WISEWOMAN's Personal Finance Blog

I am fortunate to live in a city where going "green" is extremely important. A month ago, I had a green home evaluation through the Dept of Water and Power.
They evaluated electricity and water usage, installed energy saving light bulbs, checked my irrigation and made minor adjustments for the areas with overspray and reset the automatic timers.

They inspected the insulation in the attic and A/C unit. I really had no insulation in the attic. It must have been the original insulation (from 1930!).

I qualified for attic insulation and A/C service.
The cost: FREE!!!! Yes, I said FREE!

Today, the insulation was blown into the attic. An inspector came by and tweaked some of the vents so the airflow is better and a separate crew came out to service the A/C.

The crews were great and very professional.

I know the A/C tune up is at least $100. I can only imagine what insulation would have cost me if I had to pay for it myself.

Check with your city for these types of services.

I am soooooooo happy!!!

I am the owner of (2) indoor cats and (1) outdoor feral cat. I feed them premium food because (IMO) quality food equals healthy cats.

I decided to compare pricing on line. My regular discounter sells a case (with tax) for $34.
Amazon offers it for $27 and free super saver shipping.
That's a good deal. But it gets better.........

I decided to purchase (2) cases when Amazon offered me a $40 instant credit if I applied for their credit card. I looked over the terms (which were not great) but I don't plan on carrying a balance so it doesn't matter.

The total cost for (2) cases of food is $15.90.

I am thrilled!

My extreme budget is quite the challenge. I can appreciate households on small fixed incomes making their food dollars stretch each month. I know from experiece growing up in a household of seven living on social security. My father passed when I was five so my mother became incredibly resourceful. There were no credit cards to fall back on for purchases. Our meals were planned and cooked every night (with the occassional Saturday off). We lived within our means. That is my goal for the month.

With that said, I have $35 left for food and $15 for gas. I also have $10 grocery rewards and a $15 gas gift card.

I bake and freeze nutritious muffins for my work week morning snack. I cook and prep my lunches for the week on Sunday. I keep it simple. Some people don't have the discipline. It's two fold for me. I save money and eat better than my coworkers who eat fast food (yuck) or over priced/processed foods.

My next goal is to grow a few veggies in containers. I tried growing tomatoes with little or no success. The payoff didn't yield the effort or the plants contracted a fungus right just before they were ripe.

It's a beautiful day. Time to take advantage of it.

I've decided to go to the extreme this month with my budget. I think moments of temporary insanity borrowing from Peter to pay Paul has caught up with me.

So......here's my budget minus fixed expenses:
Food $100-$28.42 = $71.54 for the month
Gas $60-25 = $35 for the month

I'm doing well. I spent $28.42 on food today paying close attention to coupons/sale flyers. I've developed the habit of walking to the markets carrying only what I can handle. I do admit, today was heavier than expected but I made it. My trips are usually 1.5 to 2.5 hours. I love walking. It's a huge stress relief but walking with a heavy load 3 miles or more is not my idea of a good time

I've been working long hours (12 day) sitting in front of a computer and it's taking a toll on me mentally and physically. My sciatic nerve has kicked in and I can't sleep more than 2-3 hours a night and it's not a sound sleep. I usually only sleep 5 hours a night and working in a high stress job I need to sleep. I'm going to see a doctor this week.

I'm confident I can make my budget work this month and the rest of the year as long as put my mind to it and ignore the distractions.

I'm on a staycation this week. It's not like I'm saving money (LOL). I spent $500 in 3 days replenishing food and miscellaneous items which have been depleted. I noticed prices are rising again. Is it coicidental...gas prices going down and food/consumer goods going up?

I went to Walmart to do price comparisons. I spent $110 (unintentionally). The prices were much better than Target. I also stocked up on things I use the most. Honestly, I have not been to Walmart in 4 years. I usually shop at Target, Trader Joe's, Sprouts and Farmer's markets. I'm not a Walmart hater (like some people). I have to drive at least 20 miles so it's not convenient. I also like to shop local. There are rumors Walmart may be coming to my town. If so, will Target survive if Walmart is within a 1/2 mile? I'm not so sure...

