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Archive for November, 2005

Realistic spending

December 1st, 2005 at 01:52 am

Getting more realistic in my spending at last. Went to Boston for Thanksgiving, spent ~$60 for gas and tolls, but more than worth it in time spent with daughter and grandson. Did well with money when we arrived too! Stayed for 4 nights, 5 days and spent on Christmas gifts and a blanket only. Very good for me... Didn't find some of the deals I expected to, so less $$ spent than expected. Won an instant win - that means one of my kids will be getting an IPod Shuffle as part of their Christmas, and so will the other if I can locate the credit card that requires 1 purchase before they also send a shuffle. I'm also thinking that since my kids rarely ask for anything anymore I may try to save lots before next year so I can get each of my 2 kids 1 thing they really, really want but can't afford. My son is most interested in having a kayak. Not everyone's taste, but he borrows one a good 30 times a year. Since we live in an area that's so often cold and snowy he's outside kayaking a great deal of the time that the weather is good. LLBean has packages now for around 4-500. I'd like to find something for my daughter too that would help to keep her entertained and in better shape. Open to ideas! Wink
I've been on a binge eating out for several months and November started a big turnaround in that area. Dropped about $100 monthly over that past couple of months. I have a friend who makes very little money despite working 2 jobs, one fulltime the other 25 hours a week. She has enough to pay her bills, but little fun money. I have treated her more than I could really afford. It really hit home this week when she started suggesting weekend activities I'm not sure she has the money for. I want to be sure I'm not boxing myself into paying for her entertainment. She certainly deserves it, but refuses to give up things like expensive treats for her pets. So far this week i've spent $27 on non-essential expenses (food out). I spent no money on food in 10 hours of traveling by car, an absolute record for me. I also didn't buy new clothes before seeing my family, which I often used to do. Baby steps

Health Issues

November 9th, 2005 at 11:27 pm

Looks like in addition to trying to find $$ to fix the house I also need cataract surgery, will "see the guy" in January. Might mean a little time off work, which I'd also rather not spend.
Hoping others are having more fun! m

Catch up time!

November 4th, 2005 at 12:49 am

Well, I've not been posting for quite a long time but I need to get back to it.
Not a few changes in my life... my son moved out, Holly the dog is living with her pa and I turn 50 on the 19th. I'm in shock Wink Haven't been doing well with saving but only 1 credit card in use and paid every month without fail. Using it for accummulation of airline miles. Have some trips coming up in the next year, and many repairs needed for the house. Going to Boston this month for Thanksgiving, and will see both living sibs and whatever of their families can make it. In December my sister has the ceremony for her PhD in Baltimore. That will entail a flight and a night in a hotel, unlike Boston which I can drive to. In May I have a graduation for my nephew from college in Saratoga Springs NY. Easy drive for me; couple/few hours only, but 2 hotels nights for family get together. In August I go to England! Some of you may remember me talking about this before, how it's been a dream for so long and the guilt I was feeling. Not much guilt now; I found a flight on the net that shouldn't have been publicly available, but which the airline is honoring. Slightly under $220 including taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges. Have the ticket in hand, got my passport last year. EXCITED!!!
Excited until I got an estimate for work that needs to be done at my house. $18-22k.