Esmeralda's Personal Finance Blog

Hmmm...not sure what to make of it

(esmeralda) — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:34:57 PST

I'm of the dissenting opinion regarding the new redesign. From an interface design/money saving perspective, its not frugal in its use of space. That means more clicking and scrolling to get to the same material. It seems watered down as a result.

I will try to work with it...in...

More errands

(esmeralda) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:47:21 PST

Since the first of the year, I've been doing so very well when I run errands. I've been able to save more than I spend on several occassions when I get groceries or stuff for the house. Here are the deals I got today:

Walgreens: $4.09 - saved $4.45
Albertsons: $4.97 - saved $4.72
Big...

Years added back to my life!!!

(esmeralda) — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 14:52:03 PST

I met an incredibly huge deadline today at work. It was so huge that my stress levels were making me crazy. I was even yelling at the people who have helped me get where I am. Will be sure to apologize tomorrow.

We are going out to dinner tonight to celebrate - no coupons, no...

Stressed out Sunday

(esmeralda) — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 13:56:26 PST

I need to be working today, but I went in to work and found out that the key I have for the front door is not the key to the front door. I am not happy about this. I have a major deadline tomorrow. Thankfully I can work remotely, but its not the same. Will fix that on Monday.

Inspite...

taking advantage of deals that come my way

(esmeralda) — Sat, 21 Jan 2006 14:36:35 PST

Last night's lasagne turned out VERY well. It will not stay in the fridge long, I predict. Good thing as there are two more pans in the freezer.

I started the ham soup in the crock pot this morning. It should be done pretty soon.

I started this day with a massage that has...

Frugal things for Friday

(esmeralda) — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 18:09:04 PST

the things I did today that were frugal are:

-found chicken breasts on sale for 1.99/lb; this was from a conversation with a friend about how I was really biting the bullet this year. She saw the sale in the paper and passed it on. Also picked up their sale flyer to see what else...

What day is it?

(esmeralda) — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 19:08:12 PST

This week is just a blur. Too much going on.

Went to ALB and spent $55.41. Saved $42.45 though I think their prices are over inflated anyway. But according to the price book, I got good deals. Also picked up some misc. at WalMart - $8.82 - used $4.50 in coupons. This is bringing...

Wednesday's savings

(esmeralda) — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 18:29:49 PST

DH and I both had eye exams this evening. They were each $39 with the coupon in the Sunday paper. DH had been to this eye doc before and we knew he's reliable. We saved $30 between the two of us. This is great since I dont have vision insurance through my employer.

From there...

Shopping at lunch

(esmeralda) — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 20:22:29 PST

I went online at lunch and purchased silk long underwear. I have one pair that I've had for over ten years and they still look great. I've been wanting to buy some since before Christmas because my office at work is so cold and I'm having trouble regulating my body temp. It was sort...

Monday errands

(esmeralda) — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 16:34:54 PST

Running around and spending for today:

$16 - lunch at our favorite Italian place. Both DH and I had leftovers that we will eat for dinner.
$35.22 - WalMart - saved $8 in coupons; got groceries and misc; stocked up Borax; got baby items for a friend who is having a baby this summer
$11.18...

a generally quiet Sunday

(esmeralda) — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 16:28:09 PST

flash - How does one join a coupon train? I googled it and found some info, but can you make any recommendations? What to avoid/what to look for sorts of things? Thanks in advance!!

Today was a pretty relaxing day. We got two Sunday papers delivered to us this morning. That...

Yes, dryer lint does pop!!!

(esmeralda) — Sat, 14 Jan 2006 16:48:29 PST

SharylMB, you were right. When I started the fire the other night there was some popping, but I thought it was some pine scraps that I was using for kindling, never thought it was the dryer lint. I started a fire last night, heard the popping and made a note of it. But when I added...

Illin' again

(esmeralda) — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 12:59:51 PST

Day two at home. It feels like the flu with general body aches, but I also have something sinus related going on. I'm rinsing with saline (SinuCleanse that I purchased in bulk at a very reduced price last fall. So glad to have it on hand rather than running around looking for a...

Candle wax and dryer lint

(esmeralda) — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:16:54 PST

These two items make the best fire starters. Yes, feeling a little odd confessing to saving dryer lint here, but its part of a larger movement to create less garbage in our household. The volume of trash that we create appalls me and I'm always looking for ways to reduce that, no...

Payday and a reality check

(esmeralda) — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 16:45:40 PST

Well, today isnt technically payday, but our electronic paystubs are available on-line. So I have sat down with The Spreadsheet and started figuring out where the bulk of it will go. I've budgeted for bills and those are covered. The remaining amount is allocated for the Discover...

Fantastic lunchtime deals

(esmeralda) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 18:03:50 PST

spending today:

Discount, discoutn store: $9.59 (20.29-10.70 store credit
Dollar tree $6.xx

Total: less than $16.00

At lunch I went with a friend to the very discounted store we seem to have luck at. I found two cotton sweat jackets in funky green and the other was pink....

No spending Monday

(esmeralda) — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 16:19:17 PST

I was half heartedly tempted to run some errands after work, but was feeling lazy. Instead, I am making a list and will run all of them this weekend. Since I get paid in Friday, I will be more likely to make my purchases with cash. So far the list is short - one return, a B1G1F at...

Change in spending perceptions

(esmeralda) — Sun, 08 Jan 2006 19:43:25 PST

Spending for today:

My money
Joanne Fabrics: 1.92 (saved 40%) cat fuzzies
Walgreens: 12.88 (saved 7.87 w/ sales and coupons) soap and shampoo to donate to those less fortunate
Target: 8.31 (saved 4.50 in coupons and all items were on sale) laundry detergent
Post Office: 8.10...

Maximizing on deals via the price book.

(esmeralda) — Sat, 07 Jan 2006 22:25:01 PST

Spending today:
Lowe's: -6.17 returned rope from the cat tree project; bought one too many rolls.

We also went to Big Lots where we found Ghiradelli Chocolate chips for $1.99 a bag. And some Italian pasta for .54 a pound. We picked up three, hoping they will be good. I've never...

Resisting temptation

(esmeralda) — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 18:20:54 PST

Today was a no spend day!! Been a while. Of course, I did not leave the house, which contributes greatly when resisting the urge to spend. I find that if I dress in very, very casual clothes in the morning I am less likely to leave the house and therefore more likely to avoid the...