On another note...I've been walking at least 4 miles round trip every morning. I call it a walk with a purpose. It can be a walk to my local Spouts to pick up fruits and vegetables or my local hardware store to pick up items needed for minor repairs I'm doing around the house. Our mornings have been unseasonally cool so I'm taking full advantage. (Last week it was super hot). I'm taking leisurely naps in the afternoon. Don't know what I'm going to do when I go back to work. I love taking naps LOL!

The fee for the speeding ticket $360. For traffic school $445! Un freakin believable. It's robbery (IMO).

I received a speeding ticket a few weeks ago. I passed another vehicle that was moving at a snails pace. I was on my way to work thinking I would be late if I stayed behind this person. My employer is very firm about punctuality. It's ridiculous. One person is late and everyone is verbally scolded for it.

I am guilty and should have known better. I have no idea how much it's going to cost but I hear the fine along with traffic school could cost over $300!

I had jury duty for three days last week. My employer does not pay so I used two vacation days and one day will be unpaid (boo). I firmly believe if we are expected to do our civil duty, we should receive full compensation.

At least my week ended on a positive note...I had dinner with friends and the food/company/conversation was fabulous.

I listed 6 items this week on e-bay and they all sold! My net profit after ebay/paypal fees is $104.62. The best part...I received these items for free. Not too shabby I will deposit the money next month into my Roth IRA.

YAY!

I really wish my employer would pay out unused vacation time instead of having the "use it or lose it" attitude. I understand the importance of taking time off to regroup, relax and break free from the everyday grind. A three or four day vacation payout would allow me to go away for a long weekend instead of staying home working on endless projects.

Just a thought..

Let's try this again.....

I lost sight of my goals (and to be honest) became frustrated with all the money issues. My entire life centered around money (or lack thereof)and it got me thinking "is this it? When is the money bleed going to stop?" I needed a break.

I started focusing on little things I could accomplish myself. Eg. painting the hallway in my home. I tested three color samples (which are not cheap)and didn't care for any of them. I decided to use the left over primer/paint from the bathroom. It's not my original color choice (swiss coffee) but it's a neutral and works. I saved at least $200 for paint/supplies and labor.

I spent an entire weekend spring cleaning. I boxed items for charity, reorganized/boxed winter clothes and brought out spring/summer items (clothing/bedding, etc.) I love a clean house.

Today, I took a nice walk to CVS (approx 1 miles each way) with a broken toe. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Spring brings allergies and I should know better than to walk after 11 am. LOL!


CVS
1st transaction....
Colgate Max Toothpaste $2.97 -$.75 coupon (PLUS $2.97 CVS bucks credit. Made .75!)
Pantene 2/$6.97 - $3 coupon/$1 CVS bucks = $2.97
Sally Hansen Pedicure brush $5.99 - $3 coupon = $2.99
Reese's mini's 2/$6 - $2 coupon = $4
CVS in store coupon .50 off any item
2nd transaction....
CVS batteries Buy 1 get 1 free $6.99 - $3.77 (CVS bucks from previous transaction)= $3.22
Total w/tax $18.20
Total savings $24.62

I was happy to see the batteries on sale. How can all the batteries in my smoke detectors go at once? Just when I thought I had it figured out, another one would start beeping. LOL!

I made a double batch of whole wheat/banana/peanut butter/dark choc muffings. They freeze well and I have enough for two weeks. I also made tuna/pasta/veggie salad. For lunches, La Brea bakery whole garlic bread with tomato/basil/cheese toasted. YUMMMMMM! I also have a variety of items I premade and froze to pull from this month.

My goal for MAY? Just BREATHE!

I called my satellite provider and lowered my bill by $20. I switched to a lesser program. It doesn't have many of the channels I enjoy (TLC and HGTV) but it does have Food Network (YUM). I'll try it for 30 days. I will probably cancel it altogether. I need to tighten the bootstraps. It's been a really tough year so far.

