by Bon'O
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Then, of course, my trusty yard-guy sends his annual bill around Thanksgiving.
OUCH!!!
Yes, I know I could pay them quarterly or some other time of the year. Silly me, I've remained on this schedule intentionally forever.
It forces me to think about what I spend over the Holiday Season.
That's the one time of year I absolutely LOVE to overshop!
We OWLS are so good at sharing great ideas. With the meltdown of the Economy, the holidays fast approaching, several of us retired or currently under-employed or unemployed, I thought it might be fun to share any and all ideas and success stories on how to pinch a penny or save a buck.
Are you all about Neiman Marcus and FAO Schwarz? Or more into WalMart and Target? Gourmet-restaurants-only or MickeyD's? Full retail shopper or a coupon clipper? Do you have favorite online holiday shopping/shipping sources? Home energy-saving secrets? Pantry stocking ideas or dollar-stretcher recipes? Family travel bargain tips? Cool stocking stuffers? Inexpensive, but meaningful, holiday traditions?
What works for YOUR house and family budget? What tips can you share with us that we might use? Winter's coming...let's feather our cozy nests together!
141 comments:
First?
Am I catching up to Lynnd???? lol
Off to get coffee and read
Bon...Funny I had thought of doing a blog on this same subject after I read a rather funny article on money saving tips....Great minds and all that..
Of course, now I can't think of a single one!!!!
Hah! I am getting my SO his very own Peanut Butter Maker....He love, love, loves Peanut Butter! Not sure if this will actually save money, not to mention what it will probably do to my kitchen, but it should be fun!
Morning Glories!
Ha I will beat you next time Scrishy! LOL
I will mull over the blog. Like Bon I have large bills due this month and am trying to figure out where and how to stretch for xmas.
I am definately a Wal-mart, Kmart or Target shopper. The days of Macy's or high end shopping are long gone for me.
I am planning a trip to Centralia WA to the Outlet malls this year. In the past I have gotten some wonderful bargains for name brand items. Like Great bras for 4 dollars. One year I got Mr. Lynn D a very nice Warm up suit for $21.00 dollars there.
I have a son that wears a size 14 shoe and it is very hard to find affordable footwear for him and they now have a Nike outlet, so here I come!
That is it for now more may come to me later.
Scirish (you have 29) and Lynn D (you have 32) the only other owls that are even close to you are Iteach with 24, Zona with 21 and Mek with 20. Just remember to play fair. No biting, scratching or pushing! Lol!
Bonnie great blog! My tip would be to acquire enough money so you don't need a budget.
Once I pay my rent I have $208.00 left for the month to pay bills and buy food. So when I see a good deal on something I use all the time I stock up...like toilet paper, laundry soap, toothpaste, paper towel...well you get the idea.
If you have airmiles or some other point system, check into what gifts you can buy from there. Try online shopping. No travel costs and what you don't see you won't be tempted to buy.
Congratulations Scirish!
Bon'O, great post! Can't wait to read the answers.
Thanks everyone for sharing their animal tails yesterday. :)
There's so many things I do to try and pinch a penny. My dad always said I could squeeze a nickel until the buffalo shit.
The year Lane 2 was born, she was in the NICU for a week. Mr. Lane got fired from his job because there was no family leave act then. Somehow we managed. We always seem to get by. I believe having faith that we can get 'er done, helps.
I seem to get a ton of catalogs, which really works for me. I browse them to get ideas and then go online to comparison shop. Next Tag is a good website to compare prices, as is Price Grabber. Many places offer free shipping this time of year, which sure beats fighting the crowds.
Happy Tuesday Owls.
Bon, This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I definitely shop WalMart and Target and I also do a lot of online shopping. I clip coupons and get coupons online. We have two outlet centers near Sac and I frequent them, especially this time of year.
As far as saving money at home I try as much as possible to cut down on waste, only have lights on in the room I am in, consolidate trips in the car to cut down on gas, etc. But as costs rise it doesn't seem like I am saving much.
I have always bought Christmas and Birthday gifts throughout the year when I see something on sale. I learned very early to keep these future gifts in one area of my home after finding something after Christmas that I forgot I bought.
I am anxious to see what you all do to pinch a penny. I'm sure there is more I can do.
Scirish, Congrats on #1 again.
LynnD, I love shopping the Outlets.
Shirley, Great tip. I remember when Steve Martin told us all how we can be millionaires. He said "First get a million dollars" LOL
LL, LOL @ your buffalo
MEK, Hiiiii, great to see you!
13
15
Mini march, I still haven't showered today! Wrote some fun stuff though. So the morning wasn't a total loss.
Getting my lazy butt in there now. See you later!
Good Morning Scirish (first), Lynn, Shirley, Lois, and Mek. The race is on. Who will have the most "firsts" by our 500 day party. We must get a crown ready for her.
Great blog Bon'0 - I am interested in reading all the suggestion. I can't think of any right now. I pay my gardener at the end of each month. I wouldn't want to pay him annually. All the other insurance payments come at different months of the year. It doesn't hurt that way. I use my Air Miles sometimes for presents. I just ordered an Apple Ipod Nano to go in my Santa bag. I found out that I can buy all the Anne of Green Gables books from Itunes. I can put all eight on this Ipod. I love those books.
I will come back later to find out all the inventive methods the owls have devised.
Congrats on first, scirish! How are you feeling?
Bon'O, great blog! We are pinching pennies this year, too. All my friends and I have agreed that we're not doing gifts this year. Yea! And, now that my nephews/nieces are older and have families of their own, I'm just buying for their kids. It just gets to be too much and it makes them feel like they have to buy my kids things and I know things are tight for them.
