I start my new position at the end of the month. The restructure is mind blowing. I'm mad at myself for not negotiating the salary given the enormous responsibility I am taking on. I want to be excited but I not. My boss is super alpha and controlling. I have more knowledge about the position than management. I hate feeling stuck.

Aug is a low spend month...I need to pay off some bills since my pay structure is changing.

Life is still good. Thank goodness for family and friends who lift your spirits during difficult times.

My IRA mutual fund is down for the week. I took this opportunity to contribute 3K for 2014. Feeling good!

I'm feeling the pinch first day of the month. My decision to practice extreme frugalism for maximum savings is tough but I will benefit in the long run.

My best deal of the day is two large containers of organic beefsteak tomatoes for $2.49. Caprice salads for the next few days. No complaints here, I love them.

Received $15.66 in OT this week. It wasn't expected and seldom happens so it's going into the piggy bank.

Previous: $101.51
New balance: $117.17

I occasionally sell items on EBay. Most have been successful. The last sale was a bust. I miscalculated shipping costs. I spent a over a half hour at the post office waiting in line. I usually calculate the shipping cost on line but the package was odd shaped and I couldn't get an accurate cost. I literally spent a half hour to make a $1.5 net.

Lesson learned! OY!

We have Fresh n Easy markets in my part of the country. Most people love it or hate it. I am one of those who love it (along with Trader Joe's and Sprouts Market). For the past six weeks, I have shopped the market exclusively used a store coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase. If you plan well, it can really work to your advantage.

For instance, they have a clearance section for items with a sale by date for that day. I don't buy the refrigerated items but I do buy the produce and bread.
I have purchased organic tomatoes, pears, apples, plums, oranges, breads etc. for pennies on the dollar. It's all about timing. I've shopped there enough to know what time to go and when they have the most clearance items.

It's really been a godsend over the past few weeks given my financial setback. I also love the challenge. I am living on $25-30 a week (including pet food).

I found $10 cash and receive a free $10 gift card from a merchant today. YAY!

I'm happy to pick my car up from the body shop tomorrow. My insurance only covers $20 a day rental so I will have approximately $150 in charges for the car on top of my $1000 deductible for work on my car (ouch!).

I'm putting this experience behind me. I still can't believe what happened and the damage caused by a reckless driver. He has no conscience leaving the scene of an accident he caused. I can guarantee he didn't have insurance.

Moving on! I had a great day today. I surprised a friend I haven't seen in years(on her birthday) with old childhood photos. She was thrilled! This is what life is about. Bringing joy to others

It's been awhile. Almost 2yrs. since I've posted...

I've spent so much time focusing on my finances I've forgotten how to live. One step forward, two steps back has been my motto for the past year or so. Just when I thought I was ahead, something happens and it's gone plus some. It's exhausting. As a result I have said "no" to many social gatherings, outings, new experiences because I couldn't afford it. I've put on 20+ pounds due to isolation.
The last straw happened this month. A car accident caused by a negligent driver (hit and run) that left me with a huge deductible to have my car fixed.

The good new is I'm saying no to no! I'm planning a huge surprise for a family member (a reunion of sorts) and couldn't be happier (even though I can't afford it). I'm buying tickets to an event that I have wanted to attend for the past few years (but couldn't afford it).

The bottom line is I'm not waiting until "I can afford it". That day will never come.

It's all about balance. Something I long forgot.

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

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 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.