One Paycheck Away From Financial Ruin

I have been following the Occupy Wall Street protesters as well as the various other Occupy protests that are taking place not only in The United States but England and Australia as well.  I feel for the protesters, they are standing up for all of us.  While I do not support any violence on the protesters or law enforcements behalf's, I do think the protesters are on to something.  Most of those Americans are really struggling trying to make ends meet, unable to pay for mortgages, credit card interest sky high, medical bills mounting, unable to pay for student loans.  Trying to choose between paying the rent or buying groceries.  The list just goes on and on and on.  Not to mention, the folks who are unemployed and cannot find work, and then there are the ones that are working who can barely keep their heads above water...  and those ever disappearing retirement funds, as well as all those tax increases.  And...  I am sue that I have missed some of the issues, but you get the idea here... Americans are completely fed up with the government and the wealthy that are controlling everything and not being held accountable for anything. 
I also feel frustrated at times.  It seems like you work your tail off, you pay taxes, and at the end of the year you owe more taxes.  You pay off credit card debt, only to have unexpected medical bills and have to use those damn credit cards to get you by till payday.  Hey,  I have been there. 
About a year and 1/2 ago, almost 2 years ago, I decided that I did not want to live this way anymore and really did want to retire at some point...  however, my retirement funds are not co-operating at the moment. 

I stopped living above my means.  I stopped carrying my credit cards. I do not even have them in my purse.   I have paid off 2 credit cards, paid off my car, and am still driving the car. I try and put 10% of my paycheck in savings every month...that does not always work out for me, but even 5% is better than nothing.  I will not shop for food without coupons.  My motto used to be if I don't have a coupon for it I won't buy it...  My new motto is... IF I DO NOT HAVE A COUPON AND IT IS NOT ON SALE...IT DOES NOT GO IN THE SHOPPING CART.
I cash in cans and bottles, I have a garden, I home can veggies from my garden.  Reading is my favorite past time...  I do not hang out at the mall or any other expensive places. I do not buy the latest electronics, or the fashions of the week.   I have completely adopted the frugal lifestyle and mostly out of necessity but also because I really do not want to work until I am Seventy. 

I stand behind the protesters, but I also believe that you have to help yourself and take accountability for yourself.  Learn how to manage your money, how to save your money and how to budget.  Trust me your life will get better.  It is not easy...but it truly is rewarding.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

10 Coupon Strategies to Save Money

I found this today over at the Wisdom Journal.....  and I couldn't have said it better.  I do try to match the sales to the coupons...because that is really good savings, and when you can get groceries for cheap and free, that is just fabulous.  Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

10 Coupon Strategies To Save Big Bucks
Posted: 18 Oct 2011 11:00 PM PDT

Do you have a coupon strategy? If you’re using all of my 101 Ways To Take A Bite Out Of Your Food Budget, coupons can be a great way to save some serious additional cash. But to save even more, try one or all of these strategies:

Coupon strategies that work:

Only use coupons to buy products you really use

Layer your coupons with sales and store specials

Find your favorite coupon websites and visit them regularly

Visit those sites early in the month for the best deals

Don’t neglect the manufacturer’s sites

Set up a different email address for couponing

Give the grocery store’s website a visit too

Grocery stores aren’t the only place to buy food or use coupons

Inquire about double coupons

Join the loyalty program

1. Only use coupons to buy products you really use

If you don’t use it or wind up throwing it out, it really doesn’t matter how much money you save. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Americans throw out over 25% of all the food they buy. If you suspect you won’t eat, consume or use it, don’t buy it … regardless of the savings.


2. Layer your coupons with sales and store specials

Make every attempt to combine your savings opportunities. If you run across a 10 for $10 deal and you have a coupon for $1.00 off … that’s layering.

3. Find your favorite coupon websites and visit them regularly

Coupon issuers will offer many more coupons on these sites than those offered on the manufacturer’s sites, but make sure you check with them on a frequent basis. Many coupons are offered for only a short period of time.

but NEVER pay for coupons. Any site that wants you to pay for a coupon is most likely a scam.

4. Visit those sites early in the month for the best deals

When manufacturers do limit the total number of coupons offered, it usually happens early in the month. Be there first and you’ll get your choice of the offerings.

5. Don’t neglect the manufacturer’s sites

Visiting a manufacturer’s site (such as Kraft) may take a little longer but it’s a great way to find coupons on the specific items you want and use.