One of the biggest ways I'm thinking of cutting back is to learn how to groom my poodles myself. Yikes, I'm not sure I can do it without cutting off their little . . . toes.
Lois, so sorry I didn't get to stop in yesterday for your blog but I loved it, of course. As all of you know (and are probably sick of hearing) I have two standard poodles (Luc Marcel and Remy Sebastian) and I adore them. (As I'm writing this, Remy is sleeping next to me and wagging his tail a mile a minute while he's sleeping! So cute!) They have a blog which they haven't kept up in awhile (I'll have to get on them!). We also have a grouchy old maltese who we love and is really feeling his age, poor baby. I am a dog person, just never have felt comfortable around cats--they have sharp claws. lol
I'll try to think of more ideas, Bon!
Have good Tuesday, owls!
Today is my oldest son's birthday--he's 20!! I just can't believe it. My little blond, curly-haired, thumb-sucking baby is all grown up. I can still picture his little face, the little folds in his chubby arms .... **Wipes a tear**
I ditto everyone else's comments.
One thing Paul and I discovered this past year that saves us a lot of grocery money was Dream Dinners (www.dreamdinners.com). Some areas have something similar called Super Suppers. Each month we go there and prepare anywhere from 13-17 of our meals for that month, take them home and put them in the freezer, and we have dinner for 3-5 of our meals each week.
We spend about $175-$200 per month but it actually saves us in many ways. We don't have waste because the only ingredients you buy are the ones you use. We typically do the 3-serving meals, eat one each for dinner and split the other serving as part of our lunch the next day so we aren't running to the fast food places anymore. Portion sizes are controlled so we don't overeat. It isn't for everyone but it works for us.
For Christmas we are doing a gift exchange with our family members via evite (www.evite.com). We can't afford to buy for our grown kids with their expensive tastes and they can't afford to buy for us so the gift exchange works very well, especially given the fact that we have family spread from the northeast to the southwest. Those that want to participate can and those who don't or can't are off the hook for buying gifts. We use the comments part of the evite to put our wish lists and we put a dollar amount range so we get exactly what we want or need within that range. Let's face it, how many foot massagers does one person need anyway?
Still working on those vacation photos -- I love digital but it takes forever to sort through them all on the computer, lol!
Hey everyone!
I pay my gardener once a month but now I do some of it myself with a battery powered edge trimmer. Now I don't need a gardener as often. I pay my insurance monthly.
Macys has a big sale going on today and tomorrow with items 60% off and an online coupon for $10 off of $25 so there are still great deals at Macys.
Big Lots is my favorite place to bargain shop. They have in watches for $5. So I bought several of those. I went to Sams Club and they had a close out on brand shirts for $7 so I bought a couple of those as gifts also.
I always have a list of household cleaners, lotions, shampoos, toiletries, medicines, etc. that I buy at the Dollar Store instead of WalMart because hey it's only a dollar. They have beautiful boxes of Christmas cards 10 for a dollar. Christmas wrap for a dollar.
Have a great day!
Happy Birthday to Sandie's "baby" and kudos for grooming your dogs yourself. My pups cringe when they see me pick up a brush...I don't think I could get close to them with clippers or nail trimmers, lol!
Thanks, Outatuune! I haven't groomed them yet. I'm just thinking I should learn to do that. I'm scared. Plus, I'm going to have to learn from a book as I'm sure my groomer won't teach me--she knows where her bread is buttered.
Outatuune, forgot to say that my doctor was telling me about those dream dinners! He said his wife goes every week and then they have yummy, easy dinners all week with just enough for everyone.
Thanks for reminding me to check it out!
Checking in. I am having a Craptastic Day! Decided to tear part of the kitchen apart and clean before Tday. Lord what a mess! I am trying to figure out how to move the 500lb jade tree (I am not kidding here) it is in a half whiskey barrel and is in my bay window. I can't get around the damn thing to get the rest of the windows clean. So I am taking a break and pondering my dilemma.
I found these three websites early this morning. Have not had time to go through them all the way, but they look like they have some good ideas.
www.budget101.com
www.thefrugalshopper.com
www.betterbudgeting.com
Will be back in a bit. I am awaiting the arrival of one of my grandsons. Watching him today also as he has pinkeye and they won't let him in school or daycare until the meds kick in.
Oh I lead an exciting life!
LynnD, you crack me up! My advice is to forget about the rest of the window--it's hidden anyway by the tree, right?? LOL!
You're such a good grandma.
Good Morning or Afternoon my friends~~ So good to see you all here, and I thank so much for the fun comments and great suggestions so far! I've read them ALL--and can't wait for more to follow-- but I'm so late arriving today, I'll have to split up some individual shout-outs, to keep this from becoming a novel. More to follow...
Between errands, trying to "get 'er done" during our surprise Indian Summer. Yesterday's warmth tied a record from 1932~~But I'm thinking some of you are bundled up watching the snow fall....I'm a teensy bit jealous. Please pop in and tell us about it!
scirish Congrats on #1. The race is on! LOL
outatuune I'm fascinated with the dream dinner idea. Maybe I'll look into it. I've been enjoying cooking for myself but I do have trouble controlling the serving size. :)
Bon'O Great blog and certainly very timely. I hae a lot of big bills during this time, too. Real Estate taxes, as well as insurance for car, home and umbrella, not to mention I have to pay quarterly taxes by Dec. 15. Because of the economy, my family has decided to only by "real" presents for the children. We will still hang stockings and do stocking stuffers for everyone. We have long felt that stockings were the most fun anyway. Plus, at this point, we're having trouble coming up with gift ideas for each other. It's kind of like "been there, done that" at this point.
LynnD Is it possible to get your arm far enough around the tree to spray the window thend use a long handled squeegee?
uh, that was s'posed to say "ThankS" or "Thank YOU"....
