Monday, A first and Money Saving Madness.

     For the first time in my life I sat down on the 1st of the month and paid all my bills.  I will incur no late fees, everything else will come out of the checking automatically.  I mean the house payment and all the other bills, power,phone,medical,paper,Internet, misc, and everything. In a few months I will set up auto pays for many of the smaller bills.  It is the most wonderful feeling to not have to worry and fret and remember.  I have been getting closer to this goal all year but never could fully in good conscious do the house payment.  I always had to wait for more money to come in.  Well that does not have to happen any more.  I can now devote other income and checks to my debt.

     I was also able to pay off the overdraft protection so that goal is out of the way.  I will work on the other debt for the rest of the month.  This will free up another $135.00 to put toward the last of the debts.  I am so excited to get to the next debt, then we are down to 2 and then it will be one and then the house.  I know this is counting chickens, but I have to dream as it keeps me motivated.

     My sister's oldest daughter is visiting with her daughter.  Lil sis is so excited.  They went on a jet boat trip down the canyon today.  D#3 is here with mom and that is so nice.  She can entertain her and take her places and I am free to do what I need to do.She is spending the night with her cousin so I will have help tomorrow.  Yippee!

     Money Saving Madness May 27-June 3

1. Ate all meals but one at home (mom paid for lunch out)
2. Most food came from storage or freezers.
3. Purchased marked down bananas for bread
4. Picked herbs and dried them
5. picked lettuce from garden
6. purchased marked down plants for holes in yard.
7. Did a grocery stock up on loss leaders at Albertson's, only items purchased were on the lowest price for the season.
8. worked on projects with recycled materials.
9. Went to Penneys with mom and found a few Christmas presents used 2 $10.00 coupons so total for gifts $15.47.  2 nice scarves, three pairs of nice pj pants for son in laws, a couple of things for grandsons.
10.  Rite aid, used $10.00 in plenti points to purchase razors and earned more points so FREE.  Thanks Sluggy!
11. Made a skirt for Lil sis for her upcoming trip. The fabric was $2.50 as a remnant, I added the ribbon waistband which was off a customers garment and

she didn't want it.  The lining was from leftover project and even the elastic was given to me.

This is boxy but can be worn with a belt, but I like the loose look

12.Here are a couple more projects.  $1.00 dress from Wal-mart with lace added.  Also new dansko sandals from posh mark $40.00

13.Here is a dress that I let down the hem and added $2.00 of lace. It was just too short for church, but this saved it!

14. Switched all winter and summer clothes and got rid of a huge bag of things I no longer use.
15. Used my indoor clothesline and out door fence to dry many items.
16.reused containers and wax wraps.
17. Purchased several pounds of meat at 50% off to stock freezer.
18.  Picked up water crackers at Winco on a close out for .25 a box.  Bought all of them.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim