vM3RwtaTztsnaHZp3Xnbr-V__GFFNAtFNAqI/s400/pinchme1.png" title="PinchMe.com -- an UNBOXING" width="400" /></a></div>
PinchMe.com is a website that allows you to select a couple of free samples every month or two to try out in exchange for a review. The samples might be for you, for a baby, for your pets, and so on. To qualify, you do have to fill out a profile about your interests, who you are, the makeup of your family, information about your pets, and so on.<br />
<br />
The samples you are offered are based on your profile. For example, I don't have a baby so I don't qualify for baby samples. We do have dogs, so we do qualify for dog-related samples but not cat related samples.<br />
<br />
Once you sign up, you will start getting emails periodically inviting you to select your samples for your next Pinch Me box. Once you've selected your samples, you sit back and wait. You'll get another email when your sample box has shipped. You can even track the shipping date on your Pinch Me dashboard.<br />
<br />
When you receive your samples, you try them out and then go back to PinchMe.com to review each item. So far, I've had one review that was just a few yes or no questions and another that was a few yes or no questions with a brief short answer to write out. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Easy peasy! </b></i></div>
<br />
The only downside to Pinch Me that I've come across so far is that you do get occasional emails inviting you to sign up for various offers or newsletters, such as for Tablespoon by General Mills. If you sign up for those offers, you may receive coupons and samples from these third parties, but you also will end up on a lot of email lists. So, when you get those emails, proceed with caution, or consider setting up a second email address just for Pinch Me and other similar programs and offers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Now, on to today's unboxing! </b></i></div>
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<br />
In today's Pinch Me box, I received a <b>nice sized sample of Purina One Smart Blend True Instinct Grain-Free Formula dog food</b>. It's enough for 3 meals between my two dogs. What I like about this sample:<br />
<ul>
<li>It's a decent size for a sample!</li>
<li>It doesn't smell weird or bad like many dog foods (although it doesn't smell like a bunch of roses either!).</li>
<li>The ingredients on the back are mostly recognizable or things I can easily figure out.</li>
<li>My dogs like it!</li>
</ul>
I also received <b>a much bigger than expected bottle of Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter body wash</b>. What I like about this sample:<br />
<ul>
<li>The size is honestly incredible for a free sample! It is four times as large as the lotion sample in last month's box!</li>
<li>It smells good (although the scent is a little stronger than I prefer).</li>
<li>It feels smooth going on.</li>
<li>It washes off nicely.</li>
<li>It came with a coupon so if I see it on sale somewhere, I might consider buying it. </li>
<ul>
<li>So, um, edited to add that I didn't read the label very carefully! This is BODY WASH, not lotion! Oops! It smelled great though and worked well as a lotion. But, once I noticed that it was body wash, I used it in the shower, and it's GREAT! Smells lovely. Goes on smooth, and rinses of with ease. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
And, I don't recall requesting this so maybe they automatically popped it in, but I also received<b> two packets of Truvia, the stevia-based calorie free sweetener with a coupon</b>. I've never tried Truvia and usually don't use sweetener alternatives. I might try it on my oatmeal tomorrow.<br />
<ul>
<li>Edited to add: I tried Truvia the next morning in my oatmeal and ended up throwing the oatmeal away. I did not like the flavor of Truvia at all. It didn't really make my oatmeal sweeter so much as gave it a bit of a chemical flavor. Odd considering Truvia is supposedly all natural. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Finally, I received <b>the wine coupon</b> that I mentioned above. I'll probably give it to my dad. It seems that they automatically put these in orders.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Overall, I really am enjoying Pinch Me, even though this was only my second box.</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can sign up <a href="http://www.pinchme.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd really appreciate it if you'd <i><b>enter code 7C42J when signing up</b></i> too!</div>
<br />
Have you tried Pinch Me? What did you think? What other samples and freebie programs do you participate in that I should check out??? Leave a comment!<br />
<br />
Edited to add: If you do give Pinch Me a try, make sure you update your profile regularly as this information is how you qualify for samples. I didn't qualify for the last two boxes--I believe one was focused on baby care (I have a teenager) and the other was focused on cats (I have two dogs). Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-77006995907810285412016-02-13T00:24:00.000-08:002016-02-22T00:25:04.265-08:00100 abundance affirmations - 76 to 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8j85aOLNdbzzpHYxB0L-5cFwa0ihS5xen2ES0UoZQbN15801ih4n2SkVmI_eLHdUVSZLqVULUab5xWvxfbmxJjnOwhkhsrN5Lcixfe8cBmKzzyLZpz66S-nlKiR3_W8RWAB9vDHu5Dg/s1600/ABUNDANCE+76+to+100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Affirmations for abundance" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8j85aOLNdbzzpHYxB0L-5cFwa0ihS5xen2ES0UoZQbN15801ih4n2SkVmI_eLHdUVSZLqVULUab5xWvxfbmxJjnOwhkhsrN5Lcixfe8cBmKzzyLZpz66S-nlKiR3_W8RWAB9vDHu5Dg/s400/ABUNDANCE+76+to+100.jpg" title="Affirmations for abundance" width="400" /></a></div>
Welcome back to the fourth and final installment of my 100 Abundance Affirmations! As mentioned last time, this series has become not just affirmations, but also gratitudes. Read 1 to 25 <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/100-abundance-affirmations-1-to-25.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, 26 to 50 <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/100-abundance-affirmations-26-to-50.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and 51 to 75 <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/100-abundance-affirmations-51-to-75.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Here are abundance affirmations and gratitudes 76 to 100:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">76. The Universe is eternally supportive of both my needs AND my wants.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">77. I no longer worry about needs and can afford my wants.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">78. My bank account is larger than I ever dreamed possible. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">79. I can afford my dream home with ease. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">80. We have the financial means to travel first class anytime we wish.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e69138;">81. Every time I open my mailbox, it is filled with money and freedom. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">82. My investments are constantly growing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">83. I live in a modest apartment not because I need to, but because I like my home.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">84. I use the library because I enjoy it, not because it's all I can afford.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">85. I can afford to buy any book I want, any time I want.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">86. I can easily afford take away coffee as often as I want without worry.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">87. I don't need to make financial sacrifices because I am on solid financial ground.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">88. I am grateful to the Universe for EVERYTHING in my life. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">89. I can afford to be generous with others. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">90. I am living a life of infinite abundance. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">91. I am prosperous beyond my wildest dreams.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">92. I am FREE.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">93. I release all resistance to financial wealth and prosperity. </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">94. I welcome wealth into my life with ease.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">95. I am grateful for all that I have.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79;">96. I am grateful to the abundance making its way to me now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">97. I am open to receiving all forms of wealth funneling their way to me. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">98. I can easily and effortlessly pay my bills. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">99. I can easily and effortlessly afford my needs AND my wants. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">100. Wealth loves me.</span><br />
<br />
Read the entire abundance series <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/abundance" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Read my series on what to do when you are desperately broke <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Visit the Etsy shop mentioned above to get fun and fabulous download-and-print coloring pages <a href="http://marblesandjam.etsy.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-26669825953198420012016-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:002016-02-22T00:40:43.056-08:00Money's tight and you're desperate -- Part V of V: Laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Part 5 of 5: Laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhviCHWwO-3gRziiwob2N0aswr1CEJ7JyD_aMeT42EIAuRh1lMiINAnpTBQltwQgDHEpA_Wx5kFGcCrTWHrYhyzyI4ILaU9R0g5zzjBPDDYkFv4FeyiHPIXpL0Z4AENmqgpXBHVWmTTA/s1600/broke5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Money's tight and you're desperate -- Part V of V: Laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhviCHWwO-3gRziiwob2N0aswr1CEJ7JyD_aMeT42EIAuRh1lMiINAnpTBQltwQgDHEpA_Wx5kFGcCrTWHrYhyzyI4ILaU9R0g5zzjBPDDYkFv4FeyiHPIXpL0Z4AENmqgpXBHVWmTTA/s400/broke5.jpg" title="Money's tight and you're desperate -- Part V of V: Laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care" width="400" /></a></div>
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This post is the last in my five part series on steps you can take when you are desperately broke. I talked in my first post about a time in my life, or a season as some might say, when I was desperately broke. My son was very young and we were trapped in an abusive relationship in large part because of money--I had none. Even though I worked and my ex worked, there was never enough. It seemed like the harder I tried to get a handle on our financial situation, the harder my ex tried to prevent me from doing that. It was a round-and-round battle. That was merely one aspect to the abusive nature of our relationship, but I am mentioning it because often money is a reason why abused people stay in relationships and it is often a tool used by the abuser to keep the the person being abused from leaving. Looking back, I can see that was the case for me, but at the time, I was so deeply into just trying to survive that I couldn't see this reality. </div>
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If money--or lack of it--is keeping you from leaving an abuser, take heart. Leaving is not easy, even if you do have money or support from friends or loved ones, but I know it can be so much harder without those things. But, there are resources out there. Your local community likely has shelters, crisis centers, and much more available to you, including free or sliding scale legal resources. Please seek help from these places. If you don't know where to turn to, try your local church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other community based organization. </div>
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I've been thinking a lot about that time in my life and lessons I learned from it since watching a video recently in which the speaker talked about using the power of forgiveness as a way to attract positive energy and positive things into your life. At one point she said something along the lines of, "Forgive your abuser and thank them for the lessons you learned that made you the strong person that you are today." </div>
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WOW! </div>
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Powerful stuff!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Forgive my abuser??? HOW???</b></i></span></div>
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I think forgiving him is something I will always struggle with. I can, however, see the many lessons I learned because of that relationship and I truly appreciate how those lessons have built upon one another to turn me into the strong woman that I am today. That experience, and leaving it, has taught me to be strong, independent, and to stand up for myself and my son, even in the face of great adversity, but that is all a story for another time. </div>
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The point today is that during that relationship, we were constantly broke and I was constantly struggling to find ways to save money or make the little money available stretch as far as possible. So let's get on with it, shall we?</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><i><b>Save on your laundry</b></i></span></div>
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Several years ago, I came across an article about jeans and how frequently they should be washed. The article did not give a definitive answer, but instead, the author asked many famous people how often they wash their jeans. The singer Jessica Simpson reportedly hardly ever washed her jeans unless they were visibly dirty. I remember that many people thought this was rather gross. But, really, is it? If you are wearing underwear and not really getting dirty or sweating or doing anything overly active, how gross is it? </div>
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So, consider things like jeans, outerwear, and your bra if you are a woman. How often do you really need to wash these? What about your bath towels or kitchen towels or cloth napkins? First of all, they are all likely to last a lot longer if you don't wash them every time you wear them. Instead, carefully fold or hang them up immediately after wearing them. Learning to take care of your clothes will go a long way towards saving you money on laundry and will save you even more money on the cost of replacing your clothes. </div>
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As mentioned in <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post, air drying is a great way to save on utilities. Hang dry everything that you can. It might take time to get used to the texture of air dried sheets, towels, and jeans, but my son and I really don't even notice anymore.<br />
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Take a look at your laundry detergent and fabric softener. Do you really need to use the full measure as directed? Experiment with using less. Due to skin sensitivities, we use a "free and clear" variety of laundry detergent, and I've found that the ideal amount is actually HALF of the recommended measure of detergent. Our clothes get clean and there is no soap residue left behind. I also DUMPED the fabric softener and instead add a half cup to a cup of vinegar to the dryer. The vinegar both helps soften and to deodorize our laundry--it's especially great when washing your bedding or towels!<br />
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If you notice a stain on your clothes, take steps to treat it immediately and inexpensively. Non-grease, non-oil, non-fat stains may be removable with simply a little soap and water. Oil or fat based stains might come up with a sprinkling of cornstarch. Natural substances like blood often can be removed with hydrogen peroxide. Just be sure that you understand your fabric and the type of stain you are treating--not every solution works on every fabric or every stain. For example, hydrogen peroxide can cause some colors or patterns to bleed and it can also cause material to break down if you aren't careful. Do your research first!<br />
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And, be sure you wash your laundry during OFF peak hours if your utilities company regulates high and low usage times of day with different rate schedules for each. Also, do ONLY full loads of laundry (but not overloaded), unless you really have no choice but to do a smaller load, in which case use the appropriate load size setting on your machine.<br />
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Also, consider cutting back on the number of clothing items you have. Do you NEED 10 pairs of jeans and 20 t-shirts? Does your child need 15 sun dresses or 12 pairs of shorts? The more clothes you have, the more likely you are to do lots and lots of laundry. Scale back to a wardrobe of basics for work and basics for everyday, and ideally items that can be used for both. Less clothing = less laundry = savings on detergent, water, and electricity or gas. It also may mean saving time.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b>Save on toiletries</b></i></span><br />
As mentioned in <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-i.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post, as a woman, a part of my monthly budget goes towards feminine hygiene items and they are EXPENSIVE! Even the cheapest tampons, pads, and so on are on the spendy side! Most toiletries are, in fact. And, if you have any sort of special needs, the costs can break the budget. I have a couple of different skin conditions and require special shampoo and have to be very careful about soaps, shaving lotions, and so on.<br />
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I save on our toiletries by:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Contacting manufacturers for coupons and samples--if you have a special need, be sure to explain it when you call, email, or write. They may be sympathetic and willing to send you more coupons or samples than they normally would.</li>
<li>Figure out how much you can dilute liquid products--one of my shampoos works great when diluted to 50% with water, but the other only works at 25% dilution. </li>
<li>Use the smallest amount possible to get the job done--you really do only need a pea sized amount of toothpaste to clean your entire mouth and anywhere from a dime to a quarter sized amount of shampoo for your hair, depending on your hair's length.</li>
<li>Experiment with time between shampoos, shaves, etc--if I was my hair daily, it feels clean but looks limp. I can go two days between shampooings before my hair starts to look and feel like it needs washed. </li>
<li>Find multi-use products (including by accident!)--I discovered by accident that my body wash makes a better shave lotion than my actual shave lotion! It also costs a lot less!</li>
<li>Add water to some products to make them work better--my shampoo and body wash turned shave lotion work a lot better with a lot of water after I lather up. I can't dilute them too much in the bottle, but once they are on my body, both work best if I then carefully increase the water on my head or if I use my cupped palm to add a little water as I lather body wash on my legs to shave. Don't use more product! Try using more water!</li>
<li>Treat your razors with care--make sure the blade is dry and not in contact with anything when you are done shaving. If it has a moisture strip, periodically add some lotion or petroleum jelly to the strip to keep it working. Rinse the blade carefully between uses so it doesn't get all gros and gunked up.</li>
<li>Selectively buy your toilet paper--you could go fully frugal and use "family cloth" instead of toilet paper (ew...not for us!), or you could very carefully and strategically buy your toilet paper. Where we live, Angel Soft brand is frequently on sale and there are routinely coupons available. At least twice per year, I can buy several 4-roll packages for ONLY the cost of tax by combining the sale price + coupons. Now that I use <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">Saving Star</a> and <a href="http://www.ibotta.com/" target="_blank">Ibotta</a>, I'm also saving even more throughout the year. Recently, I was able to buy $25 worth of toilet paper for less than $5 after sale prices + a store coupon + a manufacturer's coupon + a Saving Star rebate.</li>