Scirish~~You beat Lynn? That hitch in your get-along must be getting better...you're quick! Can you still find that funny article to share with us?
If you get (or have) a Magic Bullet to go with that Peanut Butter Maker, I am SO there for milkshakes!
LynnD~~I've driven by the Centralia Outlet Mall so many times and never stopped. LOVE the one at Woodburn!
Hey, if you're in the mood, I have PLENTY windows that need cleaning, and you can reach all of them. I'll have the gear set up for ya!
Last year, I was very proud of myself for not buying any new holiday wrapping paper as I have a huge collection of it. We do wrap our stocking stuffers but I will be using the paper I already have.
Shirley~~Any tips for how I might "acquire enough money so you don't need a budget"??? Keep in mind I can't 'sell' what I can't even 'give away'~~ LOL!
p.s.~~I have a vision of you with your green tax-lady visor on, inventorying Owl #1's :-)
I just heard on the news that Hillary Clinton has accepted the position of Secretary of State.
BonO I like that image of Shirley. It makes me smile. :)
J/L~~Skipping down to your last on wrap...Now that folks don't send as many snail-mail Christmas cards, I have such a collection of 'left-overs' from prior years. Anyone else who used to spend (or still does) HOURS searching for just the right cards each year?
Which reminds me....anyone interested in exchanging snail mail addresses for Christmas cards? Now that they are more of a rarity, I find I enjoy them even more. MS me if you're interested!
Lois~~LOL @ "Buffalo shit"!
Scirish~~Like you, I love getting all the catalogs, then going online to comparison-shop. I'm a huge Amazon.com fan for gifts to ship...like Red Envelope, too...and finally got my Borders card. I buy so many books for the g'daughter, and used to get them all through Amazon, but I'm loving all the 40-50% off deals I get by email from Borders, plus I have a store nearby for instant gratification.
The Lakeside Collection Christmas Wishes catalog staring at me right now has lots of cute little ideas in it. Never ordered from them. Is their stuff any good?
Dreama~~Also have a BigLOTS (or is it BIGLots?) within walking distance. Always forget about it, though, unless I need a picture frame or garden ornament, etc. Thanks for the reminder!
BonO I always send holiday cards but I discarded my leftovers. I already have some new ones and, yes, I took a long time to pick them out but not as long as I used to when I was younger. I would love to exchange cards with my blog buddies. I'll contact you via MS.
Good afternoon Hooters! Boy, I'm late today.
Congrats scirish on 1st.
Great Blog and I will have to get back to it later. Looking forward to reading the savings tips.
Sandie- congrats to you on your baby boys b-day!!
Congrats on first, Scirish~
loved the blog, bono~ I am making my presents this year~ Takes time, but a lot cheaper. I also make my own Christmas Cards~ My property taxes are due at the end of November and car insurance at the end of December....ugh!
MEK~~Hello? You there?
SacBarb~~So far, you get the SuperSaver medal! Have you noticed, as I did while grocery-shopping Sunday, some prices are actually LOWER?!? and I don't mean just the sneaky 'same price, smaller container' voodoo. Rumor has it all the major chain stores (Nordstrom, Target, Sears, WalMart etal) have already lowered prices and will deep-discount after Thanksgiving. I'm hoping, since I don't do Christmas before December 1.
Tina~~Hi! Just saw you there...can you whisper to us some of the things you're making (for non-Owls of course). Homemade is the BEST!
Tinka~~Your mention of books reminded me I've been going to ask you book lovers and/or techies....anyone have a Kindle? Or know anyone who does? The whole e-book idea fascinates me, yet I love the touch, feel, smell, heft of REAL books, too.
Sandie~~LOL (and winced a bit) @ "cutting off their little . . . toes." And Happy Birthday to your 'baby'!!
Outatuune~~Evite.com...news to me, THANKS!! We have Super Suppers, but I haven't tried it yet. Have friends who go regularly.
LynnD~~Thanks for your links, too~~ I'll check them out tonight.
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME, SHARING THESE GREAT IDEAS WITH US!!
Bon, I have a Kindle but I haven't used it yet. I like the idea if taking more than one book with me when I travel and the Kindle will be much easier to do that. But like you I also like the feel and smell of 'real' books. I do plan to download some books when I get home. I'll let you know how I like it.
Sandie, HB to your son. It seems they grow up so fast.
Bon & J/L, Great idea. I would love to exchange Xmas cards with the Owls. I can't get on MySpace until I get home, but I'll contact you then.
I just got home from the tax office. I was asked to come in this morning for some more training on the accounting part. When I got home there was a message on my phone from the doctor's office. I had some bloodwork done last Thursday and the message said they wanted to talk to me about my thyroid test. Needless to say with the thyroid cancer in the family I am a bit anxious. Their office is closed tomorrow so I have to wait and call on Thursday. My little brain is working overtime right now. I haven't felt 100% the last few days either.
Bon' I'm not sure which part of BigLots is capitalized. I go there often so I have no excuse why not to know. Last week they had a huge table filled full of Avon jewelry at $3.99 & $30 ipods and plasma TVs.I saw draperies for $10.
I love to go and see what they have in as their new bargains.
Shirley
big hugs to you and I hope that your thyroid tests are Ok. They probably notice that perhaps it is a bit slow. I seem to know a lot of people who are on medication for a slow thyroid. I'm not sure what causes that.
Back to work. Blah! :)
BON*BON - Great blog!! We save at least $150.00/ month in the winter by burning wood to heat the house. I am also in the Wallyworld gang. Luv that store!!! As far as Christmas is concerned, I'm going to do the same thing I did last Christmas with the kids. I told them to pick out the ONE thing that they want. Quit frankly, they get plenty from my Dad, my in-laws, and my brother. To tell the truth, they were THRILLED when they opened their gift on Christmas morning....cuz they got the one thing they really wanted!!!