The main sewer line clogged again. It has to be cleaned every 12-14 months. This time it was really, really bad. The tree roots were HUGE. I have never seen so many pulled at one time. The line was inspected with a camera and I wouldn't have believed it if I had not seen it for myself. Tree roots throughout the line. I've been told by three different plumbers, the old clay line needs to be replaced with the pvc line they use now. It's a substantial cost ($5,200). I'm trying to buy time to budget for it or sell the home. They recommended high pressure water jetting. The cost $525.

I'm trying to research the water jetting but haven't found much about it. They say it is the most effective method. Anyone tried it? If so, I'd be interested in your opinion.
Thanks!

Over budget by $500. I knew it was going to be a rough month. I expected to exceed it by $200-300, not $500.

March:
I have large bills due this month again. I expect the same overage for March since I have friends visiting from out of state I have not seen for over 10 years! I'm not going to beat myself up over it. The memories I create with my friends will be priceless.

I've been looking for part-time work to supplement my income.

I'm putting positive energy and thoughts into April!

The bathroom project is finally finished! YAY!
The figures are:
Primer 18.97
Paint: FREE (thank you SG)
Mirror 34.99
Light fixture 79.28
Switchplate x (2) 6.99
Caulking 6.98
Toilet Seat 30.00
Labor: 300.00
Total Cost: $477.91 and worth every penny!

It was an exhausting weekend. The plumber pulled the toilet, the tile man fixed broken tile, my handyman/painter was sealing cracks/patching walls, priming, painting, installing new light fixture the entire weekend.

I've painted the interior of my home numerous times.
It was nice to have someone else do a room for a change. I also appreciate the attention to detail. I estimated $1000-1500 for both kitchen and bath projects. The total for both is $797.94. If I add the unexpected expense for the exterminator ($350) the grand total is $1,147.94.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with the outflow of cash lately. I also paid my homeowners insurance and my car insurance is due in a few days.

I also have visitors coming in for a few weeks in March. If anyone can tell me where the money tree is located, I'd greatly appreciate it

I finally called an exterminator. The rodent problem was not eraticated by sealing the opening in the kitchen. I also heard them in the attic. Traps were set in the attic and under the house. So far, it's been effective. This process will continue for the next week or so. A thorough inspection was done around the house and all openings have been sealed.

This is a huge problem in my area. We also have problems with opossums, racoons and coyotes. We can all live together on this earth....just not in my house!

Total cost $350. Money well spent.

Someone from the office brought in a DELICIOUS Chocolate Bundt cake today. I didn't want to be rude and refuse .

This has nothing to do with finance or budgets. Just a grand way to end the month!

LET THEM EAT CAKE!

I was over budget by $ 225.00 for the month of Jan.
I still consider it a small achievement because I focused on needs, instead of wants. All of my purchases after fixed expenses went to food (including pet food)/gasoline, toiletries and a cash contribution for food for a friend who's father passed away.

The really good news is I have been steadfast on walking. I've walked 28 out of 38 days since starting this adventure. I have a lot of energy, feel good so I am really proud of this achievment.

Feb goals:
*Eat mainly from panty/freezer all month. Only purchase perishables (fruits, veggies, dairy).

My fixed expenses increased for Feb leaving me a very slight budget of $180. I've spent most of it replenishing and food for the next two weeks. I have approx $11 left. I'm babysitting again adding at least $80 to the budget. I know I will go over again.

My bathroom project is taking place this month. Plastering the cracks in the walls, painting, replacing the light fixture and mirror. Cost for supplies $157.00 so far.

Today, I am prepping/cooking for the week. Soup, zucchini casserole, muffins and tuna salad.

The good....

