What a weekend it has been! I spent more than I intended, but it was well worth it. I had a great time with my family. It was nice to see them again. I got sick towards the end of the week, so I slept in for awhile on Saturday before my family got here. Even with the extra sleep, I still wasn't feeling that great. I am a little better today, but I think it might be a hard start to the week. I don't like being sick. The sore throat and coughing get old quick. I have no appetite, so I haven't had to spend much on groceries!!
My parents bought me some shoes and groceries this weekend. I am very appreciative of the purchases. I was able to stock up on a few things from Trader Joe's, so I won't have to worry about going there for the next few weeks. And I love the shoes I got. They are very cute tennis shoes.
I bought myself a track jacket which was on sale. Even though I need new clothes due to very few of mine fitting, I have a lot of tanks and tees that fit. I thought a track jacket would be nice for something to throw over them when it's a little cool out.
I have a lot going on this week. I will be spending some money, but that's okay. I am trying to find a balance between doing some activities which I enjoy and saving. It's hard. I think it will take some time.
I also need to figure out if I want to take a class to study for the next part of my exam and what to do with my apartment lease by Tuesday. I am very torn on what to do.
I want to take the class because it would force me to complete things by a certain time. The discussions would also be nice. It is expensive though. I would get reimbursed afterwards by work. I worry about the economy though and what if I were to get laid off before the class is over. My savings interest rates have dropped so low that it doesn't seem like it would really matter if I took the money out for the class. (I am very disappointed by my rates currently.)
As far as my living situation goes, I am very torn on this as well. I would like to save money on rent, but that means having roommates. I have been living alone for about 2.5 years. It's been nice, but at times it would also be nice to have someone around. I live very close to work currently and end up having to drive further to work each day. I am not used to driving in rush hour traffic, so this kind of scares me. It would be nice to not have to drive so far to spend time with my friends though. We have been looking at what's out there. I am not sure if there would be two or three of us. That's part of the problem currently. Three people is hard to get all of the things we want (being a garage spot for each of us). Two people is much easier, but I wouldn't save as much as with three.
Any suggestions are welcome!!
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
My Weekend . . . And Upcoming Weeks
This is the busiest time of the year for me. I am heading to work for awhile today. I hope for only a few hours to get some things done so I am caught up for Monday. I have plans later with a friend for a movie and shopping. (Neither of us have boyfriends to go out with for Valentine's Day.) I also hope to go to Trader Joe's and pick up around my apartment this weekend. I want to be ready for the next few weeks.
Next weekend is the first of a few required work weekends for my group. It will be very busy. I can't wait for it to be a month from now so that things quiet down a bit. Work provides lunch for us on the weekends, so that's nice. It will be hard to fit much else in, so the more I get done this weekend, the better off I will be. I just need to make sure I keep up my workouts. They really help how I feel, especially during stressful times.
I spent a lot more than I planned on groceries this week. There were some great sales on things I use regularly though, so I stocked up. I also need to stock up at Trader Joe's this weekend since I won't have time to go in the next few weeks.
I am hoping to find some tops on sale today when I am at the mall. I also have coupons to use. I am planning to go to Barnes and Noble as well to pick up a book I really want. I have a $50 gift card and a coupon for there, so I don't feel so bad about buying a book.
Have a great Valentine's Day weekend!
Next weekend is the first of a few required work weekends for my group. It will be very busy. I can't wait for it to be a month from now so that things quiet down a bit. Work provides lunch for us on the weekends, so that's nice. It will be hard to fit much else in, so the more I get done this weekend, the better off I will be. I just need to make sure I keep up my workouts. They really help how I feel, especially during stressful times.
I spent a lot more than I planned on groceries this week. There were some great sales on things I use regularly though, so I stocked up. I also need to stock up at Trader Joe's this weekend since I won't have time to go in the next few weeks.
I am hoping to find some tops on sale today when I am at the mall. I also have coupons to use. I am planning to go to Barnes and Noble as well to pick up a book I really want. I have a $50 gift card and a coupon for there, so I don't feel so bad about buying a book.
Have a great Valentine's Day weekend!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Another Busy Week
This week has been very busy. We have a lot of changes going on at work. I am also still catching up from time off over the holidays. I am trying to get back into working out regularly. I also need to get some things done around my apartment. All of this has lead to 3 no spend days so far this week though! Yay!