<li>Skip makeup--when you start to run out of makeup, experiment with going without. I know for some makeup feels like a necessity, but really, unless your job is somehow makeup dependent, makeup is a luxury. If you don't feel that you can go without, look for less expensive alternatives, possibly even look into making your own cosmetics. </li>
<li>Try the "no poo" method of washing your hair--I haven't had a lot of success with "no shampoo" hair washing, but I have had GREAT success with NOT using hair conditioner. My hair is not colored or treated, but if yours is, this might not be ideal for you. Instead of conditioner, I use diluted apple cider vinegar three times per week after washing my hair. My hair is silky, clean, and super easy to brush afterwards and looks great for the next few days! I no longer need conditioner in the shower and I don't need detangler after the shower either! It's so inexpensive, especially if you buy the generic store brand. </li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>Save on cleaning</b></i></span><br />
As with diluting your toiletries up to 50% with water, try doing the same with your liquid cleaning products. Or, better yet, stop buying cleaning products and start using basic vinegar and water, baking soda and water, and even salt and water to clean your house. Check out <a href="http://www.flihealth.com/#!Natural-spring-cleaning-infographic/c22d5/550b6b620cf292acc4c43f20" target="_blank">THIS</a> infographic on my friend Dr. Andrea Rosario's blog--it's all about natural household cleaning. If you skip the essential oils, you can clean your house for almost pennies! For most of the cleaning recipes, the essential oils aren't actually essential...keep the cost down by skipping them. I spend less than $2 per month on cleaning supplies by only using baking soda, vinegar, water, old dish towels, a scrub brush, and a toilet brush to clean our house. And, bonus, I don't have residue from icky chemicals hanging out in our home.<br />
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If you do feel the need to use regular cleaning products, pare back to only the essentials, ideally to multipurpose products, and dilute them whenever possible so they still perform their job but last a bit longer. And, whatever you do, ditch the paper towels and use old rags, torn up old t-shirts, and other fabric scraps instead. Just throw them in the laundry when you wash your towels or bedding.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><b>Save on pet care</b></i></span><br />
A lot of people will suggest that if you are truly financially strapped, then you should not have pets. However, pets bring all kinds of joy to our lives. If we didn't have our two dog, my son and I would probably spend a lot less time at home which would translate the a lot more financial temptations when away from the house. Of course, that doesn't mean our pets are cheap! I save money on our dogs by:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Buying the cheapest dog food they will eat and that will allow them to stay healthy</b>--one of our dogs only does well with two varieties of canned wet dog food. The other one does well with a dry kibble that I can buy in bulk at WinCo for 39-cent per pound. For both of our dogs, I compared brands and packages at the store as I looked for cheaper and cheaper dog food. I now spend about $5 per week on dog food to feed a 25 pound terrier and a 55 pound boxer-bulldog-mutt. Both are quite healthy! </li>
<li><b>Brush their fur and use baking power dissolved in water with just a drop or two of Dawn dish soap to bath them</b>--brushing my terrier's fur regularly helps keep her odor free and looking nice. But, both dogs do need baths on occasion. Be sure you understand your dog's breed and their fur coat well. Our boxer-bulldog-mutt has very short, wiry, oily fur and does best with every other month baths. The terrier has longer, shaggier fur and needs monthly baths. Research your pets and their fur so you understand how much and in what ways you should bathe them--it could save you time and money and could also keep your dog's coat healthy.</li>
<li><b>Learn to brush their teeth and clip their nails</b>--Our terrier is a pill with nail clipping, so I do pay someone to do that, but I just found a <b><i>BETTER </i></b>groomer that will do the clipping for <i><b>HALF </b></i>what the many places around us charge! And, she's mobile and will come to us! Be sure you are comparing prices! Our other dog loves the attention showered on her when we brush her teeth but her nails are extremely thick and hard to cut, even after learning to do it myself so I also pay the groomer to do this, but taking her for regular walks helps to keep the nails from growing excessively long so I don't have to get this done as often as with our terrier. </li>
<li><b>Walk your dogs (or cats or bunnies or whatever...)</b>--walking your pets is great for them and for you and by extension for your wallet. It's FREE, it can be entertaining, the whole family can make it a regular outing, and as mentioned above, for some pets it can help with their nail-trimming needs. It keeps you and your pet healthy too. Unless the weather is rotten, walking might be the most perfect activity there is!</li>
<li><i><b>Consider if your pet and your wallet would benefit from a pet
insurance plan</b></i>--I used to think these were total scams until our mutt
had to go to the vet SIX TIMES in one year because she kept eating
things she shouldn't be eating (Legos, half of a very long garden hose, a
rock) and because she is prone to impacted anal glands resulting in
abscesses. Most of the time I can head off the anal gland-abscess
problems, but not always. The eating-things-she-shouldn't was totally
unexpected. Both are expensive problems. Our other dog is a senior
citizen and has some minor but chronic health problems. Last year, those
problems led to some dental issues. I calculated the cost of the pet
plans I purchased for both dogs just prior to last year and compared it
to the costs of not having the plans--between the two dogs, I saved $650
dollars in one year on veterinary care just by having those plans. It
hurt to see that money leave my bank account every month, but knowing
that it did save me in the long run and protected my dogs' health made
it worth it. Of course, this is a case of spending money to save money.
You'll have to figure out if you can manage this or if you are too broke
for even that, in which case see if there is a veterinary school in
your area that might provide services for less. Look for free clinics,
free or low cost vaccination events, and so on. </li>
<li><i><b>Ask for samples and coupons</b></i>--samples and coupons aren't just for humans. I recently got a sample of dog food from <a href="http://www.pinchme.com/" target="_blank">PinchMe.com</a> that my dogs LOVED and it was big enough to replace two meals. It was FREE! My vet periodically has samples as well, and some companies will send you samples or coupons if you just ask. This works for dog food, cat food, rabbit food, guinea pig bedding, and a lot more! Some companies will also send you samples and coupons for non-food items too.</li>
<li><i><b>Learn to make your own dog food and how to handle upset doggy tummies</b></i>--ask your vet about cottage cheese, boiled chicken or ground beef (gross but it worked for my dog...ask YOUR VET first though!), plain rice, and so on. After consulting with our vet, I discovered some really cheap ways to make our dog's food stretch, but <i>you really MUST consult your vet before altering your pet's food or treating upset tummies or other health issues at home</i>. For our dogs' particular needs, we've stretched their diet both when they've been sick and when we've been broke by adding some plain boiled rice, diced carrot, a little leftover pumpkin puree and so on in with their regular food--<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>NEVER give pumpkin pie MIX to a dog though! The spices in the mix can be deadly to your dog!</b></i></span></li>
<li><i><b>Skip a bunch of toy</b></i>--your pet probably only needs one or two toys if you are careful. Don't let your pet play with toys unattended and be sure to pick up the toys after they are done playing or when you need to leave your pet alone. Inspect the toys regularly to make sure they are in good condition and don't pose a choking or other health hazard to your pet--I've seen many people in the Emergency Department where I work come in with injuries sustained while trying to rescue a choking pet. The cause of the choking is almost always an old, worn out, or damaged pet toy. It's emotionally horrible as often the pets die, but it's also very expensive to have an Emergency Department visit on top of costs associated with any veterinary visits in an attempt to save the pet and/or arrangements when the pet dies. </li>
</ul>
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As, I mentioned in <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-i.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post, you MUST get the book Tightwad Gazette from your library! It is a wealth of information about how to live on less and make a penny really stretch. If it’s not available,
see if your library participates in OverDrive so you can get it as a digital
loan. It has amazing ideas and resources that really saved us when money was so
tight I was in utter despair at how to make ends meet.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this series on <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">what to do when you are desperately broke</a>! Come back again to see what else we are up to in order to save a penny and pay down some debt!<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-85912564907186437142016-02-11T13:50:00.000-08:002016-02-13T21:58:44.518-08:00Money's tight and you're desperate: Part IV of V -- Cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits<div style="text-align: center;">
Part 4 of 5: Cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_2yspOoO1b-xe9Zm76Y4SgXN3k8RjC98cf_E6_RoX4O__doUu641xpJWCrY6MDX50JsZvF_jeHlJkFYBuROcGS-k8Jr8O5-c251Vs-gvoj1VTLCTEGw_KYACXwbNXjuAOdSES0ORxw/s1600/broke4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="When you're desperately broke: Part 4 of 5--Cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo_2yspOoO1b-xe9Zm76Y4SgXN3k8RjC98cf_E6_RoX4O__doUu641xpJWCrY6MDX50JsZvF_jeHlJkFYBuROcGS-k8Jr8O5-c251Vs-gvoj1VTLCTEGw_KYACXwbNXjuAOdSES0ORxw/s400/broke4.jpg" title="When you're desperately broke: Part 4 of 5--Cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits" width="400" /></a></div>
This<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank"> five part series</a> has covered a variety of topics and tips to consider when you are desperately broke, but today's post is going to focus in on your cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits. This post is NOT about grocery shopping, but it is related. To read more about my grocery shopping tips, click <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/groceries" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>STOP buying aluminum foil, parchment, plastic wrap, and Tupperware and its alternatives</b></i></span><br />
Products such as aluminum foil, parchment, and plastic wrap are expensive. Even when you buy the cheap versions. When you run out, I want you to see how long you can go without replacing them. If you have Tupperware or similar food storage containers, when they break or get damaged, don't go out and buy replacements. What alternatives can you find to how you use these items? A few ways that we get around using these things:<br />
<ul>
<li>Save butter or margarine wrappers in your fridge and use them to grease baking sheets and baking dishes instead of using parchment. </li>
<li>Save jars and washable food packaging with lids to use for food storage. I scored a free jar of pasta sauce a few months ago and rinsed and washed it well after we used the last of the sauce. I now use that jar to hold rice (bought in the bulk section at a great price from WinCo). I also use re-purposed jars to store dry lentils, oatmeal, herbs and spices, and a wide variety of other dry goods in my cupboards. </li>
<li>If you use a microwave to reheat food, use a plate to cover the food instead of plastic wrap. Also, be much more careful of how long you microwave food for to prevent spills and splatters to reduce the need for covers in the first place--can you heat, stir, and heat a little more to avoid splatters?</li>
<li>If you need to cover a pot and don't have a lid, use a plate for that too.</li>
<li>In the fridge or freezer, use your upcycled jars and other containers to package your food. Just be careful about how long you leave foods in the freezer in your upcycled containers and use them up before freezer burn has a chance to set in. Also, be very careful before placing glass containers in the freezer...you don't wan them to crack!</li>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>REUSE aluminum foil and wax paper </b></i></span><br />
If you buy or have cereal at home, save the wax paper liners from the packaging. Carefully peel it open at the seems and wash it in the sink with a sponge and a little soapy water. Lay it out to dry, or lay it over your clothes drying rack to dry. Then, carefully fold it up and put int in a drawer for the next time you need wax paper. <br />
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Of course, also make sure that if you are buying cereal, that you are buying it <i><b>ON SALE + using a COUPON + using a savings app or website</b></i> like <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">SavingStar</a> or <a href="http://www.ibotta.com/" target="_blank">Ibotta</a>. Or, buy store brands if they are cheaper!<br />
<br />
If you still have aluminum foil, every time you use it, be very careful not to rip or tear it. After use, carefully wash it with a sponge and some soap and water and then dry and save it as well. <br />
<br />
And, with any foil, wax paper, parchment, or plastic wrap, be careful to only use the amount that you need. Measure it and use scissors to cut it, if you necessary.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>MINIMIZE your dishes, utensils, pots, and pans</b></i></span><br />
How many plates do you have? Mugs? Spoons? Steak knives? Do you NEED all of them? If you pack some of your dishes, utensils, pots, and pans away you can reduce the amount of dish washing you have to do simply by eliminating excess. We are a family of two but had dish and utensil sets for EIGHT. When we needed a clean plate, we'd look in the cupboard first. We would put off washing dishes as long as we could as it's a chore we both really dislike. Ultimately, this habit was causing us to have to wash A LOT of dishes at a time which made us put off doing dishes even longer! It was totally counterproductive and it meant we used a lot more energy and water when we would finally wash the dishes. We'd also typically be a lot more unhappy than necessary.<br />
<br />
We now have dishes for four in the cupboard, 8 spoons, and 4 of the rest of our utensils (we use spoons A LOT).<br />
<br />
I also went through all of our cupboards and pulled out pots, pans, bake ware, and more that we either didn't use, were duplicates (causing us to use more than we needed and increasing the dish washing load), and so on. I also got rid of anything that was broken or unusable.<br />
<br />
I did sell a few items, but the extra dishes and silverware that I kept are packed away in a closet and only get brought out a few times per year when we have company.<br />
<br />
If you aren't sure how much to pack away or get rid of to reduce your energy costs associated with dish washing, start small. Can you pack away one mug and one set of silverware without anyone noticing or complaining? Keep going until you've hit the threshold of what you and your family can tolerate. I did it all at once though, and I noticed an immediate and significant drop in our water bill just from this single change!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>Inventory your fridge, pantry, and freezer</b></i></span><br />
You might need to eat some creative or weird meals, but nothing
should be wasted — if you bought it, you should eat it unless it’s gone bad or
is too far expired. If you find foods you bought a long while ago, consider
never buying them again — if you bought it and didn’t ever eat it there was a
reason why and that was wasted money.<br />
<br />
At the moment, I happen to have a package of mushrooms that must be eaten in the next two to three days, as well as two tomatoes, and a bag of salad. I'll be having mushrooms and chopped tomatoes cooked in some olive oil with pepper and some garlic powder for a snack, salad with mushrooms and tomatoes for lunch at work, mushrooms and tomato in an omlette for breakfast, and another salad for lunch tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Do this inventory at least weekly. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>Inventory the food you throw away</b></i></span><br />
Put a piece of paper on your fridge or
cupboard and write down every piece of food you throw away. Then, after the
list has grown, take a look at it. Was it leftovers, stuff that expired, stuff
that went bad/got old/moldy? WHY did you throw it out? Make a plan to really minimize
throwing away any food.<br />
<br />
Every time you throw food in the trash, reflect on how much money you had to pay to buy that food. As it adds up, your shopping, inventorying, and eating habits should improve accordingly.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Food in the trash = money in the trash. </b></i></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>Have a leftovers night at least weekly</b></i></span><br />
At least once per week have a leftovers or "clean out the fridge" night. Pull out all of your leftovers and let your family members choose from them for dinner. The crucial element is that you are eating the food that's already prepared or about to go bad and not cooking or buying something new. If you or your family hate leftovers, make a plan to minimize or eliminate them.<br />
<br />
I once tutored for a family that would cook HUGE meals every night and then throw away more than HALF of what they had prepared because they all claimed to hate leftovers. On a couple of occasions they gave me the leftovers to take home. They made so much food that their leftovers translated to multiple meals for my son and I! I told the mom, in total seriousness, that I would give her a huge discount on my services in exchange for their nightly leftovers. She didn't believe me and never took me up on my offer. <br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><i><b>Promptly refrigerate or freeze leftovers</b></i></span><br />
If leftovers cause your family to overeat, promptly package the leftovers as soon as you re done cooking and pop them in the fridge or freezer as soon as they are cool enough. If I know the dish I am making is going to have extra leftovers after everyone is served, I will portion those leftovers out into containers for lunch the next day. Four soups and things that are easily freezable, I portion the left overs out into single serving sizes so they are easy to thaw and reheat for a single meal. This minimizes food waste, minimizes additional cooking time, and keeps meals on hand for those hectic and crazy days when fast food or delivery seem easier (even when you can't afford them). Just be sure items are clearly labeled with the item name and the date and eat them up before they go bad. <br />
<br />
<br />
Read all of the posts in this series <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">HERE</a>, or for individual posts:<br />
<br />
Read Part 1 <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-i.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>--Getting support, embracing free, food bank, and feminine hygiene.<br />
Read Part II <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/part-ii-of-v.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> -- Medications and healthcare, grocery shopping tips, and housing.<br />
Read Part III <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> -- Utilities and transportation<br />
<br />
Part V will cover laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet careMalea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-67612660768244035152016-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:002016-02-13T22:00:27.423-08:00Money's tight and you're desperate: Part III of V<div style="text-align: center;">
Part 3 of 5: utilities and transportation</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS_AiTRfwoxlWMAbmRduF6ExFG9tzmWMl5WgmYPEyegRgEoTEbOLfuyucaPSCl8rlq3zRWZZn_zDMoY8s8J7-5Lqw2jUss_uI7DxOOeAoGnxnf5eEg8DozTCNvZZ9vR0Ks5RNmxJ6k8Q/s1600/broke3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="When you're desperately broke: Part III of V--Utilities and transportation" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS_AiTRfwoxlWMAbmRduF6ExFG9tzmWMl5WgmYPEyegRgEoTEbOLfuyucaPSCl8rlq3zRWZZn_zDMoY8s8J7-5Lqw2jUss_uI7DxOOeAoGnxnf5eEg8DozTCNvZZ9vR0Ks5RNmxJ6k8Q/s400/broke3.jpg" title="When you're desperately broke: Part III of V--Utilities and transportation" width="400" /></a></div>