6. Set up a different email address for couponing

If you provide an e-mail and/or regular mail address, you can often receive additional coupons direct from the manufacturer. Just do this one thing: set up an entirely different email for receiving coupon offers. Trust me.

7. Give the grocery store’s website a visit too

Your supermarket probably has its own website. It may not offer coupons BUT it probably does have the store’s current ad and store specials. Use it with your coupons to layer your savings and save your gasoline.

8. Grocery stores aren’t the only place to buy food or use coupons

Drug stores and other big box retailers also carry food items and other household goods and most accept coupons. Use the information on those websites to match your coupons with the store’s specials.

9. Inquire about double coupons

Just call and ask — it’s only a few buttons on a phone! Some stores double them as a matter of policy while others may double them only on certain days. Ask about double coupon limits, say up 50 or 99 cents. Of course some stores don’t double ANY coupons but you never know until you ask. That 99 cent coupon may be worth a lot more than you think.

10. Join the loyalty program

Usually you’ll get a card and with that card comes benefits – usually a discount on certain products at the register. The downside is that the store tracks your every purchase but it may mail or email coupons to you based on your previous purchases. Some stores will even mail you coupons on things you don’t normally get coupons for such as milk, vegetables, or fresh fruit.

Couponing is hard work

But it’s worth it. My family has saved 25 – 40 percent using coupons on many occasions and when you have 5 mouths to feed, that’s a welcome relief!

Vacation and Asian Market Shopping

Okay, first off...  I want to express how elated I am to have my camera back (Thank you Sis).  I had a wonderful, fabulous and terrific vacation last month in Northern California.  I got to spend time with my sister, my nieces and my future brother-in-law.  We had an amazing time, we went on a Catamaran, The O'Neil out in the Santa Cruz harbor.  We had bar-b-ques, and a wonderful 4th of July celebration.  The weather was perfect and the company was even better.  We ate at a couple of wonderful restaurants, and did some shopping.  One day my sister took me on a 4 mile walk down to the harbor and I thought I was going to die on the way back.  My chubby body the heat and flip flops.  I lived to tell......
So, while my husband and I were in California my future brother-in-law, had this 50 pound sack of Jasmine rice... I was immediately intrigued, we got to talking and he gets it at the local Asian market.  I got a GPS so, he put the address in the GPS for me.  On the way home my husband and I stopped off at the Asian market.  It was an amazing experience.  Lots of fresh vegetables, and the meat counter was spectacular as well as the seafood section.  They had everything, including dishes, and pots and pans.  So....I picked up this 50 pound bag of Jasmine rice for 26 dollars.  You do the math...  but It is around 50 some cents a pound...And...the rest is history.  I have been making some fabulous dishes w/my rice.

Today I took 2 left over hamburger patties and chopped them up with a can of Ro-tel tomatoes, I sliced up a zucchini out of the garden and threw in a can of black beans for fiber and color.  I used the empty can of the tomatoes to fill up with rice and throw that in the pan.... then added two cans of water to the mix...and let it cook. 
I just love to make creative dishes.  I also had some banana's that were turning, so I whipped up a loaf of banana bread which is in the oven now. 

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

20 New Uses For Shampoo

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-new-uses-for-shampoo.html

This is totally worth checking out.  Especially the cleaning powers of shampoo, removing stains on clothes, washing the car, removing stains from carpet, I thought the ideas in this article were fabulous and totally worth utilizing in my daily routines.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Saving Even More Money

I am saving even more money by removing temptations from my daily grind.  I do not go to the mall just to hang out.  I am now meeting my girlfriends for coffee at either my house or their house.  When those fabulous catalogs come in the mail from Victoria's Secret and Lands End.... I use them as fire starters.  I do not even open them or glance at the pages.  When we get the Sunday paper.... I only look at the weekly grocery ads, and of course the coupons.  I throw the ads to Fred Meyer, Target, and Best Buy into my paper bin for fire starter. I have a new philosophy with impulse shopping, as well as just shopping in general or shopping for a past time.  I do not believe in retail therapy.  I feel that if I do not see it, I will not miss it.  The other conclusion that I have come to is..... every time I leave my house it costs money, at the very least it will cost the gas to drive somewhere. 

