The end of March is my youngest son's 5th birthday. We will be having another small party at home. This time, the party will be even cheaper, as we will have a movie and popcorn for snack. After cake and presents, there will be a few games, or I could just hand out gift bags. Also, the time for the party will be later, so that maybe we could have a sleepover for family who wants to stay. I plan on asking at least one person to stay, which I don't see a problem with.
Also, I don't forsee anyone coming to this party who did not come to the last one. I invited several more people to come who didn't. My mom said to not let my feelings get hurt. They aren't. We didn't have room for all those people in my house in the first place. So I anticipate a great party this time too!

I don't think that today will turn out this way. I will chip in for parking at the Downtown Library where I am with my group working on a school project. So far so good though.
I think that I will save from not spending money on lunch though.
Plus, what is a buck on 5 dollar parking anyway. Not much at all.
Saved from Lunch in:$7.50

This morning, my live in baby daddy said that he is glad I am working since every little bit helps. He is correct in that aspect, but his reasoning is stupid. Right after that, he said so that we can have more stuff. We don't need more stuff. We have enough stuff. We need less stuff and more debt paid off. Right now I have a few necessities:Rent is number one, daycare is number two, phone and lights is number three, along with all other utilities, and four is making sure that my two children and the two of us have everything we need to survive. We don't need toys or to eat breakfast out every weekend. Right now it is on Sundays, as our splurge day. We need to stop that mentality. I have learned it somewhat already. The crap we had I got rid of. It was cluttering our house, minds, and spirits. We would fight more often, since money was a big part of the buying crap. Also, I don't think that the key to happiness is having stuff, or money for that matter. I just want our family to be happy. Yes, I buy my kids toys. Yes, I buy junk food at the grocery store. Yes, I even buy more cigarettes and liquor than I should, but that is not what I base our lives on.
Maybe when I start to show him that stuff leads to more arguements and loss of money, he will appreciate what I am trying to do for our family.

I will be meeting with my group at school tomorrow, and will be bringing a lunch. I will get here at 10 a.m. so I will be hungry in the middle. I also can't justify buying food from a machine that I could have gotten from the grocery at more than half price for more food. If they get hungry and want to go to a fast food joint, be my guest, but I will be here when you get back after eating something more enjoyable for a fraction of the price.

$1.00 goes to the $20 challenge for not being able to buy my milk at school today. It makes me mad when they don't work, but I cuss them since they take so much money. $1.25 for a pop is high.
I will not use them again.

How long ago did I take that money out of the bank? Not too long ago. This morning I handed over my last two bills for gas and cigarettes. That was it. I have no more money until Monday? How will I do it?
Was this such a good idea?
Now I know how much money I spend in a days time. I just didn't expect to be out of money so fast.
I must really crack down on doing my homework. I don't like homework. I try to get everything done in class. But I have a test today and I didn't study. Yes, I went to work last night and got home late, so I didn't study, but I didn't even bring my book home if I wanted to.
I just don't like to do school work at home. Now I have three big projects due soon, as the quarter draws to an end, and one of them is a group project. AHH!!
I am just glad that I have good grades so that if I lose a couple points, that won't be any big deal!
I paid $450 to a credit card, and they still hate me. Why is this so hard? I just want to see my account online, and they don't want to let me. They told me that the money is posted and I am below my credit limit, but I was transfered to five different people and spent 34 of my precious cell phone minutes trying to get on, but to no avail. No bother, I don't have internet at home right now anyway. They shut me off because my $100 payment didn't cover another $27 that I was still late on. Big deal. I gave you everything I had.

The weekend is coming soon, and I am happy!

Yesterday, I went to the bank.
I withdrew money from my checking account, as I want all my money to be in my saving account that I can stand.
I cannot spend more that I withdrew from the bank, as not many places will take a check anymore, and I have lost my debit card.
Thank You!!
I can no longer go out to eat, as that will take up all my money I just took out.
I also think this will help my splurge spending. I want no more of that happening.
I have to work again tonight, so I have to pay to park. That stinks, but it is only two bucks for downtown. I shouldn't ask for more.

Also, for not having my check card, I saved myself 13.00 at the grocery store, so I will add that to my challenge money. I never get to add anything.

While cleaning my house, dusting and other such things, I found money. $1.18 was just lying about, without my knowing it. I just hope that when I vacuum under my couches and desk I find more.
I even found change in my bathroom.
How great is that? I am impressed.