Sorry I have been MIA for the last few days. Life is getting in the way.....lol!!
I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday. Off to make supper, attend my youngests parent/teacher conference, and then off to a meeting at work.
50!!!
holy crap s/b quite frankly....not quit!!!
ITEACH - 4 more days!!! I'm so excited!!!
Based on the comments, here is what I suggest to save. These are things we do naturally and don't even consider as saving. Now I have a new outlook.
The animals will get used to you doing their grooming. Go Cesar Milan on them, "Chhhh!" LMAO!
I do my own for all four fur babies and our two feathered friends. Nails, wings, brushing teeth & fur, plus bathing. I imagine it is quite a savings doing it myself.
We also do our own yard work. Thankfully I have two teenagers that I can slave labor until they move out. But I actually enjoy yard work.
I also had my home owners insurance and real estate taxes added to my monthly mortgage payment to prevent two big ol' bills smacking me upside the head. Paying a little more all year is easier for me.
All meals are made here. We never eat out. (not that way anyhow) Besides being healthier, it's much cheaper. I make a lot of meals in huge quantity so I can freeze for later use. I do this with sauce and meatballs, stew, soups, which makes those later dinners easier to prepare at a moment's notice.
Because our family is so big, we do a kids grab bag on both sides. This way we buy four gifts and that is it for extras. We also have made a pact to not exchange gifts with friends.
That about all I have off the top of my head. Yes, another Lois Lane novel. :D
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way Shirley.
Shirley you are so funny with that number count! I love it!!
We had to make some cut backs after hubby lost his job.
No more cleaning lady-
No more babysitters, we just rely on grandparents.
I carefully inspect all the grocery adds for the best deals.
I have always bought my kid's clothes at the end of the season for the following year. I always go on the last weekend of January and the first weekend of July to get the best deals for clothes for next year.
Scirish, I always look for free shipping too!
SHIRLEY - Sending my thoughts and prayers your way. ((((HUGS)))) from Wisconsin!!!
I love garage sales!
Jodi- four more days until I jump into your arms!!! :)
Since June I have been going to the beauty school to get my hair done and I must say I have been very pleased.
Hey, Shirley, let's break into your doctor's office together, so we don't have to wait all the way until Thursday.
What do you think?
SHIRLEY, Try not to worry. I know easier said than done. It may be something simple like hypothyroidism, which is easily treated with medication. Have you been more tired or even slightly dizzy or gaining weight?
Jerry Brown is really pushing to have Proposition 8 overturned. Yesterday I was thinking I would email him. It can't hurt to have one more reminder just to let him no it hasn't been forgotten.
I have been learning a lot from all of your suggestions. If I come up with anything I will write.
Good Afternoon/Early Evening Everyone!
I having been enjoying reading everyone's comments on how to "pinch pennies" and save during this horrible economic time. I have made notes!!
I must admit, I have a "Macy's, Neiman-Marcus" desire, but a "Target, Kohls," budget!
It seems those are the only place I shop. Although you can't beat Macy's sales. Sometimes things are marked down almost 70%!!!
I rarely shop for myself. And when I do, I MUST only go by myself. I cannot shop with another person. And I usually find bargains and things I really want to buy, when I am NOT looking! I may need to run into a store specifically for one thing, and come out with bags of things!!
SHIRLEY~ Hopefully it will be something treatable. I was recently diagnosed with an over active thyroid, and now I take Levothyroid once a day. But, I will be thinking and praying for you!! ((Hugs)), my dear friend.
Well, my days of sleeping in or going back to bed after Laurie goes to her day Program are over, now that Miss Olive has joined our family! And, I am walking much more!
I take her for a nice brisk walk every morning, and another one just before dark. She wants to stop and smell everything, but I don't want this to be a leisurely walk, if I am going to walk, we are going to get some benefit from it! Hopefully I will see the results in maybe my blood pressure going down, and a few pounds lost would be wonderful!! I so envy BEBBI and her determination to get all those steps in every day.
CAROL~ I once worked with someone who had just got a new Jack Russell Terrier, and they had named her Olive. I asked him the same question, how did you pick that name? Well, they were drinking Martini's one night, and one thing led to another and thus they named her Olive! After that I have just liked the name. Its different. And in the movie "The Other Sister" they say "Olive Juice" to each other, because from across the room it looks like you are saying "I Love You". So, that is how Miss Olive got her name.
Although, I sometimes call her Missy too! But then I call my granddaughters Missy at times, and even Laurie!
Another novel, so sorry!
Almost time for Miss Laurie to get home, so I will check back in later.
Peace and Love,
Donna Jean
Happy Tuesday!!!
i hope everyone is well - i have TONS of catching up to do!!
I've been on the road again!! (LOL) and counting road kill!!
:-)
bbl
oh - what the hell
67
68
69
OH - I'm just too tired for that!!
hahahahahahaha
Just to clarify, I already take thyroid medication for underactive thyroid. I take 0.2mg and 0.025mg of synthroid everyday. I have been taking this for about 27 years.
Dreama, No Newz, Iteach, Jodi, Lani and Donna Jean thanks for your concern.
Oh, what fun to count road kill! lol
I just read that Target is going to match Wal-Mart with holiday prices.
I hope that is true, I do like Target.
Evening all!
Well I got exactly half of my kitchen swabbed out. Where in the hell do all of the cob webs come from? I also want to know how walls clear across the kitchen have very small stains? I can't remember any food fights since we moved here. Looks like next spring or summer walls need painting.