I am not planning to spend much this weekend. I might go into work for awhile to get some things done while it's quiet there. It's supposed to get very cold here next week, so I need to go to the grocery store this weekend. I don't like running errands when it's extremely cold out.
I am traveling for work on January 22-23. I have never been on a work trip out of town before. It will be interesting! There are two other people from my department going. I am looking forward to meeting people in person that I talk to on the phone a lot. It will be good networking.
I decided that I am not going to a mall at all in January. I have a lot of things on my to do list, work is very busy, I am trying to save money, and I don't need anything right now. So, the best choice is to just resist temptation. Next month may be a different story though. I need to get into working out a lot more though before I can buy any clothes. Another motivation for working out more!
I am not planning to spend much this weekend. I might go into work for awhile to get some things done while it's quiet there. It's supposed to get very cold here next week, so I need to go to the grocery store this weekend. I don't like running errands when it's extremely cold out.
I am traveling for work on January 22-23. I have never been on a work trip out of town before. It will be interesting! There are two other people from my department going. I am looking forward to meeting people in person that I talk to on the phone a lot. It will be good networking.
I decided that I am not going to a mall at all in January. I have a lot of things on my to do list, work is very busy, I am trying to save money, and I don't need anything right now. So, the best choice is to just resist temptation. Next month may be a different story though. I need to get into working out a lot more though before I can buy any clothes. Another motivation for working out more!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Pre-Holiday Expenses
I went to the store today to pick up a little fruit to get me through the weekend. I only spent about $2. I don't plan to spend any other money this weekend besides filling up my car with gas. This should be minimal as I only need a few gallons. I want to have a full tank when I leave for my parent's either Monday or Tuesday.
I am going to bake some cookies and bars this weekend. I purchased all the supplies for those over the past few weeks, so no more money needs to be spent there. I also have all of my Christmas presents (except for one I can't get yet) and the supplies to wrap them. That's also on my to do list this weekend. I will be picking up my brother's present when I get back home.
My other weekend plans include: making the top of a quilt (for my parent's-not their Christmas present), cleaning, doing laundry, packing, and lots of working! It's going to be a busy weekend. I hope I can get through it all. I am planning to go into work tomorrow and then work from home on Sunday. We are supposed to get more snow sometime Saturday and into Sunday. Sunday will be a good day to stay home and finish up frosting cookies and packing.
Overall, I shouldn't spend more than $30 before Christmas. This is assuming I don't go shopping once I get home. I am thinking about going, but I know I shouldn't spend the money. I can't wait to get home and eat lots of food!
I am going to bake some cookies and bars this weekend. I purchased all the supplies for those over the past few weeks, so no more money needs to be spent there. I also have all of my Christmas presents (except for one I can't get yet) and the supplies to wrap them. That's also on my to do list this weekend. I will be picking up my brother's present when I get back home.
My other weekend plans include: making the top of a quilt (for my parent's-not their Christmas present), cleaning, doing laundry, packing, and lots of working! It's going to be a busy weekend. I hope I can get through it all. I am planning to go into work tomorrow and then work from home on Sunday. We are supposed to get more snow sometime Saturday and into Sunday. Sunday will be a good day to stay home and finish up frosting cookies and packing.
Overall, I shouldn't spend more than $30 before Christmas. This is assuming I don't go shopping once I get home. I am thinking about going, but I know I shouldn't spend the money. I can't wait to get home and eat lots of food!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving Holiday
My family has left, my apartment is put back together, and I am exhausted. My family arrived on Thursday right as I finished cooking. All that was left was for my mom to make gravy and my dad to carve the turkey. Everything turned out great. I was very surprised since I have never made a full Thanksgiving meal all by myself before. They came with lots of extra food that I did not tell them to bring, but that's my family!
We had a great meal, watched a few movies, went a parade, shopped, ate some more, and enjoyed each other's company. I think I enjoyed this Thanksgiving more than in the past because it felt like it was a holiday since we were here instead of at my parent's house. At their house, they have their normal routines that make it feel like any other day. The weather was great. No snow or wind, but a little chilly. It's the end of November though, so that's to be expected.
We went out shopping on Friday. Everyone got at least a few things. My dad and brother went their way, and my mom and I went our own way. My dad and brother went to two motorcycle stores and some sporting good stores. They were able to save 20% off everything at one store (they normally don't have sales). My brother got some clothes he was looking for at 50% off.