Welcome to Part III of V in my series on what to do when you're <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">desperately broke</a>. Just today, as I was feeling great about my recent raise and increased hours in my day job, I was dealt a blow I wasn't expecting and it goes along perfectly with the first topic in today's post.<br />
<br />
You see, I went to pay my electric bill in person so I could pick up an application for my utility provider's income based billing plan. I had been on it before but my plan period (one year) had come to an end and I needed to reapply. I thought the income limit was a bit higher than it actually is. When I looked at the application, I thought, "Hm...that's not as high as I thought, but I think I might still qualify." When I got home, I checked my pay stubs for the last few pay periods and my heart sank when I realized that I don't qualify anymore. I'm about $200 over the maximum limit for a household of two. And, despite my raise and increased hours, unless I find a way to increase my income further, I won't be able to afford my next electric bill. I also live in one of the hottest climates in the United States so I am worried about how I will manage this summer when average temperatures are well over 110F.<br />
<br />
So, let's get on with it--how can you save on your utilities and transportation?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Saving on utilities</b></i></span></span><br />
First, before you do anything else, if you are reading this at home, look around you. Is there a light on that isn't being used? Turn it off! Is a radio or television on in an empty room? Turn it off? If it's daylight and your blinds or curtains are closed and lights are on instead, turn off the lights, open the blinds or curtains, and sit by the window to use natural and FREE sunlight to see by.<br />
<br />
Now that you've sorted your immediate electricity usage, I want you to<b><i> look up ALL of your utilities providers--electric, gas, water, trash and sewer. Call each one and ask if they have any income based programs and ask how you can apply.</i></b> Even if you think you don't qualify, apply anyhow. I am over the limit for our electric company's saving program, but I plan to apply anyhow. I called after reviewing my paystubs and was told to apply regardless because my income was close enough that there might be deductions they can take or other programs they can enroll me in--I won't know without applying.<br />
<br />
And, during the same calls, <span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>ask about equalized payment plans</b></i></span> where they average out your usage over the course of the year so you pay about the same amount each month instead of variable amounts from month to month. My electric bill can by sky high during the summer, so it helps my budget to be on an equalized plan to spread that extra cost out over lower cost months.<br />
<br />
If you aren't on a time-based electricity billing plan, get on one! The cost of electricity here is significantly lower from 7pm to noon and on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. I save 90% of our cooking, laundry washing, and dish washing for these "off peak hours". I also try to minimize usage of lights and other electric items during noon and 7pm as well.<br />
<br />
Work on shorter showers and better dishwashing habits. By focusing on cutting our showering time as short as possible, we have shaved quite a bit off the cost of water and natural gas. I also make sure that we are careful when washing dishes. We stopped using our dishwasher a long time ago a it really ran the water and electric bills up. We now wash dishes by hand, but we make sure to turn OFF the water while we are scrubbing. Even more so, I try to fill a bowl with soapy water and dip my sponge into it to wash my dishes instead of running the water or squeezing soap onto my sponge over and over. I then use the minimum amount of water possible to rinse my dishes. We then let them air dry since we live in an extremely dry climate.<br />
<br />
During the winter, if I bake during off-peak electricity hours, I leave the oven door open after I am doing baking and after turning off the oven. The heat from the turned off oven can help keep the kitchen warm.<br />
<br />
Air dry your laundry if you live in a non-humid climate. We have one small drying rack and it doesn't fit all of our clothes for each wash cycle, so I drape clothes over the towel racks and shower rod in the bathroom to dry overnight.<br />
<br />
Keep the top of you refrigerator clear, especially if it's an older model. Heat rises and your fridge and freezer generate heat as they run. If you have a ton of stuff heaped on top of the fridge and freezer, you make it harder for that heat to escape thus forcing your appliance to work harder to stay cool.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Unplug EVERYTHING that doesn't need to be plugged in OR plug everything into power strips or surge protectors that you can turn off between uses.</b></i> This includes your television and computers--both continue to draw electricity when turned off. Every night before going to bed, go around your home and turn off the power strips and unplug things. It may be annoying to do this, but it can add up over time.<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Follow the sun with your blinds or curtains</b></i></span>. During the winter, be sure to keep blinds and curtains open when the sun is shining in on them. During the summer, keep the blinds and curtains closed when the sun is shining in. During the winter this will help you recover some heat while during summer it will help you reduce heat in your home. Also, if you have ceiling fans, be sure to use them to help circulate air, especially during the hot summer months.<br />
<br />
Keep your thermostat as low as possible during winter--wear layers and socks and use blankets instead of cranking up the heat. During the summer, do the opposite--keep the thermostat as high as you can handle it and wear shorts and tank tops. My electricity provider today suggested keeping your summer thermostat at 79 to 80F. But, be careful that you don't adjust your thermostat so low in winter or so high in summer that it is a health hazard.<br />
<br />
Finally, when you are calling your utilities companies to ask about better rates, energy plans, and so on, also ask if they offer any type of energy audits or if they have programs for things like free energy saving light bulbs, weather proofing kits, and so on.<br />
<br />
Saving on transportation<br />
Let's face it, most of us need to use a car, bus, train, or other mode of transportation on a regular basis. It can be a huge budget killer. Let's talk about public transportation first.<br />
<br />
If you take a bus or train, figure out if you can afford to buy a weekly or monthly pass. If you can, will it save you money? Call your local transportation organization and ask if they have any income based plans or if there are ways to get free passes. Ask if there is any discount if you buy your passes online or in person or over the phone--I used to live in an area where you could save quite a bit if you bought a monthly pass and bought it online.<br />
<br />
Find out if your employer offers any commute assistance programs. My employer offers public transportation discounts and rebates and other programs to their employees in California. Some companies offer such benefits to all of their employees regardless of location. I have worked for several companies that offer free or discounted bus or train passes and that one company even offered regular prizes for their commuters that took the most bus or train trips to and from work.<br />
<br />
This may seem obvious, but WALK as often as possible to do errands or get from point A to point B. I can walk to my local grocery store and a pharmacy. The library and post office are within bicycling distance. Walking or bicycling to these places not only will save you on the cost of transportation, but it can be great for your health which can save you money over time on the costs of medication and healthcare.<br />
<br />
If you bicycle, learn to do your own maintenance on your bike. Consider bicycle commuting if you live in a safe enough area to do so. Read more about my bicycle commuting <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2015/12/how-bicycle-commuting-is-helping-my-pay.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
But, what if you own a car?<br />
<br />
I do own a car. It is 17 years old with 232,000 miles on it. I drive it as little as possible and work hard to keep it in good shape. Be sure you are maintaining your car so that it will keep on running! Use coupons or Groupon to save on thing like oil changes and brake maintenance. If you belong to Costco or Sam's Club or have a friend or family member that belongs to them, consider buying new car batteries and tires there. Call around to local independent mechanics and ask what they charge for maintenance. Often (but not always) they will meet or beat the prices of chain auto repair shops.<br />
<br />
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and only use the air conditioning if you really need it. The A/C can actually suck up tons of energy and drop your gas mileage and overall efficiency, especially if you have an older car. If you live in a climate with dramatically fluctuating temperatures, keep on top of your tires and make sure you check their inflation regularly--although I suggest you use independent mechanics for maintenance, many large chains offer FREE tire inflation checks and will fill your tires for free (just beware they might try to up-sell services to you--be ok saying, "No thank you.").<br />
<br />
Use <a href="http://www.gasbuddy.com/" target="_blank">Gas Buddy</a>. You can download the Gas Buddy app or use it online to find the best price on gasoline in your area. Prices in my area vary by as much as 50-cents per gallon! My local grocery store typically has the best price in my area and if I shop there enough, I can rack up points for discounts on gas. Lately I'm only saving 10-cents per gallon once per month, but that's still money saved! There is another gas station by one of my two work sites that is an even better price though so I plan my gas fill-ups to take advantage of that gas station when I can.<br />
<br />
Consider carpooling to work or events. If you work the same hours as a coworker or two, see if they will carpool with you. Either take turns driving or figure out a way to split the cost of gas. If you plan to go to an event that you know your friends or neighbors are attending, ask if you can ride together and split the cost of the gas.<br />
<br />
Combine errands. I hate doing numerous errands all in one trip, but I love how much it saves me in terms of both gas and time. I usually map out my errands so that I can go in a loop and to minimize any backtracking. This does take some planning, especially if you are doing things like grocery shopping and buying perishables or frozen foods. In warm or hot weather, I make sure to have a cooler in my car and to place cold and frozen items together in grocery bags.<br />
<br />
Consider combining errands with your neighbor as well. Go grocery shopping together and split the cost of gas. Go to Costco or Sam's Club together if one of you is a member and not only split the cost of gas, but split the cost of bulk items, checking first, of course, that the prices of these items is actually cheaper per piece or per unit than anywhere else.<br />
<br />
Finally, if you are truly desperate, ask family or friends to give you gift cards for gas, groceries, or other necessities instead of gifts at birthdays and holidays. Ask a family member with a Costco or Sam's Club membership if they can add you to their membership and then be very careful about what you by at these stores. Most major gasoline chains do offer gift cards...<br />
<br />
Read all of the posts in this series <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">HERE</a>, or for individual posts:<br />
<br />
Read Part 1 <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-i.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>--Getting support, embracing free, food bank, and feminine hygiene.<br />
Read Part II <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/part-ii-of-v.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> -- Medications and healthcare, grocery shopping tips, and housing.<br />
Read Part IV <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part_11.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> -- Cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits<br />
<br />
Part V will cover laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care<br />
<br />
Please keep in mind, that how much you save on any tip in this series will depend a lot on how much effort you put into your savings and how much you are willing to change your habits. I once had someone tell me how broke she felt and how she felt like nothing she did would make a difference. When I offered a list of suggestions similar to the items in this series, she replied, "None of that's going to save enough to be worth doing." Well, maybe some of these individually won't amount to much (like clearing the top of your fridge), but <span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b>when taken all together, the results DO start to add up over time.</b></i></span>Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-21510052796113994762016-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:002016-02-26T15:43:27.334-08:00Money's tight and you're desperate -- Part II of V<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Part 2 of 5: Medications and healthcare, grocery shopping tips, and housing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjDjvr5IMB1NqR_NhkfjyPdMfuD3bJM5jEruFB2JgyqOko_YrEgj0qelpLfyHc5FThW5XiouQTttAPpBIpTskHGQ8wOaMRDalbj9dgSUVwea1__s19nWl19Zd8sP4HWcY0RwbAwU6DOo/s1600/broke2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Way to save when you're desperately broke Part 2 of 5" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjDjvr5IMB1NqR_NhkfjyPdMfuD3bJM5jEruFB2JgyqOko_YrEgj0qelpLfyHc5FThW5XiouQTttAPpBIpTskHGQ8wOaMRDalbj9dgSUVwea1__s19nWl19Zd8sP4HWcY0RwbAwU6DOo/s400/broke2.jpg" title="Way to save when you're desperately broke Part 2 of 5" width="400" /></a></div>
Did you read part 1 of my 5 part series on what to do when money is tight
and you’re desperately broke? If not, you can read it <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-i.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Today’s post is all about medications and healthcare, grocery shopping tips,
and housing. Before jumping in, however, please note that <b><i>I am NOT a healthcare
provider and before implementing any of the medication or health related tips
here, you need to consult with your doctor</i></b>.
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Save on medications and healthcare:</b></i></span></span><br />
Medications can be expensive, especially if you have multiple prescriptions
or chronic health conditions that require you to take medication regularly.
There are many ways to reduce your medication costs. Ones I have used in the past
are:<br />
<br />
Ask your doctor for samples or coupons. I was able to get a full month’s
supply of a medication for stomach problems for FREE just by asking my doctor.
He also gave me several doses of a migraine medication to try for free. <br />
<br />
Contact the manufacturers of your medications and ask if they have financial
assistance programs, coupons, or samples. Ask your pharmacy the same thing. I
was able to get epi-pens for my son and myself for free, as well as huge
discounts on asthma medication this way. <br />
<br />
Call around to see if the price of your medication varies from pharmacy to
pharmacy—you may be able to save simply by transferring your prescriptions to a
different pharmacy! <br />
<br />
Ask about generic versions and for medications on the $4 medication list,
but understand that many pharmacies will only fill $4 prescriptions if you do
NOT have or use insurance to pay for the medication. <br />
<br />
Costco doesn’t require you to be a member to use their pharmacy, and they
often have lower prices—when calling around to ask about the price of your
medications, include Costco!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/09/16/440612238/how-to-save-money-on-prescription-drugs-insured-or-not">THIS</a>
article from NPR has a lot of great resources regarding prescriptions with lots of links throughout. <br />
<br />
If you have insurance, be sure to understand how it works! My current plan
has a high deductible and prescription coverage doesn’t kick in until the
deductible is met. But, my plan does include a health spending account to help
offset costs. <br />
<br />
And, take proactive steps to get healthy through dietary changes, exercise,
and so on. By taking proactive steps to understand my asthma, including a FREE
class at my doctor’s office, I was able to incorporate exercise in my
healthcare routine and after six months was able to stop daily asthma
medications. I still need a rescue inhaler a couple of times per month, but
that’s a huge decrease from prior years! Take control of your health by:<br />
<ul>
<li>walking every day</li>
<li>finding inexpensive fruits and vegetables to add to your diet--look for in season, local produce or look for sales or look for bruised fruits and veggies that are marked down</li>
<li>doing FREE workouts without equipment by finding videos on YouTube--check out my girl, Alicia and her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIE2ZWW1SUJQvBlCdtCDoFA" target="_blank">FREE</a> workout videos HERE or lookup Freeletics <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Freeletics" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <i><b>The key is to keep it FREE. </b></i></li>
<li>borrow workout DVDs from your library if you dumped internet service</li>
<li>replace one beverage per day with water for a week, then two the next week and so on until you are mostly drinking water</li>
<li>stretch every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>***Again, I am not a healthcare professional--ALWAYS seek advice from your doctor </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>before embarking on any health or diet changes.***</b></i> </div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Take a hard look at your grocery shopping habits:</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span>I’ve blogged previously about <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/groceries" target="_blank">grocery shopping</a>, but here are a few more
tight budget grocery tips. First of all, if you are truly down-and-out and can’t
afford to eat, you MUST call or visit your local food banks, church, and
community organizations for help.<br />
<br />
Before even heading to the store, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-2016-peek-inside-my-kitchen-how.html" target="_blank">inventory your fridge, freezer, and cupboards</a>. Figure out a meal plan based on what you currently have and only fill in the necessary gaps.<br />
<br />
EAT before you go to the store and consider bringing a water bottle and small snack to eat right before you enter the store. Shopping hungry is an overspending trap as you'll start shopping with your stomach and not with your brain and your wallet. <br />
<br />
Can you get groceries for less elsewhere? Do you have a WinCo or Cub nearby
or Aldi or Grocery Outlet? These stores frequently, but not always, have better
prices than any other grocery stores. Cub and WinCo have great bulk bin
sections too where you can buy only the amounts you need of many staple items,
herbs, spices, coffee, dog food, and more at greatly reduced prices. Just stay
away from the candy, chips, pretzels, and snack type foods that don’t really
cost that much less in bulk (at least at my local WinCo...). I usually buy
about two weeks worth of bulk goods at a time. <br />
<br />
Use <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">SavingStar</a> and <a href="http://www.ibotta.com/" target="_blank">Ibotta</a> for additional savings in the form of grocery
rebates. You do have to pay for your groceries up front, but if you carefully
combine sale prices, coupons, and these rebate sites, you can save
significantly on the cost of name brand (and sometime generic) groceries. <br />
<br />
Be sure to always look in your cart before you head to check out at the store.