Shirley thinking good thoughts for you. I am betting they just need to adjust your meds for your thyroid. My friend went to Armor thyroid (which is desiccated pig thyroid) the synthetic thyroid medicine totally quit working for her. It was a really bad scene. She then had to find a doctor here in the states that would even prescribe the Armor another long story. Any way since she switched she is doing great!!! Even lost weight and her hair is growing back like crazy! Might be an option for you.
DonnaJean so happy you and Laurie Elizabeth got Olive. Saw the pic and she is adorable.
MEK you were on the road? Hope it was a trip to see the new baby!
Ok off to collapse and then hop in the shower.
Iteach FYI you lead the way on who has written the most blogs (with the exception of Carol of course) with 20 blogs. Zona is second with 14 and Tina is third with 13.
Sandie - Happy Birthday to your son. They grow up so quickly. Yesterday my son was 20. Now he is 43. Where did those years go I would like to know?
Lois - I so admire your being able to groom your own dogs. I bought all the equipment years ago, tried it once and I was a wreck. It costs me $100.00 every 3 weeks but it is worth it to me to have someone else keep them looking so trim. I find it hard enough to brush and comb them each day. It's not my favourite time of the day or theirs.
Bon'o 0 - I love the feel of books too and I read myself to sleep for years. Now that my left eye has a problem, I just can't comfortably read. I read when I have to in order to keep informed of current events and that's about it. That is why I was so excited to find out you could buy books at itunes and download them onto DVD's or ipods.
Donna Jean - I know what you mean about your days of sleeping in are over. Tango would not move until I opened my eyes. If I slept until nine she waited. Not Tia. For two years we were up at six. Those were the days when I could get 'first' on the blog. Now she will sleep until seven and I can keep her occupied sometimes until seven thirty. Actually I feel better getting up early and going to bed early. Maybe it's psychological but I do feel better with our routine now.
Scirish:
Congrats on First!
Donna Jean:
I like the name Olive as well, thanks for explaining the meaning behind it... When I look at Olive in the pic, the name really fits her.
Again, I am so thrilled you chose to adopt a rescue...
Good for you...
Bon:
Yep, it was a great blog, and so many have commented on their budgets, shopping.. etc...
Thanks very much for writing it, and sending it off to me.. Perfect!
:O)
Shirley:
I love that you are counting...So fun, little things just put a smile on my face...
I am sending all good wishes your way, I also would not worry just yet, if you have a thyroid problem perhaps they just have to adjust your meds. I am with Iteach.. I will come to the drs office as well..
♥♥♥
Thanks Carol and Iteach. His nurse said to call so I will do that first thing Thursday morning. No need to go busting in tonight! Lol!
Hey Everyone!
BON'O: I had my mega payment month in October...car registration..property taxes and combined homeowner's and car insurance. "Ouch!!" is right! I do split up the taxes and insurance though...otherwise we'd be in deep trouble. I save up all year..cut corners..but the bills still shock me. I think it's because we are just coming off sky high electric bills for the summer. Our August bill was $460...due in mid-Sept. I was sweating that one in more ways than one!
How do we save money? Never shop without a list...ever. The biggest mistake we used to make was going into Walmart, Cost-co or Target without a list. You can sure talk yourself into thinking you need a lot of stuff in those stores.
We also make sure we don't grocery shop if we're hungry...otherwise everything is a must have!! ;)
I think we are going to go light this year on Christmas. Of course we always say that....lol...
I hope everyone is having a good night. I'm going to read up on the blogs I've missed and comment in a bit...getting back in the swing here. ;)
Bon:
I love the smell of new books, its one of my fav smells.. I normally only read hardcover, they have the best smell..
Sandie:
I saw the kindle advertised, and thought about purchasing it, however I just love to hold a book and I think I would miss that... Let me know how it works tho...
Mek:
♪♪ On the road again ♪♪
Just thought of that song when I read your comment...
Road Kill... lol
Shirley:
I love that you are still counting
:O)
Lynnd:
Well, I would say you have saved quite of bit of money today in honor of Bon's Blog.. You cleaned yourself.. Kudos... :O
Thank you Outatuune, Goldie, Bon'O, Tinka and Carol (on myspace) for the birthday wishes for Patrick.
Shirley, I'm betting, also, that you just need an adjustment on your meds. I also have hypothyroidism and my medicine has increased over the years. I'll be sending you hugs and prayers.
DonnaJean, your little Olive is just adorable!! I'm sure you and Laurie Elizabeth will enjoy her so much.
SacBarb, please do let us know how you like the Kindle. I've thought about it but also love the feel of a book in my hands.
Speaking of books, I just finished one called The Shack. Very good. Has anyone heard of it?
Zona:
Hi! :O)
I laughed at your comment about going shopping when hungry, I did that the other day and spent $45.00 dollars, and have nothing left to show for it.. As it was all food and its all gone... :O)
Oh wait! I still have the Triscuits (sp)
Carol, that was sacbarb with the Kindle and I just mentioned it, too. lol
Shirley I also agree that you probably just need to have your meds adjusted. I had thyroid cancer and my thyroid removed in '96 and have been on thyroid meds ever since. They've had to be adjusted a couple of times.
Sandie:
Shoot I mixed you up with Sacbarb and the Kindle...
SacBarb:
Shoot I mixed you up with Sandie and the Kindle...
Thats what I get for not taking notes...
:O)
Sandie:
LOL.. :O)
I must have misheard about Hillary Clinton. I'm not hearing anything else about it on the news so ignore my comment at 2:13. Sorry!
Oh my darling birthday boy! While at my daughter's basketball game, hubby and I got a phone call from Patrick saying that a policeman wanted to talk to us. It seems that little birthday boy was speeding (60 in a 45 zone), his car windows were illegally tinted, and he had alcohol in his car.