Good grocery deals this week...
Bumble Bee Solid White Tuna - 77 ea. x 10 (This will be deducted from Feb's budget)

Brown rice 12 oz. - FREE
Salsa 24 oz - FREE
Tortillas 10 ct - FREE
Frozen Spinach - FREE
Ronzoni Garden Rotini - 67 cents box (after $1 off coupons x 3)
Better Oats Organic Oatmeal - $1.50 box (Reg price 9.99...Outrageous IMO)

*The above non-perishable (free or almost free)
items will be donated to my local food bank. I have been donating food for the past 5 years.

The bad:
My gas bill tripled this month. I keep my home cool between 60-65 degrees. This year has been extremely cold and wet for So. CA. I can't imagine what it's like for people who keep their homes heated (70+ degrees).

I'm bracing myself for the DWP bill.

I thought I would share some of the things I've been doing recently to stretch my dollars.

1) Save coffee. If I have anything left over in the pot, it goes into a jar and placed in the refrigerator to be added to the next day's pot. Also comes in handy if I want a cup in the afternoon. Just reheat instead of brewing another pot.
2) Reuse, reuse, reuse. I repurpose containers for other uses (eg.baby food jars for storing/transporting small portions like salad dressings, dipping sauces, etc). They are also great as a tea light holders.
3)Depending on the number of items needed, I walk to the grocery store (approx 1 mile). This eliminates impulse purchases. I can only buy what I can carry. I am also getting exercise to boot!
4)I make a big pot of soup every weekend. I eat pretty healthy but do have a sweet tooth. Eating a bowl of soup a day ensures one healthy meal. I rotate between 3-4 of my favorite soups. Some are freezable.

Running totals:

$113.10 overbudget (cash)
$20 TJ's gift card - SPENT
$2 CVS bucks

Last week, there was an article about becoming a coupon broker. There is money to be had doing this.
I think you need to be extremely organized and patient. It involves a lot of time doing tedious tasks (sorting, clipping, organizing).

I purchased a lot of 16 coupons for a specific product I use regularly on e-bay. It cost $23 (including shipping)for coupon values totalling $48.
Ordinarily, I would not bid this high. I had a $25 gift card I wanted to use up. The amount of the gift card is nominal for the kind of purchase I would want to make on e-bay. I don't want to incur additional debt so the gift card was not good for me. The person selling made a tidy sum. If you have the time and patience, it can pay off.

A side story....a woman in line in front of me at Target was on the phone with her husband while checking out. Her 7 month old baby was trying to get out of the cart and she just watched her. She commented to her husband their daughter was trying to get out of the cart but did nothing about it. The woman continued chatting with her husband when the cashier rang the total and took her mastercard. Transaction completed, right? Oh no, the woman looked down at her hand full of coupons and started SCREAMING into the phone "LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!" "I FORGOT THE COUPONS". She carried on for a good 3-4 minutes. Finally, she turned off and walked over to the courtesy counter asking if she could get credit for her coupons.

Pet peeve......don't talk on the phone when you should be A)paying attention to your child, b)paying attention to the cashier.

It was shocking and funny at the same time.

It's midway through the month and my totals are:

$69.42 over budget (cash).
Babysitting fund:
$160-$69.42(overage)=$90.58 cushion remaining.
$2 CVS Bucks
$20 TJ card

I was able to score a few bargains at Target:
*(4)boxes Kashi cereal@$2.99 ea - $6 coupons = $5.96
($1.50 a box)
*(1)bag (3.5 lb)Purina cat food $5.99-$4 coupon=$1.99
Perfect for the outdoor cats

Kashi is pretty generous with their coupons. If you sign up at their website, they'll send coupons to you. They used to affix $1 & $2 coupons to their boxes at Target but I haven't seen any in the past six month. When my family members were living with me I would buy 20 boxes at a time. I swear I didn't spend more than 50 cents a box. It was amazing. They probably stopped because of me! LOL!

