Slow, slow week at work. Ugh, I'm doing my best to stay awake. I hope it isn't like this the remainder of my time at this position.
Since I had time on my hands I planned out my shopping and chores for the weekend. We don't need a ton, so I'm pretty sure we'll only need 60 or so for groceries and households. It would be nice if I could stay in the 175 range for the next two weeks.
I'm fixing our grocery budget. I started tracking monthly spending in the middle of the month, so it messed up my whole spreadsheet. So I'm going to track for the remainder of Sept. by itself, then track month by month starting with October. I'm also concidering keeping track of my savings (via store sales and coupons). Why not know how much you didn't spend, as well as what you did?!
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I read something interesting on CNN today. "What have you given up?". Readers wrote in about what they are giving up with the economy downturn.
I was amazed to see so many people struggling to the extent that they are. I wasn't completely oblivious to the ordeal, just didn't sit down and actually focus on it. While I completely understand that life happens and as a result we all have hard times...we've all been there. But as I read more and more entries about giving up cable, shopping for new clothing on a regular basis, and not going out to eat 3-4 times a week...I had to wonder, are we having hard times or pissed cause we have to cut back on luxeries?! Both maybe?
My great grandma used to say "you can live with a lot less than you think you can" (spoken like a true depression survivor). She was completely right. While I understand giving up things that you enjoy are tough and not in the least bit fun, I don't think it defines "I'm not making it".
Since when does a luxery rack up in the same catigory as food and shelter?
Just, odd.
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I finally have the cat's appointment set. October 8th, 218.00. Ugh. I feel strange about the whole thing, we're spending a good portion of money and putting her through surgery for something "cosmetic" (if you can call it that). But I don't want to replace all the furniture and trim in the house either. She's made it very obvious that shes a home wrecker lol. Just the other day I decided to leave her out while I ran to the store, I came back and she pulled the table cloth off and busted my salt and pepper shakers. I'm sure that it would cost much more than 218 to replace things that she has scratched up or broken.
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Hubby got an assinment to go on a work trip Sept 29-Oct 10. Grrr. I feel like I just picked him up from the airport! At least work will pay for this trip. He is going to get some training for a large project to do here at home, so when he gets back I'm sure he will be working plenty of over time. That should be fun
:-(. He doesn't get paid OT, he is salaried...a nice cherry on top for the situation :-P! BUT at least he has a good job that pays well (knock on wood).
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I'm having a bit of a personal conflict. Back in MO I didn't finish my degree and worked full time. When we moved I got a full time job that pays well but now I'm being pushed out the door (laid off). I'm sick of this job to job crap (excuse my language), I want to go back to school and finish my degree. Hopefully that will help with some job stability. I don't feel like I'd be making a ton more with the degree, but I feel that I will def. have more oppurtunities.
My conflict is...should I work full time and put school second? Or should I go to school full time and put work second (PT)?
Hubby and I are ok on his salary alone. It is a bit tight, but nothing extreme. We still end up with some left over every month.
Decisions...Decisions...
What have you given up?
September 19th, 2008 at 02:07 pm
September 19th, 2008 at 12:23 pm 1221827026
The bottom line for savings is what's in your checking, savings and investment accounts.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:39 pm 1221827971
September 19th, 2008 at 03:16 pm 1221837365
That said, yeah, our whole American society is way out of whack as to what constitutes survival spending. It's easy to get spoiled and then lose perspective. Hopefully the cutting back will actually enrich some people's lives as they find more creative or natural outlets for enjoyment and relaxation.
September 19th, 2008 at 04:23 pm 1221841436
September 19th, 2008 at 05:33 pm 1221845599
I happen to fall into the category of not needing to give up things, in fact since we paid off all debt besides the car and house, while others are complaining we have money to spare in the budget. we never had cable to give up nor did we ever eat out all that much (ok fine pre kid we did, but right now I wouldn't want to deal with 4 kids out very often!)
September 19th, 2008 at 09:01 pm 1221858081
November 8th, 2008 at 06:09 am 1226124591