He was with a friend who is 21 and "MOM, it wasn't my alcohol, it was my friend's--I was giving him a ride!" Well, I guess he had a good luck charm for his birthday today because the policeman only gave him a ticket for the tinted windows. And, he made the 21-year-old friend drive Patrick's car home since there was alcohol in it.
Well, I'm going to go beat my head against the wall now.
I budget everything, I think its the business women in me. All my bills are paid as soon as I get them, and if I can (no interest credit cards) I split up the payments..
My phone bill at work is high, however the phone is my lifeline to my business, it can be $500 a month at times. So I send the phone company $100.00 a week, no matter what the bill is, and they have never given me a problem for doing so..
I buy alot of books at Barnes and Noble, 90% of them are hardcover. I have a membership with B&N and I have their credit card. The membership is $25.00 a yr, however I get 10% off of everything I buy and a extra 5% because I have their credit card.
The B$N credit card interest is high, so I only use it for my books and pay the total balance each month...
Whew.. Now I have written a novel..
I also pay most of bills online, so I have don't need stamps... The payment gets there the next day and I never have to worry about being late, or those awful late charges..
I never buy anything I cannot afford, if something comes up and I need to buy a big item. I charge it using the no interest credit cards.
In a couple of months I have it paid off..
Sandie:
Lucky charm is right... Good thing the alcohol was not open, and both boys were sober.. So I would say.. Your son gets a star for that part.
The other issues, well I have been know to kick it up a bit as well (foot on the pedal)
Don't bang your head to much, or put pillow there, it will ease the pain..
Hang in there!!
J/L:
I was wondering where you heard that cause I did not see it. Do you think she is going to accept the offer? I am just not so sure, as I think she will want to run in 4yrs for the presidency. However if she accepts, she could still run...
98
99
100... for Mrs Road Kill...
:O)
Shirley~~Add me to the list who've been through the hypothyroid Rx adjustments and cancer scares. Hard to say "Not to worry" because we do, but you have a strong support network who've 'been there, done that' and are here for you.
Carol~~Thanks! Don't you love how Owls can take our blogs about 'nothing' and create 'something' of value for all of us? :-)
Just saw your Barnes & Noble post. I love B & N, but gotta say...have you checked out Borders? I like the idea of no fee, 40-50% off specials, no credit card required.
Sandie~~Aren't almost-but-not-quite-adult kids fun? :-)
I have been way to chatty, I am giving myself a major headache!
:O)
Thank you, Carol, for your kind words. I know it's typical college stuff but you just pray that they don't do anything stupid enough to get into real trouble, you know?
Yes, Bon'O, they are just the MOST fun!! LOL
I've been buying used books on Amazon for about $3 a book! And, they are always in great shape. I am a B&N member, too, and I love B&N but I can't beat those Amazon deals!
Bon:
Yes, I could not agree more, as you just never know what these owls have to say!
:O)
I have checked out Borders, but here is the issue, B&N is much closer to my home, actually I have two that are close. Borders is farther for me. I know I can buy online, which at times I do.
However I love going to B&N...
Sandie:
I know, its hard, hopefully he has taken this as a lesson..
Oh my....
Aretha Franklin, she does not look good at all.. and her voice, it has lost its luster.. Wow.. that saddens me...
Oh my...
She can't hit the high notes, why on earth would her management agree to have her sing...
Geez.. I feel bad for her...
New name for me tonite...
"Chatty Cathy" (remember that doll)
I can't shut the hell up...
Someone stop me...
Oh SANDIE, What a scare. Are you okay?
VIG & ZONA, I hope you are both feeling better while RESTING ON YOUR COUCHES.
DONNA JEAN, It still makes me happy that Olive is such a wonderful companion. I'll bet Miss Laurie has a big smile on her face when she comes home each day.
SHIRLEY, I am so glad I could point out the obvious to you. What would you do without me LOL. So much for trying to help. It is cruel when doctor's offices make patients wait for news. I know they aren't trying to be cruel, but they need to think like a patient when they make those phone calls.
I sent an email to Jerry Brown Jr. just to show support for his challenging the constitutionality of proposition 8.
I'm sure on top of it today.....NOT. 1st I started brushing my teeth with the cap still on my electric toothbrush. Then when I was driving, instead of shifting into second, I started to pull up the handbrake. And........I still don't have any economic answers. Maybe after I learn how to brush my teeth and drive I will have some answers.
Jodi~~Nothing like a blazing fire on the coldest days. Haven't had to buy any for a few winters now. Will probably have to replenish next fall. We've had some winters when electricity was cheaper than wood, and that's here in 'Evergreen' country.
DonnaJean~~I'd forgotten about "Olive Juice"...made me smile, loved that movie.
Shirley:
If you change your mind, just let me know, we can always use the tools you have hidden in "Owl Manor" to bust in...
:O)
Carol I think maybe they were talking about the AG position when I heard the words "offerred and accepted", then looked up at the TV and they were talking about Hillary so I thought it was all one story. I guess I'm just confused today. :)
BonO I have a B&N near me and I love bookstores, too.
HODI, I was slightly worried why we haven't heard from you for 3 days, but figured you were very tired after Friday night at Hodi's House of.........
Slani ROFLMAO!!!!! Remember Mrs. Kinnard driving down the street at 5 mi/hr on a bright sunny day with her windshield wipers on? Please don't turn into Mrs. Kinnard! LMAO!
DONNA JEAN, I loved the "The Other Sister". For some reason I didn't remember the olive juice, but I said it today and sure enough looks just like I love you. Love it.
Sandie:
I just saw your ms banner...
LOL...
Lani:
Learn to brush your teeth... lol..