My mom and I braved a mall. We drove to one that was further away from my apartment, but it had all of the stores we wanted so there was no driving from mall to mall. My mom got a sweater, two long-sleeved tops, and an iron for $40. That's pretty good in my mind! I finally got a new cell phone after a month of looking and trying to decide. Now I have to deal with a mail in rebate for that. I am not a fan of those. Oh, well though! I also got a phone for my brother. His phone was free since I purchased mine. I love free!! And he loves the new phone, so it worked out very well.
I also bought some workout clothes. They were all on sale. The gym that I am going to join opens on Monday. I am very excited. I am still trying to figure out how to work this into my budget, but I really need to start working out again. I know it will be hard work, but in the end I will end up feeling much better. I have some health problems, and all of my doctors recommend that I workout in order to help my pain levels. My enrollment fee will be waived since I called and got my name down already. I have a few things from when I worked out in the past, but a lot of them are worn out and/or too small now.
My mom brought me a hostess gift this weekend . . . Yahtzee!!! I am very excited. I had no games, and I really wanted one. I love Yahtzee. It reminds me of growing up.
That was my weekend!! I have also enjoyed having a few days off from work. This weekend also made me realize that I am very grateful for everything I have from my family to my clothes to my apartment. I know it may seem like my family spent a lot this weekend, but it was all planned and budgeted for. The total was not a lot since everything purchased was at least 25% off this weekend. Most of it was more than that with some even being 60% off.
As for this next week, I am sure it will be busy. I will start going to the gym, eat leftovers (I sent some back with my family and still have a ton), work, and study. I should not have to go to the grocery store until next weekend. I have no shopping plans since I was just shopping. I really need to study.
It's snowing here today. I don't mind snowy days when I can stay home and curl up under a blanket. I hope everyone had a great holiday like I did.
We had a great meal, watched a few movies, went a parade, shopped, ate some more, and enjoyed each other's company. I think I enjoyed this Thanksgiving more than in the past because it felt like it was a holiday since we were here instead of at my parent's house. At their house, they have their normal routines that make it feel like any other day. The weather was great. No snow or wind, but a little chilly. It's the end of November though, so that's to be expected.
We went out shopping on Friday. Everyone got at least a few things. My dad and brother went their way, and my mom and I went our own way. My dad and brother went to two motorcycle stores and some sporting good stores. They were able to save 20% off everything at one store (they normally don't have sales). My brother got some clothes he was looking for at 50% off.
My mom and I braved a mall. We drove to one that was further away from my apartment, but it had all of the stores we wanted so there was no driving from mall to mall. My mom got a sweater, two long-sleeved tops, and an iron for $40. That's pretty good in my mind! I finally got a new cell phone after a month of looking and trying to decide. Now I have to deal with a mail in rebate for that. I am not a fan of those. Oh, well though! I also got a phone for my brother. His phone was free since I purchased mine. I love free!! And he loves the new phone, so it worked out very well.
I also bought some workout clothes. They were all on sale. The gym that I am going to join opens on Monday. I am very excited. I am still trying to figure out how to work this into my budget, but I really need to start working out again. I know it will be hard work, but in the end I will end up feeling much better. I have some health problems, and all of my doctors recommend that I workout in order to help my pain levels. My enrollment fee will be waived since I called and got my name down already. I have a few things from when I worked out in the past, but a lot of them are worn out and/or too small now.
My mom brought me a hostess gift this weekend . . . Yahtzee!!! I am very excited. I had no games, and I really wanted one. I love Yahtzee. It reminds me of growing up.
That was my weekend!! I have also enjoyed having a few days off from work. This weekend also made me realize that I am very grateful for everything I have from my family to my clothes to my apartment. I know it may seem like my family spent a lot this weekend, but it was all planned and budgeted for. The total was not a lot since everything purchased was at least 25% off this weekend. Most of it was more than that with some even being 60% off.
As for this next week, I am sure it will be busy. I will start going to the gym, eat leftovers (I sent some back with my family and still have a ton), work, and study. I should not have to go to the grocery store until next weekend. I have no shopping plans since I was just shopping. I really need to study.