If you put anything your cart that you don’t need, consider putting it back on
the shelf.<br />
<br />
Consider generic versions of your favorite foods, and always always
always compare prices! Just because it's a generic version doesn't mean it is always the cheapest version. Sometimes a sale will result in the name brand item being cheaper.<br />
<br />
Buy herbs and spices either in bulk at WinCo or Cub or buy them in the
ethnic sections of your grocery store—they are almost always cheaper when
bought this way! And, skip buying herb and spice blends. Instead, if you need
taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, French fry seasoning, look up recipes and make
your own!<br />
<br />
If you have special dietary considerations such as a food allergy, don't buy your alternative foods at your regular chain grocery store! I am severely allergic to all dairy products from ALL animal--cows, goats, sheep...I'm allergic to all of them. My son was allergic to soy for many years and still reacts to almonds. For this reason, we use rice milk in place of regular milk. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>The grocery store is just about the WORST place to buy dairy alternatives.</b></i></span> The prices are usually significantly higher than at a health food store or specialty store. I save anywhere from a dollar to two full dollars per carton buy purchasing rice milk and non-dairy yogurt at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Sprouts, or even Costco when compared to all of my local chain grocery stores. Even WinCo has rotten prices on alternative foods. <i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>The key here, however, is to ONLY buy these specialty items when shopping at a specialty store because there are tons of other things that cost significantly more at these stores and will look and smell incredibly tempting as you walk past to find your items.</b></i> If you get to the check out and have other items in your basket or cart, put them back or tell the checker you don't want those things. Also, if you can afford to, consider buying your alternatives by the case at Whole Foods--they give a discount for buying in bulk. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Save on housing:</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>
</i></b></span></span>Take a hard look around your home and your neighborhood. Even though moving
can be expensive, would it save you money in the long run to move?<br />
<br />
If you are truly financially desperate, I want you to consider moving to a
cheaper, smaller home or moving in with a family member or friend or renting
space in your home to a roommate. For several years, my son and I lived with my
mom. I did almost all of the chores in exchange for free rent. <br />
<br />
While attending graduate school just outside New York City, we lived in a
nice neighborhood in a not so nice zipcode and saved more than $500 in monthly
rent compared to my graduate school classmates. Most of our zipcode had a high
crime rate, but there was a small pocket than edged up against a very wealthy
town and this little pocket has an extremely low crime rate, very little noise,
and was walking distance to the train, the grocery store, the bank, and my
college. Living two blocks north or west would have literally added $500 to our
rent. Four blocks north or west would have added $750. Living in Manhattan would
have tripled our rent for our large one-bedroom with a full eat-in kitchen and
huge living room. <br />
<br />
And, more recently, my son and I moved to a very low cost region of the
country, initially renting a house for a year. The rent for a three bedroom
house with a huge yard, in home laundry, and giant kitchen was about $300 less
than our one-bedroom apartment in New York. However, that $300 was easily made
up in heating and cooling costs associated with a large house, yard maintenance
costs, and other house-related expenses. We have since moved into an apartment
that is closer to my job and is on the ground floor with lots of sun exposure.
We save a ton on utilities, in addition to much lower rent.<br />
<br />
And, if you are renting, ask if the landlord will consider discounts if you
live street-side. Ask if they have any units with older carpeting or appliances—will
they give you a discount if you forgo newer amenities? Our current apartment is
priced below market value because I was perfectly fine with older carpet and
appliances. The landlord was happy to have one less unit to upgrade. If we’d
been able to move into a street-side apartment, we could have saved more but
none were available when we needed to move. <br />
<br />
Before renting a room in your home, be sure zoning laws or landlord-tenant
contracts allow you to do so. If you own your own home, also consider renting
storage space in your garage, attic, or basement. If you own your own home,
also consider ways to earn money from home such as child care or dog sitting
(again, checking zoning laws or home owners association rules first).<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Future posts in this series:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-i.html" target="_blank">Part 1 covers: Getting support, embracing free, food bank, and feminine hygiene.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part.html" target="_blank">Part 3 covers: utilities and transportation.</a></li>
<li><a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part_11.html" target="_blank">Part 4 covers: cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits.</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part-v.html" target="_blank">Part 5 covers: laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care.</a></li>
</ul>
Read the entire series <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
<ul>
</ul>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-6762994602153018972016-02-08T12:00:00.000-08:002016-02-13T21:51:25.410-08:00Money's tight and you're desperate -- Part I of V<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y2PceyObSdHz3yvWNi_NMRt99Eak0ul8uMsDXAJFmKWwyD_ZSDqSxVdac9yF3lRCH3Xr4qWyuixlbsvye2BpE2COrEbC1GCoRlxL7DjbuI15WWX3c1yEYJR0PgCycAJjd59GNFZ1fcU/s1600/broke1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="When you're desperately broke: Part I of V--Getting support, embracing free, food banks, and feminine hygiene" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y2PceyObSdHz3yvWNi_NMRt99Eak0ul8uMsDXAJFmKWwyD_ZSDqSxVdac9yF3lRCH3Xr4qWyuixlbsvye2BpE2COrEbC1GCoRlxL7DjbuI15WWX3c1yEYJR0PgCycAJjd59GNFZ1fcU/s400/broke1.jpg" title="When you're desperately broke: Part I of V--Getting support, embracing free, food banks, and feminine hygiene" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently came across <a href="http://www.iheartbudgets.net/2016/02/i-cant-even-put-food-on-the-table/" target="_blank">THIS</a> blog post at I Heart Budgets
about a woman who commented on a post about living on a $14/hr wage. The woman,
Marie, commented that she "can't even afford to . . . buy food to
eat."<br />
<br />
Wow did that take me back!<br />
<br />
When my son was very young and I was still with his father, there were times
when we literally couldn't afford to eat. We did have money coming in, but my
ex (my son's dad) spent it <i><s>just as fast</s></i> faster than we could earn
it. Even if he didn't have poor financial habits (we both did, but I had
the sense to budget while he preferred to "live life now because someday
we'll be dead"), we still would have struggled, but not nearly as much. At one point, I went to the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and any other services that might be available--it was heartbreaking to take that step, but even more so to find out that we didn't qualify for any type of assistance because we were literally $100 over the maximum income limits, even after every possible deduction available. <br />
<br />
Those were lean years and I often found myself at the grocery store
attempting to buy groceries only to find that there was no cash in my wallet
and no money in the bank. No matter how much I tried to get my ex to reign in
his spending habits, my efforts fell on deaf ears. We didn't earn a lot, so the
tiny bit that my ex didn't spend really didn't go very far. There were many
times when I feared we wouldn't have food to eat, that the utilities would get
shut off, that we would end up homeless. These were very real possibilities.<br />
<br />
In my desperation to keep us above water while with my ex, and again after I
left him and had only my own meager income to live off of, I learned a lot
about pinching a penny! Years ago I used those skills to simply survive. Today,
I'm using many of them to try to rebuild financially and pay down my debt.<br />
<br />
It sucks, it is hard, it is demoralizing to not be able to make ends meet no
matter how hard you work.<br />
<br />
This is <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">part one of five</a> in a revised version of my comment on the original
blog post that prompted me to write this today--in essence, this is my list of
a few of the ways I managed to cut our expenses and help us to survive:<br />
<br />
First of all, I totally get it--I'm a single mom of a teenage son who is on
the brink of starting college. I have NO college funds saved for him. I receive
NO child support either. His dad is NOT in the picture for a variety of
important reasons. It's really just my son and myself. Were it not for the lessons I learned in my son's first four years, before I left his father, I would not be able to face the next few years knowing we will be ok, even if money is tight.<br />
<br />
Be sure to read every book available from your library on topics like:<br />
<ul>
<li>Voluntary simplicity</li>
<li>Frugal living</li>
<li>Personal finance</li>
<li>Home economics</li>
<li>Debt relief</li>
<li>Finance in general </li>
</ul>
If your library has the book <i>The Tightwad Gazette</i>, I highly encourage you to read it cover to cover. This one book is like the Bible of frugal living and tightening the financial belt. I checked it out repeatedly when my son was young and I was truly financially desperate. Some of the ideas in it are quite extreme, but honestly, when you are desperate, sometimes extreme is necessary. In fact, this book is so essential, that I want you to put this at the top of your list of things to do in tightening your financial belt and getting a handle on your finances. Please borrow it from the library though--don't buy it unless you can truly afford to do so because the goal here is to IMPROVE your financial situation, and spending money shouldn't be part of that plan. In fact, for that very reason, I am NOT linking this to an Amazon or other affiliate link for you to buy it. If your library doesn't have <i>The Tightwad Gazette</i> on the shelves, ask if they can order it for you. <br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Get single parent peer support:</span></b></i> As a single mom, I suggest finding a single
moms support group if you are also a single parent, preferably one with kids
similar in age to your own kids, not so that your child has playmates, but
rather so YOU have more in common as a parent with others in the group. Barter
services or goods with others to save money (babysitting, children's clothing,
cleaning and chores, and more). Spending time with people you have something in common with often make the struggle easier to bear. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Find help at a religious house of worship:</b></i></span> Visit your local church, mosque,
or temple and ask if they have resources available for people in your
situation. Many have food pantries, clothing closets, free counseling services,
and more. Many also do NOT require you to be a member or to follow their
religious beliefs. You may find a variety of services available in religious
houses of worship, ranging from counseling, a food pantry, a clothes closet,
and more. You may also be able to find low cost child care. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><i><b>Embrace FREE: </b></i></span>Look around your life and figure out a way to cut every
expense you possibly can. This may need to include things like internet access
at home. Dump home internet and cable and use the library instead. Get DVDs,
books, and magazines from the library too, but be sure to return them on time
(I put the due dates on my calendar and set a reminder on my phone). Hang dry
your laundry instead of paying for electricity to use a machine. Accept free
samples of anything and everything that comes your way -- pass on those you
won't use and keep and use those things you WILL use. Sign up for <a href="http://www.pinchme.com/" target="_blank">Pinch Me</a> (use
referral code 7C42J, pretty please!), a samples-in-exchange-for-reviews
service. The samples are incredibly high quality and the reviews are super
simple, fast online surveys. Find FREE entertainment in your community and take
advantage of it--parks, free concerts, free museum days, free lectures, and
more.<br />
<br />
Seriously, your library is a wealth of information, as well as entertainment and activities for adults, parents, teens, children, and even toddlers and babies. It is a refuge, has free internet for members, and most offer services for FREE such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>career counseling</li>
<li>financial planning</li>
<li>tax preparation</li>
<li>skills courses (computer skills, writing classes, ESL courses, and much more)</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Visit your local food bank, food closet, or food pantry:</b></i></span> You have to eat.