Technically I'm overbudget in cash by $20. I need to use the money I earned babysitting to get by this month. I really wanted to use it towards my OH NO fund.
CVS Bonus bucks: $2
TJ's gift card: $20

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I've come to the realization, my income does not support home ownership (at least not the home I currently occupy). I've been a homeowner for 12 years. I've lived in my current home 8 years. There are so many things that need attention. I don't have the funds to handle.
Windows - original wood from 1930's. They are badly damaged and need replacing.
Paint - The exterior of my home has peeling paint, rotting wood, and windowsills. It needs repair and paint.
Sprinklers - Need to be repaired, reworked. They are a mess.
Garage - floods during heavy downpours. Needs drywall and who knows what else to stop the flooding.

I refinanced the first year of ownership to a 15 year loan. I only have 8 more years before it's paid off.
Do I hang on or bail before the ship sinks? I'm meeting with my accountant in March and will speak with a Realtor regarding pricing. I know it's a bad market for selling but if I can get a reasonable price, I'll accept. If not, I'll stay put until it recovers in a few years?

Kitchen project almost completed. We need to tie up a few loose ends next weekend. What a mess. We replaced the bottom, side and back of the cabinet and sealed the holes where we believe the furry creatures were entering the home. We could not use solid pieces of wood due to the placement of several plumbing fixtures. Patching together pieces of wood is not ideal but who is going to be looking under my kitchen sink cabinet but me! I might get tile or peel and stick squares of linoleum and place on the bottom cabinet. I have seen trays for under sink cabinets but since I have plumbing fixures are oddly placed, it won't work.

Total cost labor & materials: $250

The good news is I babysat this weekend. A very LONG day. Net $160 (YAY). So the offset is $90. I need to think of it this way to get over the angst I feel over these projects.

I also sold one item on e-bay. Net profit $5.50. Not a lot but it's something.

Next project: The bathroom

Time to replenish...
Pet food $34.77 (1 case).
Household $6.56
Food $42.49

.39 cash remaining (YIKES!)
*2.00 CVS extra bucks
*$20.00 TJ gift card

**Coupon savings: $10.54

It's obvious I need more cash. I transferred $50 from my PAYPAL account into the cash fund. (This is money made from selling on e-bay and doing surveys). I'm babysitting this weekend. I should net $100 but won't add it the the new totals until I'm paid.

New totals:
*$50.39 CASH
*2.00 CVS extra bucks
*$20.00 TJ gift card

Lord, give me strength! This month is really tough. I'm doing well with exercise. I walk between 4-5 miles each day before work. I'm energized all day and feel great!

I am making a master list of the foods I buy most often. I will buy larger quantities (and/or containers) since they are depleted quickly.

I have been more creative with my food and meal prep.
Ordinarily, if I didn't care for something I would throw it out. Now, I'm eating it as long as it isn't disgusting. LOL!

One week down, 3 more to go!

The little things really add up.. Ziplock 15 ct. bags were on sale at Target. Some of the boxes were labeled "20% bonus" with a total of 18 bags. These were the same price as the regular 15 ct. non bonus boxes. By paying attention to the little things, I received 6 extra bags. Score!

A lock on one of my gates broke. The key turned in the cylinder but the U ring wouldn't budge. I thought I might need to call a locksmith but decided to try picking the lock myself. I took a skinny narrow eyeglass repair screwdriver and stuck it in the cylinder, wiggled it back and forth....lo and behold it opened (whoa)!

I thought I would have to purchase a new lock (thus reducing my budget even further) when I remembered I had a lock from the time I belonged to the gym. Stepping back and taking a moment saved me money. I think we often jump to replace things without taking stock of what we might already possess.

I am a happy camper. I'm adding $10 to my "OH NO" fund ($70.18).

I think every home should come with a handyman just as every car should come with a mechanic

I hired a handyman to complete a few projects around the house (who happens to be a friend I trust).

My kitchen sink cabinet is in deperate need of repair. There is severe water damage on the sides and bottom. The flooring around piping from the sink to the sewer is not sealed (BRILLIANT!) Cold air is coming in along with a few furry creatures (mouse or baby rat). I caught one with a trap. It was truely a horrible experience. The 2nd one came in as far as my bedroom in the middle of the night. My cats enjoyed it but again I was horrified.