My sons birthday went off without a hitch.
Everyone had a great time. The party was such a great success, we have decided to have my youngest son's birthday there as well. That is in one month. Friends and family was the way to go.
Also, I see the next party to be cheaper this time too. I will be going to the party store to scope out some sale prices this week.
Maybe I will find clearence stuff that will work.


I hit 6,000 visits on my page today. Thanks for checking out my pages, and thanks for all the help.

This Sunday is my oldest sons sixth birthday. Saturday is my best friends birthday. Next is my cousins daughter's birthday.
Where is the money going?
My mom is paying for most of the party here. Decorations, prizes, and gift bags are among the cheapest things. She even helped me clean the house.
Well, I am about to go to lunch/dinner with my best friend and her family. At least I know that my money will be well spent. I am having all you can eat shrimp. I will make it worth my money.

I am enjoying my first day back to school after a horrible sickness. I even got a request to take my picture, since I dressed up for Professional Dress Day.
Wahoo.

But I am supposed to be working on my research paper, but I am so far ahead of myself, I just couldn't do it.
I saved money today by bringing my lunch and drink, so there is $4.95 to the $20 challenge.

I also have to clean the crib for my oldest son's birthday this Sunday, so I don't see spending any money tonight either. I made dinner ahead last night, so tonight is just warm ups. There is another $15.00 to the challenge. It just keeps adding up doesn't it?

Back to work!

Bad week for the family. My sons were sick all weekend, and then Mommy and Daddy were sick the next three days.
I will be feeling well enough to go to school tomorrow. I am upset that yesterday was my first absence. I had perfect attendence going, and now that is gone.
I also hope that nothing important happened while I was gone for two days.
Since Monday was a holiday and we don't have class on Fridays, tomorrow will be the only day I am going this week.

At least I was too sick to go anywhere and spend anything. I hear that gas went up though, and I know I will be needing to get some when I leave tomorrow.

Tonight, I am about to spend some time with my best friend and her family. She invited us to stay for dinner, so I offered to bring the garlic bread. So for $3.59, I will have a fun filled evening with friends.
I love spending time with her new baby girl, and seeing my two little ones with her. They are all so cute together.
I want to take a lot of pictures tonight.

Well, we finally did it. The laundry is on its way to never being on the floor again. We also cleaned the kid's room well enough to vacuum the floor in there. I got rid of a ton of trash, as well as some donatable toys. Most of them will go to my best friend, but I know some other children that are in need.
I have been doing a great job of weeding out my closet by getting rid of clothes that I never wear and do not fit anymore.
I did go out today and spend a little money. I mentioned that I ran out of soap, so I bought two. I wanted to get a new hamper for the hallway, but decided that I just need to keep the one I have out there empty. Same goes for clothes. I didn't buy a drawer setup, as I have no place to put it, and I want to rid myself of extras, not find another place that I won't end up putting them.
Purge and you will see the floor!-Me
I saved at least $10.00 while we were gone though. My boys did not want to eat out. Good for them. I was starving! But we came home, put our items away, and I warmed up food in the microwave.
Thanks for keeping Mommy in check boys!

Yesterday was a no spend day. If I wasn't out of milk, today would be too.
Since the laundry is getting caught up, the dishes get their turn. My youngest likes to dry.
I will let the oldest vacuum his room as well as the hallway.
I am making preping for his birthday part of his responsibilities. He must make sure that everything in his room is ready for guests. I will take care of the kitchen, bath, and my room. The living room has been everyone's responsibility. I yell at Daddy for tossing dirty socks on the floor. I am guilty for leaving my shoes everywhere, but we have too many and I need to lessen them.
How much would you suggest that I give myself for the $20 challenge? I used no gas, didn't buy cigs, and did not buy dinner out. We made pizza.
Whatever makes them want to eat, like letting them help make it, works for me.
I am also saving gas heat money, as I was close to disconnect not so long ago.

Since we have an extra day off from school, me and the boys plan on doing all laundry tomorrow. We have a birthday party here next Sunday. That leaves us one week to prepare our tiny home for 25 people. I think if I have all the laundry done, the dishes and basic pick up will be less daunting. There won't be any dirty socks to move around. My two closest cousions said that they will come over to help me, so that also takes a little more stress off me.
This will be the second party I have had here at home. My house was a disaster area, when I was a spend-a-holic. I bought stuff just to buy and my house was packed with junk. I had cleaned it up and threw a Super Bowl party for my best friend, her husband, and their new baby. I didn't have to worry about her picking up and eating something dangerous as my floor was clear and empty.
Yeah me!
Now the children are cleaning their room in preporation for next Sunday, and they are being such good helpers for Mommy.
The dishes are not piled in the sink, there are no towels on the bathroom floor, and I am more peaceful.
They have already learned that "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."
I guess this will move me to using all of my laundry soaps up and I will be able to get more. For some reason, I have grown to love to buy things that I know I will use. I think it is because I made a rule about buying things that I do not need.
If it is not needed for living, I can not buy it.
So now I buy three things of laundry soap, new sponges for dish washing, and bathroom cleaners instead of crap.
I know that I will need it, so it is not just blowing money.