PERIOD. There is no shame in visiting a food bank.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Get free or discounted feminine hygiene products: </b></i></span>Sign up for coupons and
samples from all of the companies that make feminine hygiene products--you
might want to set up a separate email address for this as it can generate a lot
of email. Some will send you free samples, others will send coupons. Try
emailing them to ask for samples too. OR...consider switching to cloth pads,
and if money is really tight enough, consider learning to make your own--there
are tons of tutorials online. Do the same for free baby products, samples, and
coupons for your little one! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/part-ii-of-v.html" target="_blank">Part 2 covers: medications and healthcare, grocery shopping tips, and housing. </a><br />
<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part.html" target="_blank">Part 3 covers: utilities and transportation.</a> <br />
<a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/02/moneys-tight-and-youre-desperate-part_11.html" target="_blank">Part 4 covers: cooking, kitchen, and pantry habits.</a> <br />
Part 5 will cover: laundry, toiletries, cleaning, and pet care.<br />
<br />
Or, read the entire series <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What are your tips for surviving when money is beyond tight? </b></div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-1156445115628665752016-02-06T00:05:00.000-08:002016-02-22T00:06:29.939-08:00100 abundance affirmations - 51 to 75<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxBontT8ruwSC_Z-M79sP_P0loJdvxZY9obNxttCpal6rD47jdBxDYiVgqiIcEdpeAnfKNNRpjWdRKXKxzuZocoUoyudpsJhFl1zbamIYIbt0VRSmw6NSW1Jag2g2nzDwwvl8J1GpnW8/s1600/ABUNDANCE+51+to+75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abundance affirmations" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxBontT8ruwSC_Z-M79sP_P0loJdvxZY9obNxttCpal6rD47jdBxDYiVgqiIcEdpeAnfKNNRpjWdRKXKxzuZocoUoyudpsJhFl1zbamIYIbt0VRSmw6NSW1Jag2g2nzDwwvl8J1GpnW8/s400/ABUNDANCE+51+to+75.jpg" title="Abundance affirmations" width="400" /></a></div>
Well, looking back over my first 50 abundance affirmations, I realized they aren't just affirmations, but also gratitudes! But, ya know what? Whatever works! Read the first 25 affirmations <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/100-abundance-affirmations-1-to-25.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and read 26 to 50 <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/100-abundance-affirmations-26-to-50.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Here are affirmations (and gratitudes) 51 to 75:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">51. Money is flowing to me this very second. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">52. I am filled with financial and spiritual wealth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">53. Pennies jump into my palm multiple times per day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">54. Every penny I earn, is matched by another penny on its way to my wallet.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">55. My bank account expands daily.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">56. My wallet is so stuffed with hundred dollar bills that I can't snap it shut anymore!</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">57. Every time I spend money, I earn even more.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">58. Opportunities abound and are constantly creating new earning paths for me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">59. I am a vessel for wealth and prosperity.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">60. My dream home is ready for me and wants to be my reality home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">61. I am so fulfilled financially that I can travel without worries.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">62. I have the financial freedom to take risks without worry.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">63. Because of my wealth, I give abundantly to others without anxiety or worry. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">64. My wealth supports my dreams and my son's dreams.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">65. Money is constantly coming my way, even in unexpected ways.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">66. I earn money with ease.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">67. My money multiplies on its own out of love for me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">68. I am financially free.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">69. My wealth is multiplied by my love for others.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">70. My Etsy shop is so successful it drives itself towards even greater success.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">71. I earn so much money with such great ease that I have no choice but to employ an accountant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">72. My financial wealth supports multiple families through my donations to our local food bank.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">73. My financial wealth supports reading habits of many children near and far.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">74. My financial wealth supports clean water and health care for children and families in third world nations all year, every year.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;">75. My financial wealth supports all of my desires free and clear of anxiety, stress, or excessive exertion. </span><br />
<br />
Read the entire abundance series <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/abundance" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Read my series on what to do when you are desperately broke <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/desperately%20broke" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Visit the Etsy shop mentioned above to get fun and fabulous download-and-print coloring pages <a href="http://marblesandjam.etsy.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-85692762171881991752016-01-30T12:00:00.000-08:002016-01-30T12:00:18.451-08:00 100 abundance affirmations - 26 to 50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFYmJdY5IAMwHF34ywokg3rck-d-l5yr9wrIuHBlQZRTxDGl_EGIkR2hRhReIDhPZ8_e1ImrcI6SIYSltGiiKR6o7iK1UwXUDAWl1c_ccbZYa2nYOQK5BMjllKGH5WeYy_brIs02zDSs/s1600/ABUNDANCE+26+to+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abundance affirmations" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFYmJdY5IAMwHF34ywokg3rck-d-l5yr9wrIuHBlQZRTxDGl_EGIkR2hRhReIDhPZ8_e1ImrcI6SIYSltGiiKR6o7iK1UwXUDAWl1c_ccbZYa2nYOQK5BMjllKGH5WeYy_brIs02zDSs/s400/ABUNDANCE+26+to+50.jpg" title="Abundance affirmations" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/100-abundance-affirmations-1-to-25.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post, I listed my first 25<i><b> abundance affirmations </b></i>and discussed the impetus for writing them out. Today, I am sharing my next 25 abundance affirmations. Some may seem similar to a few in the original list of 25, but because these are deeply personal each one is unique and different.<br />
<br />
I urge you to write out your own list of 100 abundance affirmations. Each will have special meaning that only you fully understand. If you do make a list, I'd love to know how you felt afterwards.<br />
<br />
After the first 25, I felt lighter, but I also felt exhausted! I actually took a two hour nap afterwards! When I woke up from my nap, however, I felt great. I was well rested, felt more hopeful and upbeat than I have in a long while, and ready to tackle the rest of my day. It's been a while since I've woken up feeling this way.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Here are my abundance affirmations 26 through 50:</b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">26. My boss giving the opportunity to take on a leadership role is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">27. Transforming my work relationship with my boss towards one of partnership is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">28. The ability to <a href="http://mandjinanutshell.blogspot.com/search/label/homeschooling" target="_blank">homeschool</a> my son is incredibly abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">29. Every PayPal payment received is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">30. My dogs are a blessing of abundance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">31. Discovering <a href="http://www.marieforleo.com/" target="_blank">Marie Forleo</a>, <a href="https://jlk86341.isrefer.com/go/SBLA/UrsaMajor/" target="_blank">Leonie Dawson</a>, <a href="https://yu103.isrefer.com/go/lbb/maleaab/" target="_blank">Denise Duffield-Thomas (aka Lucky Bitch)</a>, and <a href="http://horkeyhandbook.com/30-days-new-freelance-writing-career/?ap_id=maleaab" target="_blank">Gina Horkey</a> has blessed me with abundance in multiple ways.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">32. Being adopted was a truly abundant, loving gift.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">33. Peppermint tea is a blessing of abundance both when ill and when healthy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">34. The ability to shop at a grocery store of any kind is abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">35. Time spent learning is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;">36. My past trip to Mexico and looking forward to future world travel is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">37. Baking cookies from scratch is a gift of abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">38. Having been to 27 of 50 states so far is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">39. My house key, car keys, and bank card are symbols of my abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">40. Our time in New York City is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">41. Receiving a FREE sofa bed, ottoman, and rug is abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">42. The five dollars I earned from selling two books today was hugely abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">43. <a href="http://readingroryslist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading</a> in bed for three hours this morning was luxurious and abundant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">44. Creating a vision wall is abundant and grows my money magnetism.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">45. The ability to borrow a bicycle opens opportunities filled with abundance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">46. ProAir that supports my health and JP's is a gift of abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">47. Shedding fear is abundant and magnetic.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">48. My past experiences brought me to today and have blessed me with the ability to become more and more open to abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">49. I am abundant even by thinking about returning to places I have visited and loved.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">50. I deserve and am open to abundance, magnetism, and money.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How do you celebrate and invite abundance into your life?</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>***Please note, posts on this blog may contain affiliate links.</i></span></div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-64250884879793683592016-01-25T22:33:00.000-08:002016-01-25T22:33:23.477-08:00Tips to save on groceries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcaQCsvUf9Q85-bG0_5vFpGWIZ5al09Jq7dSW_y3rbpe80Nk6ApH2h3liVST1uZ4aH4kLOFJRLeBtndnOtKH8pr4xBIdFi4L3xYTHZydEbgm8x8nv2O4u0owacB3ldxhWvkXILIH6F5Q/s1600/Grocery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcaQCsvUf9Q85-bG0_5vFpGWIZ5al09Jq7dSW_y3rbpe80Nk6ApH2h3liVST1uZ4aH4kLOFJRLeBtndnOtKH8pr4xBIdFi4L3xYTHZydEbgm8x8nv2O4u0owacB3ldxhWvkXILIH6F5Q/s640/Grocery.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
Hi all! Thanks for tuning in to learn more about how I save money on groceries.<br />
<br />
First of all, in full disclosure, I have to say that I totally fell of of my own grocery savings plan and lost track of some of my own best habits over past two weeks. I picked up a respiratory virus that has caused my asthma to flare up and I've been a bit of a wreck as a result, not to mention allergies on top of all that! So, my end of January grocery recap is going to be pretty dismal for me. Sigh...but, I think that's an important reminder that everyone makes mistakes, has slip ups, or runs into detours. We ALL have our ups and downs, so when you are feeling down, just remember the rest of us have been there, done that and we're there rooting for you!<br />
<br />
Anyhow, today I wanted to recap some of my favorite grocery tips. In <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/100-abundance-affirmations-1-to-25.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post, I mentioned taking part in the <a href="http://moneylovechallenge.com/" target="_blank">#moneylovechallenge</a> hosted by Kate Northrup, author of <a href="http://www.amzn.to/1PdVyYS" target="_blank">Money: A Love Story</a>. Well, today someone posted in the private Facebook group associated with the challenge about how she is struggling to get her grocery costs down. I brainstormed some of my favorite tips and thought I would share them here as well. Some are obvious, but others might not be. Some are also similar to the tips in <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2015/12/8-rules-to-minimize-food-waste-at-home.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post, but there are a few that I didn't list previously. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cook from scratch 80% of the time</span></b></i></span><br />
As long as you are careful with your ingredients, your utilities, and so on, cooking from scratch can save you a lot of money. It is also almost always healthier. To make cooking from scratch economical, I do the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Only buy ingredients in quantities that I need.</li>
<li>Only cook in quantities we can and will eat.</li>
<li>Do most of my cooking on non-peak hours for our utilities (before noon or after 7pm on weekdays or anytime on weekends) to save on the cost of electricity.</li>
<li>Make double batches of our favorite recipes and portion out and freeze the second half before serving dinner.</li>
<li>Realize that cooking from scratch reduces sodium, additives, and other unhealthy junk so I am also protecting our health and potentially saving on the cost of future healthcare.</li>
<li>Keep a list of easy, go-to recipes that are inexpensive but filling and make them regularly. </li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Compare sales fliers for the four or five stores nearby</b></i></span></span><br />
We are lucky enough to live in very close proximity to a wide variety of grocery stores. I know that one store always has the best produce, another the best meats, and another the most variety overall. One has the best bulk foods sections. However, I still compare the sales fliers each week to determine who has the best overall sales prices and if it would be worth it or not to go to only one store versus multiple stores. Some weeks the savings are worth going to multiple stores and other weeks the savings are not. One weeks when it is worth going to multiple stores, I space the grocery trips out and combine them with other errands or stop at a different store each day on my way home from work.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b><a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-2016-peek-inside-my-kitchen-how.html" target="_blank">Inventory my fridge and pantry</a> BEFORE going to the store</b></i></span></span><br />
This includes organizing my fridge, freezer, and cupboards regularly. If you can see what you have, you are less likely to over or under buy. When my son and I lived with my mom, I discovered that my mom had five full sized, unopened bottles of ketchup. Did she find a great deal? Nope. Did she have a habit of buying in bulk? Nope. What she did was put them in the cupboard and just shove more and more into the cupboard so that she couldn't see everything clearly. She would end up forgetting she already had ketchup and buy more. It was a waste of money for something that was rarely used in our house. Inventorying also allows you to meal plan before you even think of going to the store. Can you get another few days of filling meals out of what is on hand?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Make my list and meal plan AFTER comparing sales fliers and doing my inventory</span></b></i></span><br />
If you are trying to save on groceries, there is no point in meal planning without first seeing what you have on hand and then seeing what's on sale. How many meals can you get out of what you already have and how many more can you make with what's on sale?<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Use SavingStar and Ibotta or other grocery rebate apps</span></b></i></span><br />
I talked about SavingStar <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/getting-most-from-your-grocery-budget.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, but also just found out that you can actually use multiple grocery saving apps at the same time and on the same products! I haven't using multiple apps on the same purchases yet, but so far this month, I've got more $8.90 in rebates from SavingStar and just qualified for a 25-cent rebate through Ibotta. SavingStar only has $5 threshold to cash out via PayPal, but Ibotta has a $20 threshold. These apps do require some time as you have to select offers, input product codes (scan the bar codes or manually input the UPC or product code numbers), scan your receipts, and then wait for the rebates to be processed. SavingStar also periodically has free-after-rebate items, and if you take advantage of enough offers, you qualify for additional freebies and offers.<br />
<ul>
<li>Sign up for SavingStar <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li>
<li>Sign up for Ibotta <a href="https://ibotta.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</li>
</ul>