The 2nd project is my bathroom. My house is settling and there are several cracks in the walls that need to be patched and then the room needs to be painted. I'm changing out a rusted light fixture and removing a broken medicine cabinet. Yes, I probably could patch the cracks and repaint but I don't know how to pull the medicine cabinet and drywall over the hole. I've painted my house numerous times over. I hate painting bathrooms.

I anticipate a cost between $1,000 and $1,500 for both projects including material and labor. My biggest worry is the kitchen project. We won't know the extent of the damage until we get into it. Keeping my fingers crossed.

The funding for this will come from 2010 IRA savings.

I'm so glad I started this journey on Christmas day instead of January 1st. It's given me more time to think about what I want out of 2011.

Feeling inspired, I returned a few purchases I made over the past several weeks. I always keep the tag on until I am ready to use the item. My credits are:

Target $12.50
Macy's $47.68. (I owe 7.56, net credit $40.12).

Target is cash credit, Macy's is store credit.

The total credit($60.18)is going to the "OH NO" fund. A portion will be funded this month and the balance next month.

I have a tendancy to stock up on items needlessly.
I'm going to deplete before replenishing. The only exception would be extraordinary deals & toiletries (eg. kleenex, TP). One example of an extraordinary deal is Quaker Oats Granola bars - 8 pack. Target usually has them on sale for $2.09 a box. I picked up (4) boxes of "holiday themed" granola bars for 47 cents. Yes, 47 cents a box just because they were considered "holiday". Always check expiration dates.
These are good until June 2011.

Good bye 2010, Hello 2011!

Happy New Year to all!

The devil made me do it! LOL!

The problem with not working between x-mas and New Year's is time to shop. (Not a good thing). Target had 75% off x-mas themed items. I purchased
granola bars, nuts, coffee and yes, candy for the office candy jar. I also purchased fleece jackets for my chilly morning walks. I went grocery shopping and
my fridge/freezer are full. All of these purchases were charged to my credit card so the funds are coming out of January's budget.

Food $83.06
Incidentals: $35.00
Clothing: 37.29
Hair $47 (partial expense charged to card)
Wine $60.17
Pet $20.27

I went over in some categories so the fund were deducted from others. The math doesn't lie. I only have $104.21(including $20 TJ's gift card) left for the month.

I am not discouraged. Certain items need replenishing (gasoline, pet food, perishables).January is a long month and I'm determined to meet my challenge head on and succeed. Bring it on 2011!

On a side note, I'm entertaining at home this eveing.
My cost $7..for wine. My friends are bringing the food and movies and great conversation.

I finally made an appointment to get my hair cut.
I purchased a deal from TIPPER, $30 for a cut and half off any hair color treatments. The highlights were $47 so the total was $77 (not including tip). I live in the Los Angeles area and let's face it, everything cost more and this was definitely a deal.
Did I need the highlights, no. Did I want them, yes.
I don't spend on myself very often. I get my hair cut twice a year (maybe). I sometimes stretch it
longer depending on the cut. I find cheap cuts don't last as long nor grow out well.

My peeve is parking cost. I foolishly parked in the garage adjacent to the hair salon. The salon doesn't validate. In the future, if I return to this salon I will arrive at least 15 minutes early and search for cheaper or free parking even if it means walking several blocks. Lesson learned.

My budget is month to month. Whatever is left over after paying my fixed expenses will determine what I can spend in other areas. Here's January:

Food $200
Gas $70
Incidentals $20
Pet $50 (I care for a few homeless critters in addition to my own so this amount can vary from month to month)
Wine $50 (Yes, I need my wine)

Ironically, I only had $370 after my fixed expenses but received a $20 Trader Joe's gift card for Christmas which brings it to $390 (just what I needed). I love it when that happens

Anything left over is going to my "OH NO" (aka: Emergency) fund.

I also sell on e-bay occasionally, babysit and do pinecone surveys for extra money. My goal is to increase my income.

I just had a big bowl of soup that I made a few days ago and now I'm ready for a walk.