It's snowing here today. I don't mind snowy days when I can stay home and curl up under a blanket. I hope everyone had a great holiday like I did.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving
I bought the last few items that I needed for Thanksgiving. I also got some things so that I won't need to go to the store this weekend or next week. Well, I may have to go pick up some bananas, but that should be it. I have been busy cooking and doing dishes tonight. I still need to clean and do one more round of dishes. I am trying to do as much as I can tonight so that I don't have to do too much tomorrow.
I really hope that I don't spend very much and stay within budget on Friday. I can't wait for tomorrow to look at the ads. I love looking at them even if I am not planning to go and buy anything in them. I will post this weekend and let you all know how I did.
My family leaves on Saturday, so the rest of the weekend will be spent doing a little picking up after they leave and studying. I will also be enjoying my leftovers!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I really hope that I don't spend very much and stay within budget on Friday. I can't wait for tomorrow to look at the ads. I love looking at them even if I am not planning to go and buy anything in them. I will post this weekend and let you all know how I did.
My family leaves on Saturday, so the rest of the weekend will be spent doing a little picking up after they leave and studying. I will also be enjoying my leftovers!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Shopping & Future Plans
Well, I went shopping this morning. This means that I will not meet one of my goals. My goal was to limit my spending to under $50 for September for things like extras and clothes. I spent $59.25 today. I am okay with not meeting this goal. I got a great deal on the clothes I bought. I bought a pair of black dress pants and some nice jeans which I can wear on casual days at work. The store had a buy one get one half off deal. Plus I had a coupon for $30 off a purchase over $75. The original total was $119, but with all of my coupons, I only spent $59.25. I needed new pants due to losing some weight over the last six months. I only have two pairs of dress pants which fit. I am hoping to not spend any money on clothes for a month or two now.
Other spending this month . . . I haven't spent any money this month until today on anything other than my normal bills, groceries, and my professional association dues.
My future . . . I just found out that a state university is going to begin offering their MBA program at an off-campus location close to where I live. The school campus is about 1.5 hours from me, but the off-campus location is within 15 minutes!! I am seriously considering starting to study for the GMAT and taking it to see how well I do. If I decide to do this, I would apply to start school next fall. My work reimburses up to $5,000 per calendar year for tuition and books. Based on my calculations I would end up spending about $6,000-6,500 out of my pocket on tuition and books. I need to calculate the total cost including the GMAT and other things which will come up like application costs. This would require me to completely rework my financial plans for the next few years. I would also have to put off buying a house longer than I would like.
Other spending this month . . . I haven't spent any money this month until today on anything other than my normal bills, groceries, and my professional association dues.
My future . . . I just found out that a state university is going to begin offering their MBA program at an off-campus location close to where I live. The school campus is about 1.5 hours from me, but the off-campus location is within 15 minutes!! I am seriously considering starting to study for the GMAT and taking it to see how well I do. If I decide to do this, I would apply to start school next fall. My work reimburses up to $5,000 per calendar year for tuition and books. Based on my calculations I would end up spending about $6,000-6,500 out of my pocket on tuition and books. I need to calculate the total cost including the GMAT and other things which will come up like application costs. This would require me to completely rework my financial plans for the next few years. I would also have to put off buying a house longer than I would like.
Monday, August 18, 2008
This Weekend
I didn't buy anything except groceries this weekend!! I am very proud of myself for this. I have to admit that I did go to the mall this weekend, but I just window shopped. As much as I felt like I wanted to buy something before I left my apartment, I didn't feel the urge when I got there. I almost felt guilty walking into a store and thinking about buying anything. It makes me feel a little proud of myself. I hope I can keep this up. I really want to save money!
I am struggling to decide if I should save for a house down payment for pay my car off. I have always thought that I would want to pay my car off before I bought a house, but now I am not so sure. I am getting frustrated with apartment life, so that's contributing to the question at hand.
Any suggestions?
I am struggling to decide if I should save for a house down payment for pay my car off. I have always thought that I would want to pay my car off before I bought a house, but now I am not so sure. I am getting frustrated with apartment life, so that's contributing to the question at hand.
Any suggestions?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Shopping
It's still early on Saturday morning, and I am itching to shop. This is not good!! I am really trying to save money and not spend it. Some days you just want to go spend some though! I am thinking about going to the mall this afternoon if I still feel this way. I am hoping that the feeling will go away. I really want to save as much as I can so that I can build up my emergency fund, travel fund, and house down payments fund as quickly as possible.