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>SavingStar is pretty straightforward, but Ibotta takes a little figuring out...I'm not totally there yet!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Selectively use coupons</span></span></span></span></span></span></i></b></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>I don't use a lot of coupons, but when I do, I try to match them with SavingStar offers or grocery sales, ideally with BOTH. It's really cool when you can match a sale price + a SavingStar rebate + a coupon! I get most of my coupons through the mail by being signed up for my local favorite grocery store's savings card program, but I also use printable coupons from <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> (found under the Shop link). I get coupons via Swagbucks because you can sometimes earn points through Swagbucks if you redeem enough coupons and then you can use those points to get giftcards once you've accumulated enough (I paid for my son's entire Christmas last year and the year before with Amazon credit accumulated through Swagbucks!). Keep in mind though that it's not a deal if you are using a coupon to buy something you wouldn't normally purchase or eat, hence the use of "selectively."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Eat BEFORE grocery shopping</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>I eat a filling snack before going to the grocery store and I take a drink from home--usually coffee--to help me avoid temptations and impulse purchases. Over time, I've realized that grocery shopping hungry usually means buying things that I <i><b>think </b></i>I want instead of what I really want or need. Pretty basic trick, but it works!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Review my cart before checkout</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Before I get in line, I review the items in my care and compare them to my grocery list. If I see anything not on my list or that I really didn't need, I remove it before I get in line. I usually just set it in a different part of the cart and then give it to the cashier and tell them I changed my mind about that item. It's not a big deal--they have it happen all the time and most stores are set up to have a runner or a store clerk whose job is to make a sweep of the checkout area for unwanted items and to to return them to the shelves. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Track food I THROW OUT</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Almost all of us are guilty of wasting money on groceries simply by letting food rot. We then throw it out. I keep a list of the food I throw out, always striving for less and less food waste. Throwing out food is like throwing away money. If I notice that I am consistently throwing away the same foods over and over, I try to either buy that food in smaller quantities or I simply stop buying it. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Review produce on hand</span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Every few days I review the produce in our fridge and pantry. I look for things that are going to go bad if not eaten in the next few days and make sure I incorporate those into our meal plan. Soups and stews are a great way to use up a lot of vegetables and pies, crumbles, crisps, and smoothies are great for using up fruit. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>Selectively shop for specialty items</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></i></span><br />
<span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><span><span>My son and I have food allergies so we use specialty items like sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and rice milk instead of cow's milk. Both are quite expensive at the regular grocery store and also at the discount grocery store. Instead, I buy them at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, or Costco. They cost significantly less at these stores since Trader Joe's and Whole Foods cater to specialty markets and Costco deals in bulk. I save enough on specialty items like these that it is worth the extra drive or trip. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What are your favorite grocery savings tips?</b></div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-72842035635646317462016-01-23T15:02:00.001-08:002016-01-23T15:02:42.174-08:00100 abundance affirmations - 1 to 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03PbaiMpI9A9P2Ax0vNEk2XZOTL47GhYNRmi1A19A2N8HBEmtML4P7rw8hxeU1Bn5kCfq-7Zd_dMFfRx2emkmxN56pMJBmxMeXZYSmYqwu48OpAz8iEaSu5_URrKmG1fRL1EDIcVkp5c/s1600/ABUNDANCE+1+to+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03PbaiMpI9A9P2Ax0vNEk2XZOTL47GhYNRmi1A19A2N8HBEmtML4P7rw8hxeU1Bn5kCfq-7Zd_dMFfRx2emkmxN56pMJBmxMeXZYSmYqwu48OpAz8iEaSu5_URrKmG1fRL1EDIcVkp5c/s400/ABUNDANCE+1+to+25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today, I am sharing the first 25 affirmations in a list of 100 abundance affirmations that I am creating. At the moment I am taking part in <a href="http://moneylovechallenge.com/" target="_blank">Kate Northrup's #moneylovechallenge</a> and she talks a lot about realizing that you are already abundant in many ways, you just have to recognize that abundance. Doing so is supposed to open the door for you to attract more abundance and money in your life.<br />
<br />
In the #moneylovechallenge, Kate doesn't specifically ask for a written list of any specific set number of affirmations or recognition of abundance, but I thought it would be good for my own needs to write down a list of 100 abundance affirmations and recognitions.<br />
<br />
Your affirmations may look very different from mine, but here are my first 25:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">1. I am abundant every time I cook from scratch.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">2. I am abundant every time I enter my own home.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">3. I am abundant every time I get a paycheck.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">4. I am abundant every time I make an Etsy sale. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">5. I am abundant every time I edit for a client.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">6. I am abundant every time I do a transcription for a client.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">7. I am abundant every time I get into and use my car.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">8. I am abundant every time I use my own glass water bottle.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">9. I am abundant every time I get to spend time with son.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">10. I am abundant every time I make my own coffee at home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">11. I have an abundance of love.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">12. I am abundant in friends.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">13. I am abundant every time I use the library. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">14. I am abundant every time I go to work.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">15. I am abundant with every penny to pass into my hands.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">16. Every time I pay a bill, I am celebrating abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">17. Time to read is abundant and luxurious.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">18. The ability to say NO is a celebration of abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">19. Building connections on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">20. The world of information available on the internet is a huge source of abundance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">21. Support from my dad is filled with abundance and love.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">22. Support from my step-mom is filled with abundance and love.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">23. Vegetables and fruit in my kitchen are filled with nutritional abundance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">24. My creativity is an abundant and joyful gift.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">25. Living in this free country is abundant. </span><br />
<br />
Kate Northrup is the author of Money: A Love Story which is on my January reading list. You can find her book <a href="http://amzn.to/1PdVyYS" target="_blank">HERE</a> and the #moneylovechallenge <a href="http://moneylovechallenge.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What makes YOU feel abundant and full? </b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>***Please note, posts on this blog may contain affiliate links.</i></span></div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-41460090459813158102016-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:002016-01-13T15:00:57.429-08:00Snowballing my way to financial freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrK0ZBuZ-qzIotO4Le2mK1UY8Gh3gK7pOarZJ47pmBxqqL76DnJozQkomF79pop1R6ntP2Cc_kFXvA6mIkwnM7tuw6aFbI7T02VDgV7m1rwIlCNvOL1JA7cTxFqUX_UW12V5oWKgw2uRQ/s1600/financial+freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Using a debt snowball to get to financial freedom" border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrK0ZBuZ-qzIotO4Le2mK1UY8Gh3gK7pOarZJ47pmBxqqL76DnJozQkomF79pop1R6ntP2Cc_kFXvA6mIkwnM7tuw6aFbI7T02VDgV7m1rwIlCNvOL1JA7cTxFqUX_UW12V5oWKgw2uRQ/s400/financial+freedom.jpg" title="Using a debt snowball to get to financial freedom" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today, I had a $50 payment due on a debt to my city. The total outstanding balance was $65 and knowing that if I only were to pay $50 I'd still have one more payment to go before the balance was zero really bothered me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i>I wanted that balance to be ZERO and I wanted it badly!</i></b></span></div>
<br />
I hesitated before paying off the full amount though. That would mean $15 LESS to spend on necessities or to set aside for an emergency or unexpected expense. Using that $15 now might mean that our already tight budget could potentially get even tighter.<br />
<br />
I'm not religious, but I decided to suck it up and put this in the hands of faith--faith that if I paid this debt off entirely and something unexpected came up, the money to take care of it WILL find a way to me.<br />
<br />
So....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>I PAID OFF A DEBT IN FULL TODAY!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj5kfn00_vt-92RZmHB9uRYoyPup1d1wcH14958g0mzbMg8w6NeCLezCnJ83VM2ypAj28okBg2uGafrhZFatKrkCasCufx73Y6_plVt2ExdpVMMJb80UmUT3pu-lFiECEWI5BpJQgb9w/s1600/KIMG1266-1%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="debt payoff" border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj5kfn00_vt-92RZmHB9uRYoyPup1d1wcH14958g0mzbMg8w6NeCLezCnJ83VM2ypAj28okBg2uGafrhZFatKrkCasCufx73Y6_plVt2ExdpVMMJb80UmUT3pu-lFiECEWI5BpJQgb9w/s400/KIMG1266-1%25281%2529.jpg" title="debt reduction" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The original balance was $215 with payments due every month of $50. I'd whittled it down, slowly but surely to $65. It may only have been $65 and thus not much at all considering my total debt is nearly $110,000, but it is <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>PROGRESS</i></b></span>!<br />
<br />
Now that this little nagging debt is GONE, I will snowball the $50 per month payments into my next debt--money owed to a friend when she helped us in an emergency ($490).<br />
<br />
If you don't know what a debt snowball is, it basically means as you pay off a debt, you take the amount you were paying on the eliminated debt monthly and ADD IT to your payments on another debt until that one is gone. Then, you take the combined monthly payments on those two eliminated debts and add it to your monthly payments on your next debt and so on until you are <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i>FINANCIALLY FREE!</i></b></span><br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><u><i><b>DEBT TRACKING:</b></i></u></span><br />
Original total: $110,000<br />
Paid off today: $65<br />
<b>New total: $109,875*</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*I am not tracking interest at the moment, but I know I should be.</i></span><b> </b>Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-62400719709065833852016-01-12T01:01:00.000-08:002016-07-09T16:07:04.752-07:00Financial Peace Planner Accountability Check In #2 - Reframing my money fears<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXlVxnfnBuhZpAqKS3hQXexXNdNi-QK0_-5VUchgSGV1ak559Uz6nIsAg4HuRocvlyMv5OC040d3lIQ6aKIOOUMbiAwOsexobfdCl_PvZQswXUe5-6huDwd-75RsrJpEslgI3HGcPDU4/s1600/dave+ramsey+ch+1+check+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Planner accountability" border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXlVxnfnBuhZpAqKS3hQXexXNdNi-QK0_-5VUchgSGV1ak559Uz6nIsAg4HuRocvlyMv5OC040d3lIQ6aKIOOUMbiAwOsexobfdCl_PvZQswXUe5-6huDwd-75RsrJpEslgI3HGcPDU4/s400/dave+ramsey+ch+1+check+in.jpg" title="Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Planner accountability" width="400" /></a></div>
I struggled a lot this past week. It was highly emotional with some personal drama, work drama, and just things not going according to plan (what's that saying about life happening when you are busy making other plans?).<br />
<br />
As a result, I had a really tough time sticking to my no spending, no soda goals. I also had a difficult time with the goals I set previously for the week according to the principles laid out in Chapter 1 of Dave Ramsey's <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZyJ4hQ" target="_blank"><i>Financial Peace Planner</i></a>.<br />
<br />
As of January 11th, I've gone only 6 days without soda and 7 days without unplanned spending. Granted, most of the unplanned spending was much LESS than it would have been had I not recommitted to my financial goals when I started this blog. Instead of just saying, "Screw it!" and going overboard at the grocery store, the cafeteria at work, or buying take away coffee, I really limited the coffees, made smarter choices at the grocery store, and only used the cafeteria at work on one day when I overslept and didn't have the time to make a lunch for work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv-ia-XdZnSklMZB4rqyu4P3yNV1ePxwZD6cQLwo_f3W1pEJsm_7ifr9PdZyz1IR3um6dznX2VkjaaD5y2O1iIjeSlyguPaEXhF-OuPEY9LtQQWWY8_B2DR2wWMmAQ6ghAQMP-5b3Opc/s1600/stats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tracking goals" border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv-ia-XdZnSklMZB4rqyu4P3yNV1ePxwZD6cQLwo_f3W1pEJsm_7ifr9PdZyz1IR3um6dznX2VkjaaD5y2O1iIjeSlyguPaEXhF-OuPEY9LtQQWWY8_B2DR2wWMmAQ6ghAQMP-5b3Opc/s320/stats.png" title="tracking goals" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the last few days though, I've been making my lunches the night before when I have to work, setting up my coffee making station the night before, and setting out breakfast items the night before.<br />
<br />
I wasn't able to save any money or pay off any debt in the first 11 days of January, but my earnings so far this month are a bit ahead of usual (which is a VERY GOOD THING!). I hope that will continue for the remainder of the month. I have been working hard on my Etsy shop and sold more coloring pages so far this month than I had at the same time last month also (check it out <a href="http://marblesandjam.etsy.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Today, however, I will be putting another $50 towards my debt which will leave me with a mere $15 left to pay off a traffic ticket to the city! I cannot wait for that debt to be GONE!</b></span><br />
<br />
This past week, I did join a couple of "kickstart" type of challenges for the new year that I hope will make a difference in my income and thus my ability to pay off debt and build savings. The challenge I am most excited about is Gina Horkey's "Kickstart Your Writing Biz" -- Gina is a freelance writer who teaches others to build freelance writing careers and thus financial freedom. I've worked through the first two exercises and am working on the third. Gina also teaches people how to build VA (virtual assistant) careers. Both freelance writing and being a VA can bring in supplemental income for anyone working to pay off debt or increase savings (or both). (check out Gina's site <a href="http://horkeyhandbook.com/?ap_id=maleaab" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
As a reminder, here are Dave Ramsey's Seven Financial Baby Steps -- I am working on #1 and #2 now:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>Dave Ramsey's Seven Financial Baby Steps:</b></span></div>
<ol style="text-align: center;">
<li>Save $1,000 in an emergency fund. </li>
<li>Pay off all of your debt except for a mortgage by using the debt snowball.</li>
<li>Complete your emergency fun by saving three to six months of expenses.</li>
<li>Fully fund your pre-tax retirements savings.</li>
<li>Save for your kids' college.</li>
<li>Pay off your home early.</li>
<li>Build wealth and give like crazy.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Chapter One of the <i>Financial Peace Planner</i> ends with two tasks, one of which is taking stock of your money fears. My top five money fears are (you can also read them in <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2015/12/working-through-dave-ramseys-financial.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> post):<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>My top five money fears:</b></i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>ONE</i></b></span>: I won't be able to fix my financial situation.<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>TWO</b></i></span>: There will never be enough money.<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i>THREE</i></b></span>: My son will be stuck taking care of my financial needs later in life.<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i>FOUR</i></b></span>: I'll lose my home due to lack of money to pay the rent.<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>FIVE</b></i></span>: My debt will grow instead of shrink.<br />
<br />
<b>In an effort to reframe my mindset and set myself up for success, here is how I have been thinking about these fears:</b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>ONE</i></b></span>: I won't be able to fix my financial situation.<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b><span style="color: black;">REFRAMED:</span> </b></i><span style="color: black;">I AM actively taking steps to fix my financial situation. I WILL succeed.</span><i><b> </b></i></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>TWO</b></i></span>: There will never be enough money.<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>REFRAMED</b></i>: I AM actively building a financial foundation so that I will ALWAYS have enough money.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i>THREE</i></b></span>: My son will be stuck taking care of my financial needs later in life.<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i><span style="color: black;">REFRAMED:</span></i></b><span style="color: black;"> I am teaching my son through my example and through being open with this process so that we both can build strong financial futures. Neither of us will need to be depending on others (including each other).</span><b><i> </i></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i>FOUR</i></b></span>: I'll lose my home due to lack of money to pay the rent<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>REFRAMED</b></i>: At the moment, money is tight. However, I will NOT lose my home. Immediately, I can adjust my budget, sell things I don't need, provide services others will pay for, or if I am really stuck, I can seek community assistance. I have plenty of options. My home is safe. <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b> </b></i></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>FIVE</b></i></span>: My debt will grow instead of shrink.<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>REFRAMED</b></i>: My debt WILL shrink because I am taking active steps to get it under control and pay it down. I WILL have a ZERO debt balance. </li>
</ul>
I can't say that this is an easy process -- many things that are worth doing are not easy. I believe this is one of those things where my success will be directly related to the effort I put in.<br />
<br />
How about you? What are your money fears and how are you reframing them to set yourself up for success?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Interested in following Dave Ramsey's plan? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can buy your own copy of <i>The Financial Peace Planner</i> <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZyJ4hQ" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>***This post may contain affiliate links.*** </i></span></div>
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Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-38134512749328918882016-01-07T15:28:00.000-08:002016-01-07T21:37:13.120-08:00Getting the most from your grocery budget without extreme couponing<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H3yd007hBElL-Te2pyqrm7TMBEIWQ3YBQHuXNOWb66pl7b_e6hP50AGlVyfMuO8APdZR0ajx9F7eFgIKSWYN5-NbTqnPREJ_tly9oCYrACBNWu5QaZCFiPzNCB2fih0W7iVn964fSqk/s1600/grocery+budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H3yd007hBElL-Te2pyqrm7TMBEIWQ3YBQHuXNOWb66pl7b_e6hP50AGlVyfMuO8APdZR0ajx9F7eFgIKSWYN5-NbTqnPREJ_tly9oCYrACBNWu5QaZCFiPzNCB2fih0W7iVn964fSqk/s400/grocery+budget.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Just a little note before you read on, this is <u><b>SUPER LONG</b></u> with only the header picture and one other picture!</i><br />