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Not Very Frugal Lately

Wow, I hate to admit this but I have not been very frugal lately...  Lots going on in my life.  My Son has come home on leave from Iraq. So there was a great sense of celebration and the need to really spend some quality family time doing some really fun things. I have made some great home made meals, I have eaten out, I have been out to a bar (or two) I have been to a Casino, I spent the night at a resort, and threw one hell of a party at my house.  It was a crazy week I must admit.  I really need to get my finances back in order....  I must tell you that I am super happy to have my savings account....  and the good news is.....  I did not charge one thing on my credit cards.  So that has been worth the pain and sacrifice of saving.  I sort of feel like I went off the deep end though.  I rarely ever eat out, and spend money at resorts and casino's.  By the way I even gambled and did not win one thing (yikes) But, I did not care, I was spending quality time with my son and family.  And....  as my Idol Suze Orman tells me every week, People First, Then Money, Then Things.  We really created some great memories this week, and I am so grateful for my family.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!! 

Fabulous & Frugal Pantry

Fabulous & Frugal Pantry:


(this is one of my very first posts....  it is an oldie but a goodie, and totally worth re-posting)

Cooking at home is less expensive than eating out or convenience food. By eating at home you will spend less and eat better. I work 40 to 50 hours per week outside of my home and spend roughly $350.00 per month on groceries. I feed 2 teenagers, 2 adults, 3 dogs and 1 cat. I live in a small town so I don’t have the choices for shopping that those in a metropolitan area would have. To make matters even more challenging, I only get paid once a month so for me to keep my pantry well stocked is an important part of keeping my sanity. I would tell you that I am organized but the truth of the matter is that I am not very organized, but I do try to plan ahead.



I don’t really have a meal plan or make menu’s but I do utilize what I have on hand in order to get dinner on the table every night. I stock up on items that are on sale. I make my own salsa, jelly, jam, asparagus and pears…I can them myself. I also have a small garden every summer. In the garden I grow my herbs. I love to cook and my family eats well. I take left-overs to work for my lunch because my food is better than jail food.



I make my own breakfast burritos, egg muffin sandwiches and freeze left overs for later use…especially the days where I am feeling lazy. I use my crock pot every week, and I also make home made soup when I clean out my refrigerator. I am going to show you how to eat and eat well for less.



I shop at the Dollar Store for spices, crackers, tea, spaghetti sauce, muffin mixes and cleaning supplies.



I shop at the Grocery Outlet for miscellaneous canned food and toiletries. I usually pick up canned fruit and vegetables, tomatoes, beans, rice, pasta, canned soups and lots of wine.



I shop the day old bread store for whole grain breads, bagels, English muffins, buns, and snack items for lunches.



I shop my local grocery store for the weekly advertised specials or loss leaders.



I buy the Sunday paper each week just for the coupons. Check out the website Couponmom.com. I match up coupons with the weekly advertized specials at Walgreens and Rite Aid and usually I can get out of the store with only spending between 20 and 50 dollars and will have anywhere from 80 to 160 dollars worth of products.



Lets go ahead and take a look at my pantry, freezer and refrigerator.



Canned Food (store bought)



Evaporated milk peaches pears pineapple

Mandarin oranges applesauce tuna chicken

Corn green beans peas mushrooms

Tomatoes- Rotel, diced, flavored garlic and Mexican style

Tomato sauce tomato paste Italian tomato paste

Kidney beans pinto beans black beans

Chili beans butter beans refried beans

Spaghetti sauce green chiles olives

Cream of mushroom soup cream of chicken soup

Tomato soup low calorie Progresso soup



Condiments



Honey mustard mayonnaise mustard ketchup

Bbq sauce salsa salad dressings

Pickles jelly



Dry Pantry Items



Dy beans Bisquick peanut butter almonds

Cashews instant potatoes Jasmine Rice

Long grain white rice brown rice rice-a-roni

Popcorn cereal (hot and cold) olive oil

Cooking spray sugar brown sugar powdered sugar

Powdered milk yeast bread crackers

Jiffy corn muffin mix cake mixes brownie mixes

Muffin mixes



Pasta



Spaghetti egg noodles whole wheat noodles macaroni

Bow tie ramen noodles



Freezer



Bread English muffins berries mixed vegetables

Broccoli green beans stir fry ice cream

Pizza lasagna egg beaters coffee beans

Chicken bacon Canadian bacon

Ground beef ground turkey elk burger

Elk steak venison salmon

Talipia



Refrigerator



Eggs milk cheese yogurt

Butter sour cream cottage cheese lunch meat

Tortillas fresh veggies salad fixens fresh fruit

Parmesan cheese lemon juice vinegar

Rice vinegar Worcestershire sauce soy sauce

Tobasco sauce



Spices



Salt pepper lemon pepper garlic

Cumin mustard powder ginger

Onion powder Johnny’s seasoning salt chicken bouillon

Chili powder





You can get recipes on the internet to make your own Bisquick baking mix, Rice-a-roni, taco seasoning, shake and bake, spaghetti seasoning as well as a variety of ingredients that you’ll use on a weekly basis. I personally don’t have time for this but I do understand that desperate times call for desperate measures. Now, you can get out those cookbooks and make dinner for your family tonight,

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!!

