Possibly my favorite easy crock-pot recipe came to me from miserlymoms.com. It's great over rice and simmers down nicely for the most tender sandwich meat. It is...the Crock-pot Beer Roast. Not for the faint of heart, it has great flavor, but is pretty, well, rich. If you haven't had a regular relationship with the porcelain gods, you will in short order. It's still worth it.
Recipe:
4 pounds beef roast
1 package onion soup mix
15 oz can tomato sauce
12 oz can beer
Place all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
I used the cheapest beef roast they had at Costco. I use marinara sauce (that I have stocked in bulk) instead of tomato sauce and Downtown Brown Ale for the beer. This particular beer boosts the price a bit, but I love the flavor darker beer adds to the meat.
Courtesy of Annabelle
MT Tips: Have a Candle Night
The best thing that happened to me this year was Earth Hour. Not only were the Vegas skies dimmed enough that I could see stars, I rediscovered my love of candles.Sometimes I think that my life is driven by electricity, that the lights, TV, and the laptop I'm currently typing on, serve only to keep me from a good night's sleep.
That is, of course, a gross oversimplification. I do need my laptop, to run this blog for instance. I'm not really interested in schlepping wood around to cook over open fire (unless by choice, that is). I also have a severely unhealthy addiction to the Food Network and Ninja Warrior. (Do I here a woot for G4tv?)
But sitting in those candles for just a little while, I honestly felt my batteries recharge a bit. I remember on dark and stormy nights, we'd light hurricane lanterns and play board games. What's wrong with starting a new family tradition? During the summer it stays lighter longer anyway.
Not quite up for a candle-powered family game night? What about:
- Hide-and-go seek in your own house. It's amazing how much everything changes when the lights go out.
- A little wine, a little music, a little candles, and the kids at grandma's house.
- A good book, a cup of tea, some candles, and a hot bath.
- A fire pit, marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and sticky hands.
- Lighting some torches outside and having a bbq with friends.
A candle night added to the family routine can add a little romance to your life, can make social gatherings more fun, can help prepare your family for an emergency, and it saves your precious pennies.
And it's just darn cool, too!
Photo courtesy of tammyjq41
My Financial Past Became Literally Painful
In an effort to consolidate and condense for moving, I refiled previous years documents into my current filing system. Excellent for simplification, but also a trip down memory lane that I don't think I was emotionally ready to take. I got to revisit overdraft notices, the letter where MBNA closed my first credit card account due to my mismanagement, the investments I cashed out to maintain a lifestyle and pursue an education I didn't want, the credit card statements and the past due notices.
On top of the stress of preparing for a move, I started to have heart palpitations and some minor chest pains, and feel desperate regret. Since you don't know me that well, allow me to say this is HIGHLY unusual. I thought I'd gotten to the point where I accepted my mistakes.
In fact, I often quote Maya Angelou: "We do the best we can with what we know, and when we know better, we do better."
My debt was largely due to a complete lack of tools to cope with the world around me. I was a "spending care-taker." I spent money to take care of myself, my friends', and my family's wants whenever possible. And I missed the boat on the major things, spending too much on a car, too much on housing, too much on a ridiculous credit card protection program.
After sipping some Sleepytime tea, I realized I've come a long way, and my heartbeat started to normalize. I've created accountability for myself. I haven't missed or been late on a payment in four years. When I get depressed or sad, I take measures that don't cost money (i.e. writing, photography, taking a walk). I care for the people around me by actually being involved in their lives.
My past, even reviewing it, may always hurt, but I'm positive about my future. Now if those boxes would just pack themselves.....
On top of the stress of preparing for a move, I started to have heart palpitations and some minor chest pains, and feel desperate regret. Since you don't know me that well, allow me to say this is HIGHLY unusual. I thought I'd gotten to the point where I accepted my mistakes.
In fact, I often quote Maya Angelou: "We do the best we can with what we know, and when we know better, we do better."
My debt was largely due to a complete lack of tools to cope with the world around me. I was a "spending care-taker." I spent money to take care of myself, my friends', and my family's wants whenever possible. And I missed the boat on the major things, spending too much on a car, too much on housing, too much on a ridiculous credit card protection program.