I am taking a break, I have no voice left from chatting so much...
BBL
SLIN, Didn't Mrs. Kinard have curlers in her hair on top of it. I don't think she could have gotten closer to the steering wheel without it being sutured to her chest.
CHATTY CATHY, I love your CHATTY CATHY!
Oh wait I forgot something...
Just let me clear my throat..He Hym
I do a Christmas/Holiday Club every year and never spend over the amount
on Christmas Gifts. I recommend it highly...
Ok, off to gargle....
:O)
Oh, pickles! I felt like doing something illeagel tonight, Shirley. Just in case I will keep my crowbar handy and Carol will stock up on pantyhose for our face.
Carol, we do the Christmas Club too. It is the best way for us.
iteach:
How fun, we are "rebels"
:O)
Lani:
Just pull my string and I am off and running.. :O)
Lani/Iteach~~lol, lol. You guys crack me up!
Carol~~Some days ya just feel chatty, some days you don't...sort of an Almond Joy/Mounds thing, don't you think? :-)
***PSA***
To those Owls who've e-mailed me addresses for snail-mail Christmas card exchange, Thanks! It'll be fun. One of you asked if I'd circulate an address list. I'd be happy to do that, but ONLY to include any/all who want theirs given out. Otherwise, your secret's safe with me! Just let me know, and your wish is my command!
I've been feeling a sore throat/cold coming all day, so this Chatty Cathy may be done for today. Thanks for coming out to play!!
Carol, you never chat too much for us!
Lani, yes, I'm fine. Thank you. Just annoyed. lol And, LOL @ learning to brush your teeth and drive!
I'm off to finish watching DWTS and read. Have a nice evening!
Bon, I also sent a message on myspace about x-mas cards.
Boy, could I write a blog on that.
BonO I hope you aren't getting sick. :( I wonder how many of us want to exchange cards. I may have to go buy more cards. :)
Okay, it is a done deal.
I'm going to be a blog hog and write another blog. It is going to be about the christmas cards.
You guys won't believe what my MIL does with them!
I will leave it at that and keep you in suspense.
good evening OWLETTES!!!!!!!!!!!
Scirish ...congrats on 1st!!!!!
Bono... the belts are really tight here this year... for Christmas this year most of my gifts are going to be home made... cookies cakes... afghans....scrapbook...
..every little bit helps...I am getting a little extra baking supplies each week as they are on sale... I also stock up on items I use when they are on sale... 10 for $10.. I love those sales...
we burn wood... live on amoutain.. can cut wood on the lot next to us.. and have other places to get wood for free...
we have our home owners insurance and personal property(real estate) taxes included in our mortgage... that is the only way to go... a little extra each month is much easier...
the big one I have coming is personal property(cars) it is due dec5th... and then home owners assoc. dues due Jan 1...
just have to save for those...
and then I go and get sick and miss 3 days of work... not cool at all!!!!
Bad timing...
oh well...
Shirley... {{{HUGS}}}} Feel better!!!!
Sandie!!!!
OH MY!!!!
Sorry had to go put wood on the fire!!!
hope you all have a good night!!!
Hello everyone!
Thank you so much to all of you that have given good wishes to our newest family member, Miss Olive!
I changed my avatar to Laurie & Olive! Very cute. This was taken the first day we brought her home.
And, I was able to get an appt to have her groomed next week before all the family comes for Turkey Day! She must look like like a "Lady", and not a poor little homeless puppy!
One of the good things about the Holidays, for our family, is that some of us celebrate, and some don't. We all love just getting together, whether it be Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall! Presents come at all times of the year,(you never know when, I LOVE surprises)! and no one feels any pressure or pain. It doesn't work for all, but it sure works for us.
LANI & BON'O~ Yes, "The Other Sister" is a real favorite in our house, for obvious reasons. I have three daughters. One of which has Down syndrome, (the girl in the movie didn't, but it doesn't matter) When the movie first came out, all four of us had to go together. We sat there crying and laughing at the most inoportune times (according to others) but they don't live in our shoes. We see things so much differently than most do. What is funny to us, wouldn't be funny to you, and some things you might find funny, we would take you to task for!! Anyway Great Movie, I highly recommend it to those who haven't seen it. And keep your eye out for when they say "Olive Juice" to each other when they are at dinner!!
SANDIE~ Oh my goodness, how very scary for you to get that phone call! I sure hope everything works out and that your son realizes the danger and responsibility that comes with driving others around. I am SOOO glad he is alright. We hear way too often about accidents with young people, (one just today, here in my area, with fatalities) about drinking and driving. Just give him your love, trust and your own family values. He sounds like a great young man. I doubt if he will make that mistake again. Nothing like the FEAR OF THE LAW to make you think twice!
And YES, I have heard of the book "The Shack". My daughter read it, and I am next in turn. It is a fantastic book. For believers, and for non-believers also. Just an amazing read.
TINKA~You are much more of a softie than I am! I am making my little Olive sleep in her crate at night! Maybe some day I will give in, but with my nightly leg cramps, etc, I want her to learn to have her own sleeping space.
She is with me constantly every other moment of the day! But you are so right about it being better to get up early, start your day, and hopefully get to bed earlier. I haven't mastered that yet. I still have way too much going on to get to bed before 11:00!
Well, it is 8:00 here in CA, and I still have to finish up things, so I will check back later, after DWTS.
Peace and Love to all,
And NO on H8!
Donna Jean, Laurie Elizabeth, & Olive
Hi Everybody!
Congrats on first scirish!
I am sorry I didn't get a chance to stop by earlier today.
Great blog Bon! The whole money issue makes me crazy sometimes.
I walked 13,263 steps today! It was so cold tonight walking...brrrrrr. Today wasn't too bad, the dogs enjoyed it and the sun shining helped a lot.
