Frugal Living, week 2

I spent $45.72 this week

OK, this wasn't my best week for being frugal. Bad habits are hard to break. The reason I hate to go to the grocery store is because I impulsively purchase items. It is rare that I leave a store without spending $100. This is the reason I just hate to go shopping.

If I purchased the items I needed, the cost would have been $11.66 with tax $12.36
Overspent $33.36
I am happy that I didn't spend $100 --- but am discouraged that I didn't keep my shopping to the things I needed for this week.

It is even hard for me to coupon shop and lately I haven't been opening the newspaper and browse the ad's - because I spend money when I do it. If I don't look at the ads or coupons, then I don't shop - which means I don't spend money. I know that many people purchase items with coupons for free, but with my small family, I have found that most of the items purchased on bulk sales/coupons don't get eaten and expire quickly. I do use coupons for items I regularly purchase, but that is it.

I am also a brand name shopper. I like certain brands and that is what I purchase. I know that I CAN be more frugal and that is why I am doing this exercise. Day by day I can achieve my goals.

One way to motivate me to stay on track is pulling out this book, "The Tightwad Gazette". It keeps me on track when I read and think about it daily. I also like to read Dave Ramsey's book or listen to his program on the internet when I have time.

I started reading The Tightwad Gazette at the beginning again this week. When Amy (the author) was a young bride and mother, she watched daytime TV that said:

"Nowadays, a family has to have two incomes to make ends meet."
"Nowadays, it is impossible for a young couple to get into the housing market."
"Nowadays, families cannot afford to raise more than two children".

She says she raised her fist and shouted back at the TV: "It is not true, it can be done." And so her quest began.

Personally I know it can be done. I've been doing it all my life. I have always been a single mother doing it on my own. I was married for a short time, but I still was the main support for my family - actually it felt like I had another dependent instead of another bread winner. If I can raise a family on my own - then why does it take a husband and a wife? I have a different perspective, because I've done it, and Amy Dacyczyn did it too.

Amy said her challenge in life became how low could she get their food budget and still have a varied, healthful diet. She made it her personal mission to see how much she could save. In 7 years they saved $49,000 and were debt-free on an income of less then $30,000.

Basically it's not what you make, it's how much you save. What can I do to save more money - not make more money to spend. I've been pondering this a lot this week. I want this!  I want to purchase a gently used car with money down. I want to be debt free, including my house. I know I can do it if I am wise about the money I am spending.

I like this quote: "The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket" - Frank McKinney Hubbard (1868-1930)

2nd week into my frugal living, I am more committed than ever. I am sure that I can make it through the rest of November without going to the store for groceries. Everyday when I come home from work, the first thing I do is build a fire to cut down on heating and electricity.

The menu that I made last week worked out well. This weeks menu:

Breakfast: Cereal

Lunch: Sack lunch for Brady and leftovers or soup for me.

Dinners:
Monday: Leftover Sunday dinner which will be meat loaf.

Tuesday: Wild Rice Soup

Wed: Chicken Enchiladas

Thurs: left over Chicken Enchiladas

Friday: Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine

Saturday: Leftovers - wild rice soup, enchiladas.

Sunday - Leftovers.
Brady flies to Pocatello to spend time with the cousins before I can leave for Thanksgiving. The airline ticket was purchased last month. He flies into Idaho Falls one way for $114. School is out for the week and I thought about taking a week off of work. However, when I don't work - I don't get paid. I decided to work - because I know my clients want a clean house for the holiday and family visiting. I will be pulling in houses and working Monday, Tuesday and half a day on Wednesday. They will be hard intense days to get the work done and bring 5 days into 2 1/2, but I will be taking 4 days off to rest and see my family. I am excited for a break and to see my family.

I will need to purchase some Christmas presents before I leave for Thanksgiving. I am committed to be frugal and not get carried away this year - because I really don't need to.

I'm motivated to keep on track. I have been able to save money during the past week - and I feel like I am on track. I just need to stay motivated.