After sipping some Sleepytime tea, I realized I've come a long way, and my heartbeat started to normalize. I've created accountability for myself. I haven't missed or been late on a payment in four years. When I get depressed or sad, I take measures that don't cost money (i.e. writing, photography, taking a walk). I care for the people around me by actually being involved in their lives.
My past, even reviewing it, may always hurt, but I'm positive about my future. Now if those boxes would just pack themselves.....
MT Tips: Shop Smart, Shop Safe
Even though I just finished sorting through eight years worth of paperwork (oh, how I wish I was joking) I thought I'd take a moment to share my fabulous find.
As previously mentioned, Mr. MT and I have been writing lists to keep us progressing on our move as opposed to hyperventilating and looking at my shelves. One of our lists contains items we will be needing for our new apartment. As we'd been living in a multi-family living arrangement, it turns out we'll be needing more than I thought. In my spare (lol) time, I've been pricing a lot of what we need, and I've been suffering from sticker shock.
For example, we have a water filtration system in our house, something our apartment won't possess. Previously, we had a PUR system, but a web search revealed the filter unit housings like what we had are currently selling for $30, not including the filters!
Even though it's not a lot, the $20 - $30 here and there is starting to add up; I'm really hoping to completely furnish and stock our apartment for under $1000 and all we're starting with is a bed frame. So I went searching through my favorite website.....craigslist. Yep, that's right. I refuse to be deterred by any "craigslist killer"s.
It turned out someone had remodeled their kitchen with a water filtration system and was selling their PUR housings. They had two housings with two filters for each unit. They wanted $25 for one set, $45 for both, but when I e-mailed the individual with my interest, he offered both sets for the $25! (It really does pay to be polite.) After I sell the second housing that we don't need for $10 at our garage sale this weekend, we'll have purchased a housing and four filters for $15. That's over a $100 value!
This is a really great deal, but I took steps to make sure that I made my purchase safely. Here are my rules for a safe online purchase:
1. Put as much in writing as possible. Not only does it show intent and can serve as a written contract in some cases, it also provides a paper trail in case something does happen.
2. Arrange for an exchange in a public place whenever possible. This is really "'nuff said." If the item is small enough for reasonable transport, it is always wiser for you not to go to someone's house, and for random people to be ignorant of where you live.
3. Bring a friend. When I bought my filters, Mr. MT came with me. There is safety in numbers, and while you're not on an elementary school field trip, remember to "stay with your buddy." If for some reason you can't bring someone, make sure someone knows where you're going.
4. Make sure the other party knows you'll be bringing someone. If the shoe were on the other foot and a buyer randomly shows up with people, you might worry you were being held up.
5. Bring only the cash for the transaction with you. It keeps you from spending more via an impromptu re-negotiation, and starts to limit the potential damage if you get held up.
So I scored over $100 worth of gear for $15-$25, and I made it home safe and sound. Now if I could get the boxes to pack themselves.....
As previously mentioned, Mr. MT and I have been writing lists to keep us progressing on our move as opposed to hyperventilating and looking at my shelves. One of our lists contains items we will be needing for our new apartment. As we'd been living in a multi-family living arrangement, it turns out we'll be needing more than I thought. In my spare (lol) time, I've been pricing a lot of what we need, and I've been suffering from sticker shock.
For example, we have a water filtration system in our house, something our apartment won't possess. Previously, we had a PUR system, but a web search revealed the filter unit housings like what we had are currently selling for $30, not including the filters!
Even though it's not a lot, the $20 - $30 here and there is starting to add up; I'm really hoping to completely furnish and stock our apartment for under $1000 and all we're starting with is a bed frame. So I went searching through my favorite website.....craigslist. Yep, that's right. I refuse to be deterred by any "craigslist killer"s.
It turned out someone had remodeled their kitchen with a water filtration system and was selling their PUR housings. They had two housings with two filters for each unit. They wanted $25 for one set, $45 for both, but when I e-mailed the individual with my interest, he offered both sets for the $25! (It really does pay to be polite.) After I sell the second housing that we don't need for $10 at our garage sale this weekend, we'll have purchased a housing and four filters for $15. That's over a $100 value!
This is a really great deal, but I took steps to make sure that I made my purchase safely. Here are my rules for a safe online purchase:
1. Put as much in writing as possible. Not only does it show intent and can serve as a written contract in some cases, it also provides a paper trail in case something does happen.