I am getting sick of living in an apartment, but I don't have much choice right now. I don't have the money for a down payment or the continued upkeep on a house if I did buy one. With all of the changes to the lending industry, I think I might have to save longer than I was initially planning for a down payment.
Some times it just seems like even though you're saving, it's never enough. I really don't like those days.
I am getting sick of living in an apartment, but I don't have much choice right now. I don't have the money for a down payment or the continued upkeep on a house if I did buy one. With all of the changes to the lending industry, I think I might have to save longer than I was initially planning for a down payment.
Some times it just seems like even though you're saving, it's never enough. I really don't like those days.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
This Weekend
It sounds like it's going to be a gorgeous weekend here after another storm filled week. I really wish the severe weather was done for awhile. I have a few things I am hoping to do this weekend, so money will be spent. It is all budgeted for though which is great.
1) Dinner with my mom. She is in town for the weekend, so I will be seeing her tonight for dinner. It's nice to see her even if it's only for a short time since we don't live in the same state.
2) Black sweatpants. I have been wanting another pair of sweats for awhile now. I love sweats!!! I wasn't planning to buy these until the fall (they are in my clothing budget for Sept), but I have a coupon and a gift card. I have a hard time finding clothes that I like and/or fit, so I decided to just get them now. As long as I am going out to see my mom later, I figure it works out great since it's not an extra trip.
3) Groceries. I am hoping not to buy too much. I will make my list prior to going. I have some leftovers from yesterday, but I need fruits and veggies for the week. I also may stop at a specialty store if there's time later when I see my mom. This would eliminate a trip there in a few weeks, but I don't know it will work out today.
4) Gas. This one may hurt. gas prices inched up here again yesterday. I was hoping they wouldn't since I am waiting until after I see my mom to get gas. I put everything on my credit card and pay it off twice a month. Right now I am getting 5% cashback on gas, so that helps with these high prices.
5) Other. I have a few other coupons for stores I love. I am hoping that I won't be tempted to buy anything, but I do have about $35 extra budgeted in July just in case I find something that I want. Since I have a hard time finding clothes that fit me, I usually go to the mall and come home with nothing. I have a coupon for a bookstore though. That could be dangerous!! I also need another pair of dress pants, but I am hoping to wait until September to buy these. They will be replacing a pair that are not looking so great. I will be waiting until I get more coupons for my favorite stores and then I will head to the mall to search for a pair.
I hope everyone has a safe and great weekend.
PS - I did really well 4th of July weekend with my spending. I went out with friends and only spent $5. I bought groceries, but kept it within my weekly budget.
1) Dinner with my mom. She is in town for the weekend, so I will be seeing her tonight for dinner. It's nice to see her even if it's only for a short time since we don't live in the same state.
2) Black sweatpants. I have been wanting another pair of sweats for awhile now. I love sweats!!! I wasn't planning to buy these until the fall (they are in my clothing budget for Sept), but I have a coupon and a gift card. I have a hard time finding clothes that I like and/or fit, so I decided to just get them now. As long as I am going out to see my mom later, I figure it works out great since it's not an extra trip.
3) Groceries. I am hoping not to buy too much. I will make my list prior to going. I have some leftovers from yesterday, but I need fruits and veggies for the week. I also may stop at a specialty store if there's time later when I see my mom. This would eliminate a trip there in a few weeks, but I don't know it will work out today.
4) Gas. This one may hurt. gas prices inched up here again yesterday. I was hoping they wouldn't since I am waiting until after I see my mom to get gas. I put everything on my credit card and pay it off twice a month. Right now I am getting 5% cashback on gas, so that helps with these high prices.
5) Other. I have a few other coupons for stores I love. I am hoping that I won't be tempted to buy anything, but I do have about $35 extra budgeted in July just in case I find something that I want. Since I have a hard time finding clothes that fit me, I usually go to the mall and come home with nothing. I have a coupon for a bookstore though. That could be dangerous!! I also need another pair of dress pants, but I am hoping to wait until September to buy these. They will be replacing a pair that are not looking so great. I will be waiting until I get more coupons for my favorite stores and then I will head to the mall to search for a pair.
I hope everyone has a safe and great weekend.
PS - I did really well 4th of July weekend with my spending. I went out with friends and only spent $5. I bought groceries, but kept it within my weekly budget.
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