HelpMeFriend's Personal Finance Blog

I feel as if my money can see me coming from a mile away. If I have money, it jumps out of my hand, or rather, my card slips from my grip, and it is gone. If I am expecting money my way, it takes more than expected, I didn't plan without it, and I am drowning.
My school work is also slipping, but I have it under control. As long as I keep answering to myself, I can do it. I have spent so much money for dining out, that it is too terible for me to even think about it. But, since I am recording it, it makes me look at it, and that my money could be working for me rather than against me.
I'll get there.

Since my children are sick with strep, I won't be going anywhere today, except for work tonight.
Womens NCAA Big 10 basketball tournament is going on, and they plan on being busy.
So, saving money is my key today. I will be doing laundry, using my surplus of laundry soap, and having the children help me straighten up.
Sicky will be in bed most the day, but my oldest son is just here for support. That and I didn't want to dress three people this morning, going out in the cold for no reason.
A three day weekend never hurt anyone anyway.
I need to get library books back too, but that can wait till Saturday.
No gas spent=$5.00 for $20 challenge
No cigarettes bought=$4.20 for $20 challenge

I strolled into my work, the main office downtown, expecting a check, or something sort of like it. I heard that the computer was down, and they don't know how long it will be.
So, why don't you have the checks printed?
They don't know.
So, since I was late on getting my check, I don't get one? WRONG!
When will I get my check?
They don't know.
What do you know?

Silence.

If I was expecting any sort of real money on this check, I would be livid. I don't even think that I have hours on it.
The problem is that payroll isn't doing their job if checks were out at the beginning of the week, when I don't get one since it is Thursday.
There is no excuse, computers or not. My check should have been printed with all the others.

Spent the day at the doctors today with my youngest. Meds were free. Missed school again, but I'll get over it. As long as my son is taken care of, I'll get things done. I do have to work tonight and tomorrow. That will keep study time down.

After paying down my credit card debt, I will probably not be able to get a credit card for a long, long time. I guess more of the accounts are closed than I thought.
I have requested that one account be reopened, but they will look at my credit report before doing it, and I probably not get it.
At least I can't pile on any more debt that way. I don't need to as it is.

I love my job. I was really late to school today. That's what I get for hanging out with the artists after the show. I hate that I was late, but its okay since I enjoyed my night at work.

I have been jealous of all of you who count checks from surveys online. I have never been paid for one, until now. I received a $4.00 check and it was great. I didn't know what to do.
I will be doing a lot more of these surveys from now on.

I paid down a credit card, so I want to spend.
I was thinking about getting my hair done at the beauty college tonight, before work.
Would going to a school for a discounted doo be saving money? NO, I could go without the hair dye and be fine, but not happy.
Does everything I do need money? YES, but I don't need everything.

I have three major projects due in less than three weeks.
I have seen my next quarter's schedule, and I don't like it.
I will be doing some major work from now on. The "you're new and we'll be easy on you" phase is now over and college is sinking in.

The unlimited pass at Mike's is a great deal. I got a works wash for free today, and I will be going at least every other day.
I will be monitoring how much I have saved, and will be adding that to the $20 challenge. Since I start with a withdrawl from my credit card, it won't seem like a savings, but it really is.

I have been reading several people's blogs that incorporate their weight loss goals with their money saving goals.
I wish that I could save more and loose more at the same time.
If I could do everything I wanted, I wouldn't need this site. I am more worried about my financial health than my actual health. Is that scary?
I can't help it.
I know that I am overweight. I am about 75 lbs from being "normal for my height" right now. I don't starve myself, and I think that is why I still weigh the same as I do now.
I also know that my birth control choice is hindering my weight loss process. I would rather be fat than pregnant. Can't help the way I feel about it.
I don't think that I will be putting my weight loss goals on this site, as that is way too much for me to think about right now. If I can afford to eat, this site is doing it's job.

I will be trying the new method that I started last week.
I will withdraw an amount every week and when the money is gone, it is gone. I don't count every expense to this. A weekly payment to daycare doesn't count, as that is fixed. Also, I won't be counting the utilities, but defintely the gas, cigarettes, and phone bill.
My phone bill is outrageous!
I have budgeted for the next three months, but then am thinking about cutting down.
I have gotten a little obsessed with this budget thing.
I counted my Sunday breakfast with a coupon, and every other penny spent for the next two weeks.
Well, I guess it's better late than never right?
I hope so.

I am getting my budget ready for the month. I don't know how we did it, but I figured out that with credit card payments, rent, gas, lights, phone, daycare, and basic needs like gas, cigarettes, and food.
I have gotten us to flat even. WOW!
It helped that I paid extra on credit cards last month and now my min. payment is down.
I think this site is the reason.
You are watching me. You are holding me to a common sense standard.
Thank you.
I have figured in my son's birthday, which is going to figure in a movie and popcorn. Great idea son!
I think this is going to be a good year, and it is really just starting.
If you think about it, we are going towards Christmas. I am not worried.
You are helping me and you don't even have to try!

I got my job back recently, and I have not counted my paycheck totals to my $20 challenge. I wonder as I get paid tomorrow, but I don't know if I will even get a paycheck.
If I do, can I count these dollars towards my total?

We had a sleepover last night. We spent no money last night or today. So there's money to go into the challenge. $2.50 for gas saved, .15 for Laundry money found, and $5.50 not spent on a replacement hampster.
I wanted the pet, not my kids. I just want someone else to talk to besides Spike the goldfish.

I got two of my credit cards down below the credit limit. Go me! I didn't even use my tax check to do it. I sacked that away in a CD. I maybe should have put the money on my cards, but I was more intrested in being able to use my money, not toss it away the second I got it.

I also wanted to tell everyone who has been commenting on my posts, I appreciate the help, tips, and support you give. Thanks so much.

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.