When I woke up this morning, I just wanted to spend money. I want to buy a chest freezer for my kitchen. I want to get new socks for me and my youngest son. I want to spend, spend, spend.

WHY?

I want to buy a pretty bucket to put cigarette butts in outside.
I want new rugs in the bathroom.
I just want it all.

WHY?

I don't need any of these things, as I have socks, they just need washed, I have three bath rugs, and my freezer can wait another month or so.
Do I need a "pretty" bucket if it will just sit outside, getting rained on? NO, it is for nasty cig butts.
I am not going anywhere today, to control my hand in the money pocket.
Yeah for me. I can control myself!

Leaving a little comment on another debtors blog, I began to rant at will. I did not post that long thing, but wanted to get out my words anyway.

My mom yelled at me saying that I shouldn't be living off my refund, as that is never a guarantteed thing. I told her I knew. She doesn't know that I opened a CD with half of it.

She is also making me feel like her boyfriends daughter. When she lived one state away, they always talked about what a loser she was, how good I was to be working and rasing two kids.

Now the daughter not only lives in this state, but in the other half of the double house I live in. What fun.
She has let her gas and light bills go outrageous. She had no gas heat for 6 months. Her father paid the bill. Her lights were shut off; her dad paid the bill. She got fired from her job; her dad paid her phone bill.

I got a disconect bill from the gas co. for $90.41. I was shocked. You are really gonna turn my heat off in the middle of winter, with my two kids inside. My mom went online, and paid my bill.
She made me feel like the slut next door.
I told her that, and she said there is no comparison.
I still feel bad though. I am going to college full time, working way less hours than I should, and she is a bartender at a resturant. She shouldn't have to pay for me anymore.
Not that I don't appreciate the help.

When I moved in this house, she paid the deposit. I had a months rent, but not double that. Mom said that I was her only child and that when I need her, she was there and not to pay her back.

Then when the slut moved in next door, my mom paid her deposit.
What the hell?!

Thanks for letting me vent.
Sorry I almost hijacked someones blog.

I have been stocked up on laundry soap for quite some time. I bought tons of it when it was on sale. I am now wearing down on soap, bleach, spot treatment, and color safe bleach. I want to go buy more, but I am now telling myself use what you have first. I don't even know if there is anywhere having a sale on my brand.

I also found two quarters in the washer today. Yeah! I love to find money!
I wonder where my son gets his money though. I have found change washing the boys clothes. Joe empties his pockets every morning into his clean jeans. I don't get much change there. But I am trying to get him to use the change basket. He knows its there, since he has dug for quarters when he is running low.
I try to hide bills from myself there. I put them under the coin rollers and can't see it.
Happy three day weekend to you all who can enjoy it.

I am sure that some people out there hate credit card companies. I do. I hate when they call me 10 times a day, sent threat letters to my house, and if I had a job, try to call my work.
I just called to make a lump sum payment to a credit card that was WAY past due. Four months past due. I asked if I could have the $14.95 check by phone fee waived. She said no problem, but wanted to know if she could look to see if there was something else she could try. They have a payment match program there. I was making a lump sum payment, so she added half of what I was paying. WOW! The check fee was applied, but I will take a $227 credit over $14.95 any day.
Thank you so much, whoever you were.

I used my tax check for good this year. I know I said that I would use most of it for debt pay off, but I decided that I need to save my money rather than just spend it as soon as I get it. I opened a CD at my bank. I got the 6 month, highest intrest rate they had. 3.2% intrest rate with 3.25% APY. August will be a good month. I am glad that I saved. Its like hell froze over and I am in control of my money now.
I have my gas bill paid up until the summer. I over paid about $300. It was an accident, trust me.
I just need to pay up my cable, internet, and phone bills. Then I will be happy.

I have two three mid term tests today. I am feeling the love.
I gave Joe his heart shaped box of candy and he loved it.
I sent my children off with their class valentines. It's gonna be a good day.
I don't plan on spending any money today. We are having pasta tonight, so I do need to buy a loaf of garlic bread. We need milk too.
So I guess I plan on going to the grocery. I won't buy anything that's not on the list though. That is my new rule. If it is junk and we don't need it, it has to be on the list to get it. Ha.

