That's hard DMC.  Any chance someone in your family might throw in some cash for new ones for Christmas??

I did better than I planned today!  I skipped the mall, went to Target instead and bought the kids costumes there.  There were even cheaper than the ones I had found previously.  Did really good with my boo treats, even putting things back after I thought I was done.  Bought milk and such too.  So spent money but not as much as I thought I would and am proud of myself!

SO, keeping my feet firmly planted too!  Hang in there DMC.

Good job skipping the * YIKES * Mall!!!  Target has some really cute costumes this year.

Jenn, one good thing... tonight I was trying think how I could eeek out some money for new boots for DD, then when I picked her up, she was wearing her flats, (she put some in her backpack this am), and I asked her how come and she complained the boots made her feet way too hot.  Now I don't feel so bad!

We can wait.  I have to learn to wait for her to ask instead of me feeling guilty and thinking she wants something!   What if I would have run off to payless or someplace and bought her a pair?  Poof, in the closet never to be worn again probably!

Yay, no boots this weekend.  Maybe for xmas like you suggested Jenn.

DMC, isn't still too hot for boots? I only bought dd boots cus they are on my list of needs for her and I got $50 in money from the kids consignment store. outgrew last years.  ds needs rain boots but not getting any unless I find a great deal at value village or something.  got him winter boots in great condition from value village.

Well I have been spending up a storm in the last few days!  a few wants in there   but more stocking up and dh birthday.  Went to a different locale of stores and stopped at addition elle...almost $100 later..got nightgowns and a shirt. plus a $50 gift card that I can use in nov/dec spend $100 min you can use the card.  got deals at addition elle. fiqure I can go shopping with dh and he can get xmas gifts there for me lol.

was suppose to be shopping for dh birthday!  then to marks workwear house to find the items dh wanted.  $128 later.  he is such a common pants size that it is always out.   got the blk pants and shoes he wanted plus 2 shirts from the clearance racks..same shirts.. wrinkle resistatnt, stain resistant dressy shirts that are $40 in a different part of the store were $14.99 on the rack. hopefully they fit cus I don't like clothes shopping for guys.

dh wants cotton twill shirts with 2 pockets on the front. not plaid or flannel  hard to find!  the store had some but stonewashed look we already went though in the 80's! not!   I had purchased $400 worth from a wholesaler before I left work to have dd in 02  worked in promo ad business and gave him shirts as gifts for years.  great shirts but gone!

spent $94 at safeway last night and other $25 at one pet smart and today I was near a different one and realized they must have more millet. they did so got 2 big bags for the birds and a toy for the parrot $33 out there.  stopped at michaels for clearance stickies for kids crafts $5.

plus ds and I stopped at the food court for california rolls and a strawberry julius.   so I think I have spent enough money lately!!!  only thing besides milk and bread in a few days is a stop for parrot seed and science diet for the cats.

dh is the last family birthday I have to buy for until our students. have dd gifts and aunties gift from the kids so dh can buy his sister a gift card or something.

It is a little warm but its cold in the mornings these days.

Martha, sounds like yoiu got some good deals!  No spend tomorrow!  he he

Wednesday was a semi no spend day.  I went and had my hair cut.  But I only pay $10 for a cut so it wasn't too bad.  That was the only money I spent on Wednesday.  Today should be a no spend day.  I need to clean the house and do a couple loads of laundry.  All meals will be from home today.  I already know that Friday will not be a no spend day.  I have to go pick up DS#1 from school for fall break. 

Shellia

I bought milk yesterday but that was it - and DH didn't go out to watch the games as planned so he didn't spend either.    Although I know he is going Friday.  Today will be a spend day - we already planned to go out to supper after we all go to DD's dance class.   I have a $5 off $25 coupon and am hoping to keep it to about $40 - depends on what DH has to drink as I won't.   I also need to go to Stop & Shop for a few loss leader items and use my 4 dollar doubler coupons.

Tomorrow should be a no spend except I have to pay for DD's Daisy vest when I pick her up from her meeting after school. (oh and except for DH but I can only control my own spending). 

My goal is to not transfer any money for the regular bills this month.  Hopefully the tag sale I have on Saturday will put some cash in my pocket for incidentals and that will help.

Oh and DMC I generally do ask for practical things for the kids - or the special things that I know we just can't afford.   Their grandparents usually love having ideas and love getting them something that they know the kids really need/want.

ArielDawn:

Oh and DMC I generally do ask for practical things for the kids - or the special things that I know we just can't afford.   Their grandparents usually love having ideas and love getting them something that they know the kids really need/want.

This is true for me, too.  I often email everyone (bio-dad & his wife; grandma & aunt; grandma and pop-pop) and let them know what Madelynn needs.  Normally her needs are for clothes or $$ for an extracurricular activity that will benefit her.  I also send a special message to each person about a gift she would really like to have, keeping in mind what I know they would be willing or able to spend.  I don't expect anything, but I like to show my due diligence by keeping everyone informed.  Generally the grandparents & the aunt bring or send something.  And everyone makes sure she gets something she needs AND something she wants.

Good morning,

Another no spend day here, but I will post at end of day when I am sure!  ;-)

You gals are so fortunate to have family.  My family lives in another state and I am not close enough to any of them to ask for anything, there are never any gifts.  Her Daddy is so broke as his her only other nearby granda, his mom.  Ugh.  Its all me!  I can do this.  I jus have to be really careful.

I had insomnia really bad last night and I started plugging my numbers into www.quickenonline.com  Its FREE.  I found it thru stretcher blog.  Anyway, it doesn't look good, I am always over budget and not enough income.  If I lose the pittance that her daddy gives, I will really feel it. I never wanted to need it, but suddenly I do.

I am still saving to pay off bills so as I get enough I will plunk down on debt.  I really need it for dailly living though. Its a vicious cycle over here!

;-)  sorry to start the day off on such a negative note! d 

DMC, its hard to do both I know!    I can ask for some things for kids but most things they get are toys from relatives.  My mom will get clothes or something like a bike if it is from a thrift store which I don't mind. No one has lots of money.  

nope no plans to spend lots money!  have to pay for physio $45 and get a ham on sale from iga.   We have plans to go to the aquarium this weekend have a family year long membership. so just a little money out for parking and food I am sure.   We plan to go with friends so may or maynot happen.

Yesterday was a no spend day, today we will continue that trend. 

I've been battling a cold for a while now.  Since I know I'm not up to par, I made a soup yesterday for tomorrow.  All that I have to do is to heat it up.  I might make some cheese quesadillas to go with it or garlic bread with apple slices.

It's a difficult tightrope to walk today's bills and daily living expenses or try to put some away for tomorrow.  Hopefully each day will help make that breathing a little easier.

DMC, I'm with you.  We're still walking the tightrope daily.  Hang in there with me!