I haven't read all the comments. I have to get to sleep though because I have an early day tomorow. I will read them as soon as I can. All, have a great night and sweet dreams.
Donna Jean - I just saw your comment to me regarding our 'fur babies'. The most important thing you can do when you get a puppy is to crate train them. Then they have a safe place to run to if they are afraid or sick. You have to start early. Tango trained easily but Tia hated the crate to start with and I had to leave her in it for only a few minutes at a time. I would only let her out when she stopped crying. I increased it each day so now that is her safe nest. They are in their crates if I leave them home and throughout the day they rest in their crates. I also have crates for them in the car so they are safe when we are driving.
At night, however, now that they are fully grown and of course house broken, they sleep in my room. Tango has a bed beside mine and Tia sleeps at the foot of my bed. I love their company. I feel safe with them because they wake instantly if anyone comes near my house. Both of them, at different times, have stopped someone from trying to get near my bedroom window. I have an alarm system, security lights and bars on my bedroom window but I think Tango and Tia are my best protection.
You are going to love having Olive.
I am off to bed. I am sorry I haven't read all the comments but I will tomorrow. Good Night Sweet Dreams. Love, Tinka
I paid my house off a number of years ago so I have to pay my real estate taxes semi-annually. I used to have them included in the house payments and I agree that is easier.
Good evening feathered friends~!!
BONO...great blog! I will add my 2 cents, too!
SCIRISH...congrats on 1st! You and LYNN are having your own little 1st march!!
SHIRLEY...positive thoughts and good wishes to you. I agree with the others...probably a med adjustment. {{hugs}}
SANDIE...Happy birthday to your son!
Before I lost my job, I was rather extravagant for holidays and birthdays. I didn't really care about the cost if I just knew it was the perfect gift. Well, the times sure do change!
When I lost my job at Pfaltzgraff I started to budget better for the holidays. I always shopped right after the holidays when things were clearanced...and saved it for the next year. Then I started to buy only 1 gift for each family. Like a fun holiday cookie jar or something else I knew the family would enjoy. I also always bought wrapping paper at the $1 store.
When I lost my next job, I cut out all gifts. I explained that I couldn't afford to buy them and asked not to get any, either. I made holiday cards...only for the people that would be at our holiday party or that I would see, as I couldn't afford the postage. For out of towners, I scanned a card and emailed it to them.
This year, I am not a lot better off financially, so I will not be buying any gifts again. I may buy some cards at the $1 store, as I have NO time to make any.
My shopping is very different, too. I only shop at discount stores and I will shop department stores if I have gift cards, and I save them until there is a big sale.
At the grocery store, I admit, I buy more junky food that is cheap, rather then the healthier foods that cost more. And my weight is proof of that! ;)~ I find the store brands are still cheaper then name brands with coupons. And if something is a good deal, I stock up a bit.
My insurance and taxes are also configured into my mortgage. I have had to resort to only paying 2 months at a time for car insurance.
I never shop on line as I am scared to put my credit card number out there. And speaking of credit cards...I stopped using them years ago, except for emergencies. If I don't have the cash, then I don't need it.
Geeze, I wrote another fricking novel! I hope I haven't shut the blog down again!
Good nightBebbi and Tinka.
Sandie
I saw your MS banner and I assumed teen birthday and alcohol. My nephew went through the same stuff at that age and he was a slow learner because his uncle on the force would have his tickets dismissed. It started when my nephew turned 16 and got his first car. Immediately he got 3 tickets : speeding: no front license tag and illegal tinted windows. Be sure to put on a helmet. I love you too much to see your head get any boo boos. SWAK!
I'm going on to bed. We watched the new Walt Disney movie Wall-E. I enjoyed it.It was cute. David thought it was dull. He doesn't do cute. Typical male/female brain pattern. Anyhoot..hoot. Get it. Owl, hoot. I'm not a comedian and that's the best I can do tonight.
:0)
I'm beat.
Maureen Instead of holiday cards, have you considered postcards? They have some cute ones and they are less expensive.
A long time ago I got in the habit of paying my credit card bills in full each month. That worked until a couple of months ago when I had to change my flight to Boise, pay $150 fee for the priviledge, and pay for two trips, leaving a credit with the airline. I really wasn't prepared to pay $1,000 in one month.
Bon'O: I'm so weird when it comes to money, that I don't think I can be of much help to you! I make enough that I don't have to worry about day-to-day living expenses, so I don't devote any effort to buying bargains, or notice what's on sale, or seek out strategies for frugal living.
OTOH, I don't have expensive hobbies or covet expensive posessions, so I still drive the car I bought back in 1994, and live in the same "starter" condo I bought in the same year.
By contrast, Mr Whabbear is a total fanatic for frugality, so we make an interesting pair!
Outatune, can't wait for those photos! I"m going to head over and see if Paul is posting them yet...
Lani: Keeping my fingers crossed!
Yes! Paul is posting photos!
Bear Thank you for reminding me to go check Paul's blog. He sure does take beautiful pictures.
I don't have real expensive tastes, either, and didn't use to pay attention to how much I spent. Ever since the economy crisis, though, I've been a lot more conservative with my money.
Wow Maureen! I'm a lot like you in the credit card department. I think I watched too many of my siblings financially bombard themselves with those and just decided, if I don't have the cash now, I don't need it.
Dang Bebbi, your boots were made for walking! You go on with your bad self!
As far as shopping, I usually go to Marshals, TJ Max and Ross. (oh how I loved Ross, which isn't here anymore) I'll go to Penny's, Kohl's or Target if I can't find what I want at the first three.
It's a busy day here! I'll see you later gators, I mean owls!
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