Oh well. I can afford $10 to make dinner romantic for my three men.

This is my first quarter into college. I started back at the age of 25 knowing that all that I had learned in high school was semi-fresh. I am earning an A in all of my classes, and my mid term tests will be a breeze. I did want to be in school with my children, one is starting in first grade, the other kindergarden. I feel it will help disipline all of us to sit down and do our homework. I do wish I had more time to work to make some money, but really, by schedule is more hectic at night when I need to be working, not during the day. I can't blame school.
Of course, since these are the beginning courses, they are bound to be easy. I don't want to get a false sense of security. I know I am doing well now, but what happenes when I have to take accounting and other advances classes?
I will do great, that's what!!

I love my children but they are driving me crazy. My oldest is getting in trouble at school, and I don't know how to deal. I was the same way in school, and if I could not figure out how to be good, how can I tell him to be the way I wasn't?
I am lost. His father is a little help, but I am mostly the one going to the school and talking with teachers and the director. They don't call him a principal there.
I was on a first name basis with my principal in school, and I already expressed my feelings that I did not want him to go through that.
I will figure something out. I have to. If he goes to first grade and continues this behavior, they will just kick him out.
On a plus for the day, it was free pancake day at IHOP and I partook. I made a donation to the Childrens Miracle Fund and tipped the server for my meal. It was great.

I spent the last four days working. I wonder how much my paycheck is going to be. I don't get a lot of hours, usually only 5 or so a day, so I am hopeful that I make enough to pay off my phone bill and cable bills past due amount. I guess I'll find out.

I just spent $6.00 for chickens at the show, and I took a lunchable for my youngest son. He was the only one to go with me, even though I got in for free, saving $13.00. I will ad that to my $20 money. After he ate the food I brought, he wanted more. I had him walk around for an hour and he said again he was hungry. Not bringing food for myself was a mistake. We bought the chicken and fries for six bucks, and shared them.

It pays to have connections. I wanted to take my boyfriend to the show, since he is really into cars, but he did not want to walk around for hours, or go out in the cold. It was an indoor show though.
Oh well. We had fun.

My oldest child will be 6 years old in two weeks. We are having the cheapest party in the world. I am also only inviting family members. I would like to have children from school come, as my son is making lots of friends, but my house is too small, and if it is cold outside, I fear the 25 people already coming will have a hard time being comfortable. But they are all family, and want to squeeze in. Am I bad for not inviting my friends with kids? I do have my best friend and her family coming: husband, daughter, and brothers. But that is my best friend, and she must be there. I can't wait for her daughters first birthday. It will be huge.

I don't want to be a cheap skate around my kids birthdays. I never want to, but this year is a little different. The tax refund is going to necessities, and paying off debt. The bigger they get, the bigger the parties they will want. They can wait until they are bigger to plan to their wants. I may have them figure out ways to raise the money to pay for it too.

I know that I have money in my account, so now I want to spend it. I will go to breakfast and try to not go shopping after that. But I wouldn't have had the money to go to breakfast without my state tax refund check. Oh well. I will spend a little and make sure I save money to put on my credit cards. I thought of paying off one of mine this year, like I did last year, but I think I will just make my payments with extra to eat away at the intrest I have built up.
Yum, pancakes!

Woo Hoo!! Before I could even get to the computer and tell you that I found money in the washer, I found more money. I was washing a load of everyone's jeans. Who knows where it came from? Oh well, it's in the challenge bucket now.

We had a fight this morning. It was about money. My BD has been working and making all of the money for the last five months. Good for him. Finally. He is upset that all of his money goes to bills. I was making half what he is, paying all the bills and still found money to take care of the two childrens wants and needs.

His problem is that his past is catching up to him. He can no longer run from it. My past caught up with me after one year and now I am swimming in debt. I have some major situations that I have not devulged to this site. He is mad that I will not pay for his mistake. I am sorry, but I work two days a week, making almost half per hour as him and go to school full time. I go to and take care of all school and daycare things. He only sees the money half. I put my all into the family, not just making the paycheck.

Why must money be such a big issue?
I hate it.

I received my rebate card from ATT. It only took six weeks, like they said. Woo Hoo, $100. I was amazed. Have you noticed that no one ever sends a check in the mail anymore? I received a gift card that I had to activate. I guess the wrong person had their checks stolen, and now no one really send one out. Sometimes, they won't even give you money back, they credit your account with the excess money. I like getting mine back though.