No Spending Week

This week I am going to try the "NO SPENDING WEEK".  I have decided that this will be a fabulous and frugal way to hang onto my cash. Stash a little more for my savings account, and utilize what I already have on hand. My gas tank is already full, as I have to commute to work.  I will not go to the grocery store this week.  I am going to eat what I have in my refrigerator and my pantry. I am hoping that it won't be that difficult to accomplish.  I think with a little imagination and a little determination I can totally accomplish this. 
I have decided if it works for me....  I will do 2 no spending weeks next Month.  (keep your fingers crossed)

Have A Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

25 Amazing Uses for Baking Soda

  

Check this out.....  Totally amazing!!!!  I will be using some of these tips and tricks.  Baking Soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is convenient and econimical for house cleaning and personal care. 

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!  25 Amazing Uses for Baking Soda You've Never Thought Of @ http://look.ac/9j9R0t

Save Money On Gas

If you live in an area like I do with regular intervals of snow and ice....  Save on your gas mileage by clearing all snow and ice completely off of your car before you drive it each day.  Everything needs to come off the windows, as well as the entire car.  A hundred pounds can reduce your mileage, so save your mileage and your gas costs by sweeping and scraping ice and snow daily.  You might as well get the best possible mileage for your money.

Have a Fabulous and Frugal day!!!

Rules for Re-Gifting

It is that time of year again (smile).....  and I am going to give you tips and pointers for regifting.  I think most of us re-gift but few will actually admit to doing it. I believe that it is better to re-gift something you are not going to use or something that you do not like, rather than letting it clutter up your house or throwing away a perfectly good item....  Think of it like recycling . And, when it comes to gift giving isn't it suppose to be the thought that really counts?  I believe that re-gifting can be done thoughtfully, fabulously and classy.  Here are the rules.

1.  Make sure that the gift you are re-gifting is a good match for the person that you are giving it to.  Make sure it is something they will like and use.  Isn't this how you got in the position to re-gift in the first place?
2.  Quality counts.  Make sure that the gift is in good (new) shape.  If it is worn out, then give it to a thrift store or charity of your choice. Do not re-gift used items.  They should be in their original box and packaging. 
3. Wrap it up nicely.  This will personalize the gift (at least in your own mind)
4. Do not give the gift back to the person who got it for you.  If you are going to re-gift you have to keep track of where you got the item in the first place.  

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!!

Til Debt Do Us Part

I have recently discovered a Fabulous show on CNBC, it is called "Til Debt Do Us Part" .  This show is hosted by a Canadian lady named Gail Vaz-Oxiade.  I just love listening to her talk, she is adorable cute.  So what she does is she gets together with couples that need financial help.  Gail has a no-nonsense approach to getting to the root of the financial problem by giving weekly "challenges" to her couples.  I believe they work in 4 week increments and when the couples have successfully met the challenges, they are rewarded with a check by Gail...  usually the checks are about five thousand dollars to help pay down their debt.  Gail puts couples on budgets, takes away their debit and credit cards, and puts their weekly allowance into jars for them that are labeled, as to how the money will be allocated. 
I find this show to be quite fascinating and extremely educational as well as entertaining.  Gail is a genius, and it is so cool to know that the folks in Canada are faced with the same problems financially that we in the U.S are also faced with.  If you get the opportunity to watch this show or check her out on line, I guarantee that you are going to learn something.
Have a Fabulous and Frugal Day

Gas Prices

I have come to the conclusion that it is cheaper to buy gas on Tuesdays and Wednesdays than any other day of the week.  At least it seems to be true in Oregon.  I have been tracking gas prices for 2 months now, and my investigation shows that on Thursdays it seems to be the day when the gas prices go up, and my assumption is to gouge consumers for the weekend.  So, if you must fill your tank each and every week like I do....  Tuesday and Wednesdays seem to be the best (and cheapest) days of the week to buy gas.

