• My New Budget

    I just received my new paycheck, reflective of my raise (extra $3000/year). After careful polling and questioning, I decided the extra money per month would go to debt and 401(k) contribution of 3%. I was unsure of the taxes, and it looks like my guess of $100 extra per paycheck was pretty accurate. Before the

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  • Made it with $5.50 to spare!

    I met my $50 Challenge. On Monday my balance was $9.42 and since then I’ve spent $3.92 for a Chickfila kid’s meal (such a great price for all the food you get!). That’s it! So ending this month, I have a whopping $5.50 left in the account. Scoooooore. That means all of that money I

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  • I want a puppy!

    I’ve decided. Once I become debt free (circa May 2010?) and finish with my Phase 1 E-Fund of $6,000 (circa January 2011?), I’m getting a puppy. It will be my reward for being so diligent and frugal. :) I can’t have one now because of apartment restrictions, but I also don’t want a dog until

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  • A low-key weekend.

    Beginning Balance: $47.02 Friday: -$30 gas +$60 babysitting; added to the Car Repair Fund Saturday: +$55 babysitting; I’m going to keep this in Checking until Wednesday, just in case I need it Yoga Sunday: -$7.93 lunch Ran: 5 miles Ending Balance: $9.42 This weekend was pretty uneventful. I babysat late on Friday and Saturday nights.

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  • Well, hello there Friday!

    My goodness this week flew! No, no. My goodness this MONTH flew! It’s already September 25th? Wow. Time’s flying, and I’m okay with that. I cannot wait for October! Starting Balance: $182.04 Monday: -$15 dry cleaners -$71.99 electric bill -$33.41 cable Ran: 2 miles Tuesday: -$4.15 groceries (coffee+creamer) -$6.47 lunch Ran: 3 miles Wednesday: No

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  • $50 Challenge

    One of my favorite blogs, Always the Planner, posted about Small Challenges and how they help with achieving big goals. I have a small challenge for myself that if met could make a huge difference in my savings for October. My challenge is to only spend $50 from now until payday, which is next Wednesday,

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  • My Latest Love: Nike+iPod

    Ladies and gentlemen: I have a new love in my life. That’s right. Move over, J, you are being replaced by a piece of technology. The Nike + iPod has won my heart. About two months ago I won a gift certificate to my Running Store for $30. I was so excited, but hesitated buying

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  • Love is patient.

    My least favorite feeling in all the world is discontentment. It always gets me when my defenses are down and my eyes begin to wander. I start to envy others’ blessings and forget my own. The truth? I am just where I need to be. I needn’t wish away this season of my life or

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  • my lovely weekend.

    Starting Balance: $263.28 Friday My younger sister arrived on Friday just as I was done cooking Angel Chicken Pasta. We had a delightful evening in of eating, drinking wine, and watching girly movies. Groceries: $16.64 Baking dish: $10.59 Saturday Saturday we woke up at 7:30 and ran 10 miles. That’s right: on my little sister’s

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