<br />
A lot of you already know that groceries are a <i><b>HUGE</b></i> area of the budget, but also an area that is often flexible. I read time and time again that cutting the grocery bill is one of the most important steps in taking control of your finances, and having done it in the past myself, I know this to be true.<br />
<br />
And, I'm not talking about eating ramen noodles or other super cheap, not very good for you food, either.<br />
<br />
As many, many blogs, financial experts, and nutrition experts will tell you, you <i><b>CAN </b></i>eat incredibly well (of course, "incredibly well" is subjective) on a tight budget. I wouldn't say my son and I eat "incredibly well" but we do eat adequately well--we eat a healthier diet than most of my coworkers, most of my extended family, and many people I know generally. We don't eat as well as we could, but we eat well enough.<br />
<br />
So, how do I save money on groceries, still eat well enough, and not go crazy with extreme couponing (another subjective term--"extreme")?<br />
<br />
I combine grocery weekly store ads + <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-2016-peek-inside-my-kitchen-how.html" target="_blank">an inventory of my fridge, freezer, and pantry</a> + <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">SavingStar</a> rebate offers + printable coupons from Coupons.com <i><b>BUT </b></i>printed via <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a>. When I started this process, it used to take me a few hours once every week. Now I have it down to about a single 30 minute session every Tuesday or Wednesday night (sometimes Sunday, depending on my work schedule).<br />
<br />
Today, I'm going to walk you through my process. Incidentally, while preparing to write this, I realized that I neglected one step <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/tracking-spending-and-grocery-shopping.html" target="_blank">last week</a> and ended up spending several dollars more than I would have if I'd stuck to my usual steps.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>STEP ONE: </b></i></span>I organize and mentally inventory <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-2016-peek-inside-my-kitchen-how.html" target="_blank">my fridge, freezer, and pantry</a> to make a list of things we <i><b>NEED </b></i>and things that we don't need now, but will need soon. I also include things I would <b><i>LIKE</i></b>, but could do without if I can't find a good price. I usually write it all down by hand, then go to my computer for step two.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>STEP TWO: </b></i></span> I compare my written list of needs and wants against the grocery store weekly ads for the three shops I visit regularly that have weekly ads, in addition to keeping in mind items that I buy at Trader Joe's, WinCo, and Costco. <br />
<br />
I list each store and the sale items and details on a spreadsheet, following these rules:<br />
<ul>
<li>Is the item something we need (as in, we are out or almost out of an item we already use)?</li>
<li>Is the item something we will use up entirely before it will go bad?</li>
<li>Is the item something we <b><i>LIKE</i></b>? (If you don't like something on your list, don't buy it! You aren't likely to use it or get it's full value.)</li>
<li>Is the item actually a good price (the longer you follow this process, the easier it will be to tell a good price from an ok or a bad price)?</li>
</ul>
If I can answer <span style="color: #274e13;"><i><b>YES </b></i></span>to each of these questions, the item and details go on my spreadsheet. As I add items for each store, I also am comparing prices if multiple stores have similar or the same items on sale. If three stores have cucumbers on sale, but only one has the lowest price, I will then decide if that store has enough items on sale to make it worth going. If it does, I keep cucumbers listed under that store's list. If that store isn't worth going to because of how few items are on sale there on my list, I will go to the next cheapest source. It's not worth driving 20 minutes away <b><i>JUST </i></b>for cucumbers to save 9-cents. If the store 20 minutes away, however, has ten things on sale and I could save three or four dollars total, I might make that drive in conjunction with other errands that take me that direction anyhow.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><i><b>STEP THREE: </b></i></span>I visit <a href="http://savingstar.ojrq.net/c/217496/16897/758" target="_blank">SavingStar</a> to see what rebates they are offering that week or month and activate the offers that interest me. SavingStar works by offering you rebates for certain purchases. They also have a healthy offer of the week (a particular produce item) and occasionally have a freebie offer. You buy the specified amounts, submit a picture of your receipt and type in the bar codes or produce codes on the items you purchased. Then, SavingStar employees review your entries and approve or don't approve them. As your entries are approved, you start to accrue rebates. Once you hit $5 minimum, you have the option to cash out. I believe there are a few methods available for receiving your rebate, but I always take mine via PayPal.<br />
<br />
I activate offers <i><b>BOTH </b></i>for items on my grocery list <i><b>AND </b></i>for items I think I <i><b>MIGHT </b></i>want in the future if they aren't on my list for the current week. I then enter the details into my grocery list spreadsheet. Ideally, I'm looking for items that are on sale at my local stores <i><b>AND </b></i>have associated SavingStar offers.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><i><b>STEP FOUR: </b></i></span>Next, I visit the coupon section of <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/maleaab" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a> (it's under the "shop" link and then you click "coupons" and then click "printable"). I <i><b>ONLY </b></i>clip and print coupons for items I <b><i>KNOW </i></b>I will buy since I don't want to waste printer ink or paper (aka--money!). Again, I am ideally looking for sales prices on my grocery list items+SavingStar rebate offers+coupons.<br />
<br />
I feel like I've hit the jackpot when I can match up sale prices <i><b>PLUS </b></i>SavingStar rebates <b><i>PLUS</i></b> STORE coupons <i><b>PLUS </b></i>MANUFACTURER coupons. I have ONE such item on this week's list: Angel Soft toilet paper. I scored a great deal last grocery trip on some Angel Soft, but still have $7.50 worth that I would need to purchase in order to qualify for a SavingStar rebate ($5 rebate on $15 combined Angel Soft purchases). <br />
<br />
Using these steps, I routinely save anywhere from 30 to 80% on every grocery trip, so long as I don't give in to impulse purchases.<br />
<br />
So, now that I've explained my process, here is my grocery list for this week with some LOW PRIORITY items that can wait until the next two weeks, or even next month--HIGH PRIORITY items are boxed in green, LOW PRIORITY in red, and items that would be helpful but aren't essential are unboxed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqh9ltuVAsakQvjFa-JPJGjVncxq2bwk5xwOBth7BGwcQGLau1BvVb04H1yHYDlG78OfZ98rNrHsWklbSRjx6zuisJAsUFFGybnkTn1Xg9TdYNeM6B6u6SnP7bfZGuW6sPgt_zWoKCpk/s1600/January+Grocery+List+through+1-12-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqh9ltuVAsakQvjFa-JPJGjVncxq2bwk5xwOBth7BGwcQGLau1BvVb04H1yHYDlG78OfZ98rNrHsWklbSRjx6zuisJAsUFFGybnkTn1Xg9TdYNeM6B6u6SnP7bfZGuW6sPgt_zWoKCpk/s640/January+Grocery+List+through+1-12-16.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
Not including Costco, my total grocery budget for this trip will be $65 <i><b>AFTER </b></i>coupons but <b><i>BEFORE </i></b>SavingStar rebates. Then, for the remainder of the month, I will budget $20 for produce as well as rice milk from Trader Joe's if I don't make it to Costco. Although I want to go to Costco, it is quite far from our house and I could just pick up single cans or cartons of most items on my Costco list at fairly good prices. Costco will only happen if I earn an extra $75 between now and the end of the month. The crockpot listed under Fry's will also only happen if I earn an extra $20 before they go off sale.<br />
<br />
I buy olive oil, frozen chicken, and frozen fruit almost exclusively at Trader Joe's because after three years of living in this area, I've found Trader Joe's to have the lowest prices on these items without sacrificing quality. <br />
<br />
You'll also notice that I have a crockpot listed. If I don't buy the crockpot during the current sale period, I will set aside $1 per pay period until I have $20 and then will just buy one when they are next on sale.<br />
<br />
Now, why am I even considering BUYING a crockpot when I'm supposed to be doing a spending freeze (have I even written about my spending freeze yet?)??? Quite simply because it will <i><b><u>HELP</u> </b></i>my spending freeze in the long run. The spending freeze is about NOT buying NON-essential items, and I believe I can make a good case for making the crockpot exception.<br />
<br />
On days that I work 10 hour shifts or have a quick turn around between shifts, it is incredibly tempting to stop at the store for a freezer meal or to hit up fast food on the way home. The simple convenience of throw ingredients in, turn it on, and forget about it for hours is so easy! I can even put all the ingredients in a big bowl in the fridge and leave my son instructions to dump it in the crock pot and turn it on at a certain time. That kind of convenience could save me a lot of money in the long run.<br />
<br />
When we lived in another city and I was working 60 hours per week with an additional 20 hours of commute time, the crock pot not only saved me a ton of energy, but it saved me a ton of money, AND it gave me peace of mind that my son could just dump everything in and turn it on at an appointed hour if I couldn't do it before I left for work. It also allowed me to make large portions of many meals and freeze half or two thirds for future easy thaw-and-heat meals. It also was easy to make up many recipes and freeze them UNcooked and then just dump them into the crockpot in the morning. I swear the crockpot saved us many times during that period in our lives! Unfortunately, I dropped the insert and it became unusable. I didn't replace it and slowly found myself spending way too much on reheatable processed foods and fast food on days that were draining mentally and physically.<br />
<br />
What is your grocery strategy?<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
You can read all of my grocery related posts <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/search/label/groceries" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Posts on this blog may include affiliate links.</i></div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-85647550774207744702016-01-06T14:55:00.000-08:002016-01-06T14:55:20.278-08:00January 2016: A peek inside my kitchen (how I organize to save money on groceries)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcCVyksLe-eZjkbGrPbY60N6JBwKBSbnf6IuqSh4roON4gTcnTlN5cNM4JEI1wbplubw9ckDdQMV1wfaDuLBVMt_avjJhVg0GndYIZjFCDWLuKjOL8YATnRfQm1gRcgtSnqS2ma7YvPs/s1600/organizing+my+kitchen+for+savings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kitchen organization" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcCVyksLe-eZjkbGrPbY60N6JBwKBSbnf6IuqSh4roON4gTcnTlN5cNM4JEI1wbplubw9ckDdQMV1wfaDuLBVMt_avjJhVg0GndYIZjFCDWLuKjOL8YATnRfQm1gRcgtSnqS2ma7YvPs/s640/organizing+my+kitchen+for+savings.png" title="kitchen organization" width="486" /></a></div>
I see a lot of grocery savings posts and cooking posts that seem inspiring, but I often wonder, "What did they already have in their pantry and fridge??? How can they buy those particular things and no xyz and still eat well?" I also see perfect, beautiful, clean kitchens--I don't know about you, but my kitchen doesn't look like that on most days!<br />
<br />
So, here is a peek inside my kitchen on January 6th, 2016. I'm showing you my messy counters, my before pictures of my cupboards, fridge, and freezer, and afters of those same areas.<br />
<br />
After watching a video by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/theformermrsjones" target="_blank">The Former Mrs. Jones on YouTube</a> about her grocery budget and a recent grocery trip followed by a clip of her cleaning her kitchen and some info on her meal plan for the next two weeks, I decided to tackle some similar stuff.<br />
<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
Set.<br />
<br />
Go...<br />
<br />
Here's an overview of my kitchen--we cook fairly frequently and so we almost always have dishes to wash. We've gotten a lot better at washing dishes more often and all of these dishes on the counter and in the sink should be washed by end of day today. We also only wash by hand, turning the water OFF while we scrub. Hand washing, even though we have a dishwasher, saves us a ton on our electric bill--so much that the added time required to hand wash is well worth it! Often we wash dishes while watching Netflix to make the time pass a little faster.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnivApmMLeNUILcDOh0FOvc2Hs-MAbG5xB_tZBLJLfULTz_9HoEvDmfM7MOrtyTENlyKqQp1pkm_IXz9Fmh6D3B5jQo0zqKVtdAZ-FLdioVwFupAMVm8iiiZ7W0Kc2q3XQWD4JERBqno/s1600/kitchen1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the frugal kitchen" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnivApmMLeNUILcDOh0FOvc2Hs-MAbG5xB_tZBLJLfULTz_9HoEvDmfM7MOrtyTENlyKqQp1pkm_IXz9Fmh6D3B5jQo0zqKVtdAZ-FLdioVwFupAMVm8iiiZ7W0Kc2q3XQWD4JERBqno/s640/kitchen1.png" title="the frugal kitchen" width="484" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And a few cupboards, the fridge, and pantry...</b></span></i><br />
<br />
Hanging on the back of my pantry door, I have a shoe organizer. The top two rows of pockets hold medications, bandages, and health stuff. The third row from the top holds instant oatmeal packets and breakfast drink mix (all given to us for FREE) and some leftover Halloween candy. The fourth row holds my son's breakfast and snack bars. The fifth row holds a couple of my snacks (bulk purchased wasabi peas, Sesame Snaps), a pocket with paperclips and binder clips, and a pocket with napkins, plastic cutlery, and straws that we've picked up randomly. The bottom two rows hold dog supplies (heart worm medication, ear wash for one of our dogs, travel brochures from places we hope to visit in the next few years, a pouch of unopened mix-ins that I use in smoothies, and a roll of trash bags.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://amzn.to/1TFf9ky" target="_blank">THIS</a> over the door pocket shoe organizer is very similar to and several dollars LESS expensive than the one we bought.</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqRwgZAY9dUW8B2haACc0xhZSdrV-EwnxGZzG5SHxo9jiIcWxkn0jIJa8xZglPxQ8wIJceKEtqw39qZIsTNtqsoBylUWnOvZ2qKdOnPYaqgSp_DybfqjAba9P8VZb75Mo9EuTjPu80eQ/s1600/kitchen2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="frugal kitchen organization" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqRwgZAY9dUW8B2haACc0xhZSdrV-EwnxGZzG5SHxo9jiIcWxkn0jIJa8xZglPxQ8wIJceKEtqw39qZIsTNtqsoBylUWnOvZ2qKdOnPYaqgSp_DybfqjAba9P8VZb75Mo9EuTjPu80eQ/s640/kitchen2.png" title="frugal kitchen organization" width="451" /></a></div>
In the cupboards and pantry shelf--it might not look like a did a whole ton of organizing on the pantry shelf or kitchen cupboard, but it feels like I did! I pulled a few canned items from random spots and put them on the pantry shelf and grouped items together. I also pulled two items out of the pantry that we won't eat (one was given to us and the other I bought on a whim and I will donate both).<br />
<br />
In the cupboard, I pulled together boxed items, organized my herbs and spices a little better, pulled cereal out of its boxes (the boxes were too big and I couldn't close the door completely), grouped pasta together, grouped cereal together, and few other little things. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuo3_A_xtfXY1himU9NjexIR8ZebD1gT-IyF6x4Sbba0-STtHbD9PhFmkmL0rsyOhNDDf65J3sUnI1p2uaaJfQ5cG7jtv5GZ-O2BO3hg8dK36HPdRoqyKbvIAkmz1T5-gAdTAaj5ojYc/s1600/kitchen3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kitchen organization" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuo3_A_xtfXY1himU9NjexIR8ZebD1gT-IyF6x4Sbba0-STtHbD9PhFmkmL0rsyOhNDDf65J3sUnI1p2uaaJfQ5cG7jtv5GZ-O2BO3hg8dK36HPdRoqyKbvIAkmz1T5-gAdTAaj5ojYc/s400/kitchen3.png" title="kitchen organization" width="400" /></a></div>
In the fridge and freezer, there wasn't a whole lot to do other than reorganize so I would know what I had. I couldn't clearly see what was in the freezer for the most part. While I don't have it organized in the most energy efficient manner, I do have it organized so I know what's there and where things are. For example, the door of the freezer is mostly filled with fruits and veggies--all fruits gathered together and veggies together. The ice cube tray actually doesn't have ice in it, but rather frozen pureed bananas that I use in smoothies. When bananas go on sale, I buy a bunch, puree them and freeze them.<br />
<br />
In the fridge, I pulled together condiments and small jarred items, put food that needs to be eaten today on the top shelf, pulled together my son's Christmas candy leftovers, and then pulled together some other leftovers, veggies, and so on. I also have a container on the bottom shelf filled with leftover rice that we give to one of my dogs (she has digestive issues and plain rice seems to help her a lot--consult your vet before changing your dog's diet though!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpFclOq54q4nj35TregTEchCMY8dcg7aR2O6Jfh44ExtHDfsNfV-KCNUoO95D8IYxQyiP0bNVp5lIUdpfCQVouUXeEDBf3DufSyRbIUddH9sABLD91Cb2MchAphXMAOag1cLAgce7iwo/s1600/kitchen4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fridge and freezer organization" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpFclOq54q4nj35TregTEchCMY8dcg7aR2O6Jfh44ExtHDfsNfV-KCNUoO95D8IYxQyiP0bNVp5lIUdpfCQVouUXeEDBf3DufSyRbIUddH9sABLD91Cb2MchAphXMAOag1cLAgce7iwo/s640/kitchen4.png" title="fridge and freezer organization" width="534" /></a></div>
We have A LOT of condiments, sauces, and other small stuff in our fridge. I don't remember where I saw it, but someone posted a picture on social media showing how they used the bottom half of an egg carton to old condiments upside down so the dregs in the bottom of the jars would be pulled by gravity towards the lids and openings. BRILLIANT, right? I cut the bottom of an egg carton down a little bit so it would fit in our fridge door and popped our mustards, ketchup, and horseradish sauce into it. Works beautifully!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uy5FwgZ4YeQUD7F6KHAZ543aNNEd_sIxsSuxNmBWD-OmDWbDK4ehyphenhyphendePi-1ALdL-ipgivkolMP-Xt5qhv-Rxeotfcr1Gw0rNPXs3ZT9trgreBbTUtpDLr1WiCR-EsQDhJ40W2gAXL2M/s1600/kitchen5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fridge door organization" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Uy5FwgZ4YeQUD7F6KHAZ543aNNEd_sIxsSuxNmBWD-OmDWbDK4ehyphenhyphendePi-1ALdL-ipgivkolMP-Xt5qhv-Rxeotfcr1Gw0rNPXs3ZT9trgreBbTUtpDLr1WiCR-EsQDhJ40W2gAXL2M/s400/kitchen5.png" title="fridge door organization" width="400" /></a></div>
Now that I know what I have on hand, I can meal plan, make my grocery list for this coming weekend to fill in the gaps, and so on. Doing this kind of cleaning up and organizing at least every other month, if not monthly, allows me to save in the following ways:<br />
<ul>
<li>I don't double or triple buy unless it is strategic (like maybe there's a too good to be true sale price on something) because I know what we have on hand.</li>
<li>I can group things in the fridge according to when they need to be eaten (TODAY items always go on the top shelf) so we waste a lot less food.</li>
<li>I can STOP buying things we won't eat--if it's non-perishable that's been hanging around for months or a perishable that is going bad, I probably shouldn't buy them again.</li>
<li>I can adjust quantities on my grocery list before going to the store so I don't over or under buy.</li>
<li>I can create a meal plan (I do three days at a time) easily knowing what's on hand and not worry about needing to go to the store, thus I minimize impulse buying--you know how it is: you go in for one item and leave the store with four or five items.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">My meal plan for the next three days:</span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<b>Today:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Breakfast: oatmeal with berries, coffee, tea</li>
<li>Lunch: leftover pasta with cheese sauce and leftover taco bowl for JP; leftover pasta with marinara sauce and salad for me</li>
<li>Dinner: mini meatballs with pasta and marinara sauce; salad; garlic bread</li>
</ul>
<b>Tomorrow: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Breakfast: waffles, berries</li>
<li>Lunch: dad and stepmom are taking us out to eat</li>
<li>Dinner: tomato soup with hash browns (oven needs fixed
before we do oven fries)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Two days from now:</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Breakfast: oatmeal, coffee, tea</li>
<li>Lunch: whole fruit smoothies, hard boiled eggs for both of us; salad and tomatoes for me; Pasta Roni for JP</li>
<li>Dinner: veggie soup; garlic bread</li>
</ul>
How do you keep your kitchen organized and how does it help you financially?<br />
<br />
~*~*~*~*~<br />
<br />
Also, what are you watching on Netflix that you LOVE? I'm about to finish "Nurse Jackie" and need some suggestions. I've already watched "Jessica Jones" which I loved and also recently finished "Sons of Anarchy." Thanks in advance for any suggestions!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>**Posts on this blog may contain affiliate links.**</i></div>
Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-25452459166546680932016-01-04T23:39:00.000-08:002016-01-04T23:39:15.095-08:00Tracking spending and grocery shopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqTXiB3R71DoI4QHNHdS6i7G2Dz9rNvMjQSeQkiYI9-bIROuB8cLy8iKgdmrwxGHFY5b7CO0PmY_nGCxYKDU0-njmBpikOedsxYaP6bnZHQR6lUTSz9MwR2LewjnQepar_7C46IWQIWI/s1600/tracking+spending+and+grocery+savings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tracking spending and groceries" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqTXiB3R71DoI4QHNHdS6i7G2Dz9rNvMjQSeQkiYI9-bIROuB8cLy8iKgdmrwxGHFY5b7CO0PmY_nGCxYKDU0-njmBpikOedsxYaP6bnZHQR6lUTSz9MwR2LewjnQepar_7C46IWQIWI/s400/tracking+spending+and+grocery+savings.jpg" title="tracking spending and groceries" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tracking my spending should be easy, but it's not. I find it rather difficult and always have. I think combining tracking spending with accountability with a spending freeze will make it a bit easier.<br />
<br />
That said, today, I spent $3.56 on take away coffee because I had failed to prepare adequately for my day. I made a lunch last night but didn't make any coffee or fill my water bottle. I also didn't set out anything for breakfast for this morning -- all things I should have done last night to prepare for a day on which I have to work. <br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>What makes THIS time different?</b></i></span><br />
I've been through many cycles of tracking, slipping up, and then giving up. But this is the first time I've ever felt like I have a chance of truly paying off my debts, saving a significant amount of money, and turning my financial life around. <br />
<br />
This time, I have a plan. It didn't work perfectly today, but it worked better than it ever has before. I'm working on three days at a time for my spending freeze, looking ahead over the upcoming three days for possible pitfalls and other temptations, and taking steps to achieve my goals.<br />
<br />
Yes, I slipped up today. I will probably have other slip ups in the future, but already my slip ups are far smaller than they ever have been before. I took a lunch to work. I took my water bottle even though I forgot to fill it. In the past, my slip up would have cost me a lot more than $3.56. It would have been more like $13.56 today followed by a slide into $13.56 every day.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I don't have work. I have no reason to leave the house really except to take my dogs out for a walk. I have a meal plan in place for tomorrow too.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Tracking and improving my grocery budget:</b></i></span></span><br />
I am proud to say though that I went to the grocery store yesterday with my son in tow -- usually a mistake -- and managed to spend a lot less than I usually would in that situation. I didn't save as much as I normally would, but still enough that I feel like I did a good job. Last night, I took the following steps to save on my groceries:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Evaluated my needs -- what was I out of, what was I too low on not to buy and made a list of those items</li>
<li>Evaluated the sales flyer from the nearest store and compared my list against the flyer</li>
<li>Evaluated available deals on Saving Star and activated deals that fit my list and also anticipated future needs</li>
<li>Evaluated my coupons and compared them to my list and Saving Star deals</li>
<li>Talked to my son about our budget and grocery needs vs wants</li>
<li>Allowed my son two wants that were on sale AND available deals on Saving Star AND that I had coupons for </li>
<li>Allowed myself one want that was on sale AND an available deal on Saving Star AND that I had a coupon for</li>
</ol>
Here's the breakdown of my purchase, before coupons, after coupons, and after Saving Star:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #990000;">Original subtotal:</span></b> $65.72</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">After club card savings and coupons:</span></b> $47.94</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #38761d;">After Saving Star rewards (pending approval):</span></b> $45.04</li>
</ul>
If you haven't used Saving Star, you activate various offers (like say $5 back on a $15 Angel Soft toilet paper purchase). You submit bar code numbers for the qualifying items in your purchase and then scan and upload your receipt with those items on it. They evaluate your bar code numbers and receipt and either approve or don't approve the purchases. If they approve, you are given a rebate in the offer amounts. Once you reach $5 or more, you have the option to keep accumulating or to have the funds transferred to you via PayPal. <br />
<br />
In the past, I used to be able to save 60% on a grocery purchase easily without going extreme on the couponing. My process, both then and now takes less than 30 minutes per week, not counting the actual shopping. Unfortunately, in the past my local store used to double coupons but they stopped quite some time ago.<br />
<br />
Now that I've done a bit of grocery shopping, we'll be working meal plans and eating through everything before we go grocery shopping again, even if it means eating some really weird meals.<br />
<br />
How are you saving on your groceries? Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-19131242496382737642016-01-04T00:22:00.000-08:002016-07-09T16:07:48.753-07:00Financial Peace Planner Accountability Check-In Chapter 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorwlWFufBXkOXGNIpklvuAoGZMtAYkbHKSaRMwjGwO9T83xRiViJKkmqktzYs3KNeQ6Tt7AtlQcqAhd8PFcMRbUE3wrsb4Mp4cYFVO3YojbXGCXbAhoa3sQtYwlaVmcBDK1V_7DBvtxE/s1600/dave+ramsey+ch+1+check+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Planner" border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorwlWFufBXkOXGNIpklvuAoGZMtAYkbHKSaRMwjGwO9T83xRiViJKkmqktzYs3KNeQ6Tt7AtlQcqAhd8PFcMRbUE3wrsb4Mp4cYFVO3YojbXGCXbAhoa3sQtYwlaVmcBDK1V_7DBvtxE/s400/dave+ramsey+ch+1+check+in.jpg" title="Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Planner" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week, I posted about Chapter 1 of Dave Ramsey's <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZyJ4hQ" target="_blank"><i>Financial Peace Planner</i></a> (read about it <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2015/12/working-through-dave-ramseys-financial.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>). Well, today I thought I should check in.<br />
<br />
Last week, I wrote out my top five money fears and then some goals for the week. The money fears were not really a problem, but the goals? Um, yeah, I didn't do so great at two of them--two out of four isn't terrible is it???<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>My top five money fears as laid out last week:</b></i><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>ONE</i></b></span>: I won't be able to fix my financial situation.<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>TWO</b></i></span>: There will never be enough money.<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i>THREE</i></b></span>: My son will be stuck taking care of my financial needs later in life.<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i>FOUR</i></b></span>: I'll lose my home due to lack of money to pay the rent.<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i><b>FIVE</b></i></span>: My debt will grow instead of shrink.<br />
<br />
Well, I know I can avoid these money fears turning into reality if I am proactive <i><b>EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.</b></i> One way I'm doing this is by publicly posting some stats on a daily basis. I started on January 1st and you can see the stats in the sidebar to the right. But, here's a little screenshot as of January 3, 2016:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhlcrTz1fPgPPllHFcvHFABC811VhIL_HvuMd9gOHfd8Fzoi4T6-zQOYzcw6SRxCF4nHDDqe36HMykZ_9e2eucDavWRvSF_PUofajPucDGs9l3Vt3nI1EQD9dgNdb9_rcfpBhk6fVWWQ/s1600/stats.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhlcrTz1fPgPPllHFcvHFABC811VhIL_HvuMd9gOHfd8Fzoi4T6-zQOYzcw6SRxCF4nHDDqe36HMykZ_9e2eucDavWRvSF_PUofajPucDGs9l3Vt3nI1EQD9dgNdb9_rcfpBhk6fVWWQ/s320/stats.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I am actually feeling incredibly proud of the days without soda and without unplanned spending! I even went to the grocery store and walked right past two of the spots where I would normally grab a soda and a cheap loaf of garlic bread--two of my grocery store temptations.<br />
<br />
By tracking my goals and being focused on my desired end results, I'm at a much higher likelihood of success. I even earned an unexpected $20 on Sunday for a rush editing job! That little bit of extra income helped to bolster my determination to meet my goals.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>The goals I set for last week:</b></i><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>SPIRITUAL</b></i></span>: Do yoga Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and focus on my breathing and clearing my mind.<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>PHYSICAL</b></i></span>: Exercise daily beyond yoga -- a walk or bicycling.<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b>MENTAL</b></i></span>: Read a business, personal development, and social or political article every day.<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>RELATIONAL</b></i></span>: More hugs
for my son and putting down whatever is in my hands and focusing on him
when he has something that he wants to talk about.<br />
<br />
I basically didn't do any yoga or bicycling, although I did get in a two mile walk. I also managed to read every single day, though not necessarily articles. Instead, I read books (you can read about my reading <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2016/01/january-2016-reading-list.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>).<br />
<br />
<i><b>This week:</b></i><br />My money fears haven't changed, but the grip they have over me has eased up a lot. My goals, however, are in flux. As I discussed in my reading post, reading more is a top priority. Reading is both spiritual and mental for me. And, connecting with my son is something that will always be essential. Physically, I probably won't get a lot of bicycling in this week, but I will be doing a lot of walking as we are house sitting a puppy and she needs LOTS of exercise. Walking is ideal and we have a great two mile loop. I also joined a walking and running club that meets three days per week. I plan to start with them next week.<br />
<br />
I anticipate a good week. How about you?
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360441987464260235.post-63000316008502337172016-01-02T21:15:00.000-08:002016-01-02T21:15:44.477-08:00January 2016 reading list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG___gYeVH4KPBJn_UjmsrGGFvsoyeXU78yq82QidWQ91Pe-Aa9gz8LGmkIm3Qbq7qrB5OzFrExFuzZ14YDprf3DsaZJm1aFFM0Vxums-2CPRdjsNkpUDXSvgWIBcXhT9u38ViEBJ79M/s1600/January+2016+reading+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January reading list" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikG___gYeVH4KPBJn_UjmsrGGFvsoyeXU78yq82QidWQ91Pe-Aa9gz8LGmkIm3Qbq7qrB5OzFrExFuzZ14YDprf3DsaZJm1aFFM0Vxums-2CPRdjsNkpUDXSvgWIBcXhT9u38ViEBJ79M/s400/January+2016+reading+list.jpg" title="reading list" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my goals for 2016 is to make reading a bigger part of my life on a daily basis. I LOVE to read, but recently realized how little of it I've been doing. Even more, I realized how negatively NOT reading is affecting my mood.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I have been incredibly bored.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I've been grouchy.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I've been disengaged.</b></i></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Reading keeps me happy. It keeps me healthy. It keeps me going.</b></span><br />
<br />
Some time ago I had begun tracking my reading, inspired by Nick Hornby's <i>The Polysyllabic Spree</i> (read about it <a href="http://mandjinanutshell.blogspot.com/2011/09/blame-nick-hornby-for-this-post.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>) and the Rory Gilmore Reading List (find it <a href="http://readingroryslist.blogspot.com/p/the-list.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>), but then I lost track, started reading a lot less, and generally kinda lost motivation for most things. It was a slow slide and I didn't really notice for a long time. Then, little by little last month I started to realize that a big part of my feeling <a href="http://payingitoffonepennyatatime.blogspot.com/2015/12/when-debt-and-more-gets-you-down.html" target="_blank">depressed</a> lately has been due to a lack of (among other things) reading.<br />
<br />
Mid-December, I started picking up library books every time I met with a tutoring student and have had a consistent stack of books bedside, on my living room table, and on my desk ever since. Sure, I have books at home, but I was missing the excitement of something <b><i>NEW </i></b>to read -- I have many books that I read, read again, and read yet again, but <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>I just needed NEW and CONSISTENT</b></i></span>.<br />
<br />
Then, today, two of my favorite people posted bookish items on Facebook. <a href="http://www.whenigrowupcoach.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up Coach</a> and <a href="https://jlk86341.isrefer.com/go/SBLA/UrsaMajor/" target="_blank">Leonie Dawson from the Shining Biz + Life Academy</a> both posted asking for book recommendations (in closed/private groups/pages so I can't link to the discussions...sorry!). Michelle was seeking more upbeat, funny, memoir-ish, essay-ish types of material and Leonie's was more of a "Whatcha reading that ya lovin?"<br />
<br />
So, here's my list -- loosely broken out by category:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Personal Finance and Personal Development:</b></i></span><ul>
<li><i>Money: A Love Story</i> by Kate Northrup<i> </i></li>
<li><i>~Ing</i> by Gabby Bernstein </li>
<li><i>Fail, Fail Again, Fail Better</i> by Pema Ch<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ödrön</span></li>
<li><i>Lean In</i> by Sheryl Sandberg</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Business, Work, and Career Development: </i></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Wiser: Getting Beyond Group Think to Make Groups Smarter</i> by Cass Sunstein and Reid Hastie</li>
<li><i>Duct Tape Selling: Think Like a Marketer--Sell Like a Superstar</i> by John Jantsch</li>
<li><i>We: How to Increase Performance and Profits Through Full Engagement</i> by Rudy Karsan and Kevin Kruse</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Memoir/Biography/Autobiography:</b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><i>Notorious RBG</i> by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Fiction:</b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i> by Harper Lee (<b>In SPANISH!</b>) </li>
<li><i>The Bastard of Istanbul</i> by Elif Shafak</li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>El tiempo entre costuras</i> by Mar<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">í</span>a Due<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">ña</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Poetry: </span></b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>War of the Foxes </i>by Richard Siken</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Erratic Facts</i> by Kay Ryan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We Mammals in Hospitable Times</i> by Jynne Dilling Martin </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Other Reading:</span></b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Shades of Blue: Writers on Depression, Suicide, and Feeling Blue</i> edited by Amy Ferris</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The End of Memory</i> by Jay Ingram</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I started many of these books in December, but have been really ramping up my reading over the last few days and anticipate finishing a few in the next couple of days and others within the next two weeks. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">In December, I finished:</span></b></i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Beautiful Unbroken</i> by Mary Jane Nealon (memoir)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Go Set a Watchman</i> by Harper Lee (fiction)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Like a Beggar</i> by Ellen Bass (poetry)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Year of Yes</i> by Shonda Rhimes (memoir/personal development)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Over the past year, I've seen numerous articles about how the richest, most successful people are readers. They read a lot and regularly. Is it any wonder? Minimize television, increase reading. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>Actively engage your mind. </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>Learn. </b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><b>Be curious. </b></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So, what are you reading? What have you read that you loved? What have you read that you hated? </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span>Malea Loves the PNWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01409855421034736659noreply@blogger.com0