Fabulous & Frugal Gift Ideas

50 homemade gift ideas Check this out!!!!  Absolutely Impressive.  I am totally going to the Dollar Store on my days off.  The Hurricane Lamps looks so elegant and beautiful and they will make fabulous gifts.  I was also really checking out the little pot snowmen.  I will keep you posted and post pictures if I end up making some of these.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

The Joy of Tomatoes

I have an over abundance of Tomatoes from the garden... I never thought I would ever admit this, but I am getting pretty sick of tomatoes. Here are 12 ways to eat raw tomatoes.

1. Tomatoes sliced (with salt & Pepper)
2. Tomatoes w/cottage cheese & pepper
3. Tomatoes w/ balsamic vinegar drizzled on them
4. Tomatoes w/ Mayonnaise spread on them (& pepper)
5. Tomato sandwich
6. Tomato & Cheese sandwich
7. Tomato stuffed with tuna (salad) and sprinkled with dill
8 Tomato stuffed with chicken salad
9. Tomatoes chopped and mixed with chopped olives, garlic and a little olive oil (spread this on crackers~YUM)
10. Tomatoes sliced on scrambled eggs
11. Tomatoes sliced on a hamburger patty
12. Tomatoes sliced on your favorite sandwich.. (maybe not peanut butter)

I really do love tomatoes and am glad they came on so well in the garden. Any other ideas out there using tomatoes?

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

Saving Money on Halloween

I am totally saving a ton on Halloween this year.... I am not having it. I did buy some candy for the trick-or-treaters, to be passed out by whomever happens to be at home. I will be out of town for work on this day, and away at training for 2 days. I really have mixed feelings as I do enjoy dressing up and passing out the candy. But at the same time with that devastating financial blow, it is actually a blessing.

Making the Most of Every Dollar

I have pretty much recovered from what-ever ailments I was suffering from....and now I am suffering from a money ailment. I got hit with a 407.00 bill that I was not expecting. This is going to be a super tough month for me. I must say that the fall canned food sale was such a fabulous idea and I am so glad that I stocked up on what I did. I figure my grocery bill be very minimal...because it has to be. My bills will only get the minimum payment this month, so that I can have gas money to get to work for the rest of the month. It is terribly hard at times to make that paycheck stretch for the entire month. I only have 2 paydays before Christmas and really I am not even stressed. I plan on having a simple Christmas, and already have most of my gifts anyway. Another great feeling of planning ahead. I am trying so very hard to make the most of every dollar, not just this month but always.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Sick Day

Ok- here I am with the croopy crud. Sore throat, Sinus congestion, and chest congestion. Still trying to remain ever so frugal and not wanting to go to the drug store I am hanging on to my cash. I made one big trip to the medicine cabinet.
Vicks Vap-o-rub~ I just love this chest rub it is so soothing and opens up the air way. I am begining to breathe better already.
Mucenex~ Actually this is generic Mucenex left over from when my daughter was sick awhile back. I am so greatful to have found these.
Emergen-c~ I like this hot, and probably need the vitamin c to boost the immune system.
Nyquil~ this will come in handy at bed time.
Add my hot tea and plenty of rest. I have been laying in bed and sipping my tea.
I hope to be well or at least much better in a day or two.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal day!!!!

Free Water

Yesterday I decided to take advantage of the rain. I removed the plastic coverings on my garden and folded them back, this is in an effort to avoid freezing at night. I wanted to take advantage of the free water. It rained at a moderate level for most of the day yesterday, and today my garden is happy and rejuvenated.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

Preparing for the Holidays

I know, I know. It is not even Halloween yet, and I am planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For me, it is crucial to get my plan in place. I only get paid once a month, so I really need to plan ahead. I am on the lookout for coupons right now to stock up and start getting the canned food supplies and things I can stick in the freezer for gourmet fabulous meals for the Holidays. I know I want Turkey for Thanksgiving, and will be planning the menu soon. As far as Christmas goes, I have made my list of family members, friends and co-workers for gift giving. I have really been checking out various websites for home made gifts. Also while I have been out on my thrift store adventures, I have come across 3 suitable gifts (brand new, still in the original boxes and one even still has the price tag on) for the lucky recipients on my list. So far I have picked up PJ's for my mom, and 2 fabulous books for my dad and my sister. My daughter is getting a silver necklace that I got on clearance...I have everything hidden and tucked away, and I am looking forward to adding to my stash this week. This is my strategy for the Holidays in a futile attempt to be ready and not have to use any credit cards for any unexpected gifts. I like to be done early with Christmas gifts too. I do not have to run around like a chicken with my head cut off, and I can mail my gifts to out of state family right after Thanksgiving. I plan on having a Fabulous & Frugal holiday season!!!!