2. Arrange for an exchange in a public place whenever possible. This is really "'nuff said." If the item is small enough for reasonable transport, it is always wiser for you not to go to someone's house, and for random people to be ignorant of where you live.
3. Bring a friend. When I bought my filters, Mr. MT came with me. There is safety in numbers, and while you're not on an elementary school field trip, remember to "stay with your buddy." If for some reason you can't bring someone, make sure someone knows where you're going.
4. Make sure the other party knows you'll be bringing someone. If the shoe were on the other foot and a buyer randomly shows up with people, you might worry you were being held up.
5. Bring only the cash for the transaction with you. It keeps you from spending more via an impromptu re-negotiation, and starts to limit the potential damage if you get held up.
So I scored over $100 worth of gear for $15-$25, and I made it home safe and sound. Now if I could get the boxes to pack themselves.....
4%, huh?
So I recently received letters regarding a change in policy on three of our credit cards. It wasn't an interest rate adjustment. I'm guessing BofA has figured out that since I only hold balance transfers that doesn't do them much good, so they are increasing the balance transfer fee to 4% as of June 1, 2009.
Shocked? Horrified? You shouldn't be. Banks are doing crazy things to scoot in ahead of the new credit card reform laws. They're raising interest rates, apparently balance transfer fees, and doing anything they can to milk every last half cent from the general population.
From my perspective, the 4% is still better than the 15% rate my cards are at, but I don't know where my next balance transfer offer is coming from.
In other interesting news, my mother was recently told her 9.99% card was becoming a 15% card. When she complained she was actually told that if her rate had been 10.24% it wouldn't have been raised. Seems odd to target the people who qualified for better credit.
Shocked? Horrified? You shouldn't be. Banks are doing crazy things to scoot in ahead of the new credit card reform laws. They're raising interest rates, apparently balance transfer fees, and doing anything they can to milk every last half cent from the general population.
From my perspective, the 4% is still better than the 15% rate my cards are at, but I don't know where my next balance transfer offer is coming from.
In other interesting news, my mother was recently told her 9.99% card was becoming a 15% card. When she complained she was actually told that if her rate had been 10.24% it wouldn't have been raised. Seems odd to target the people who qualified for better credit.
Turning Lemonade into Lemons And Back Again
I apologize for my absenteeism over the past few days, and I know I phoned in the past couple posts, but quite frankly I've been completely overwhelmed. Mr. MT and I took a recent trip to Portland, OR to visit family and friends. While there, Mr. MT went to a job fair, and was immediately offered a position.... full-time.... with benefits.... and the opportunity to go into a supervisory position quickly. Did I mention with benefits? In all honesty, eating has taking a priority to health and dental insurance so Mr. MT and I are both well overdue for a physical and a dental cleaning. So when faced with this good fortune what did I do?
I sat down on the kitchen floor and hyperventilated. I know, I know. Real smooth.
Shortly thereafter I started bawling with the shear panic of everything I have to do. I'm trying to congratulate my hubbin on this wonderful thing, and it's coming out through sobs. We've been hoping for a full-time position for him for so long, and it always takes a special type of bravery to walk up to someone with a resume and ask for a job; I didn't want to rain on his parade, but I was scared.
Was my Mr. MT surprised by this? Of course not. In fact, if I'd checked Mr. MT's facebook page it said "Just got a job. My wife is gonna kill me." I was ecstatic for my husband, but knocked on my butt (literally) by everything we now have to do.
I have an awful tendency to turn lemonade into lemons. I wonder if I have lost the capability to appreciate the good things that happen, possibly because I've been operating under Murphy's law for way too long.
There were so many things to decide that we sat down and made a list of things that needed to be done and decisions that needed to be made. And some of these decisions are hard ones. While it might not seem normal to the rest of the world, Mr. MT and I haven't been apart for more than two nights since we've been married (four years). In order to maximize our income during the transition, and secure decent housing, he's going to move up to PDX and stay with family two weeks prior to FrugalPup and I joining him. I will be going insane.
Leaving Las Vegas will be extraordinarily hard for me. My mother and step-dad live here, as well as my grandmother and cousin. While all of Mr. MT's family lives in Oregon, it will be a bit lonely for me. (While I have great and wonderful friends there, I'm temporarily reserving the right to be a big baby who will miss my family.)
In addition to the emotional side, the gray-skied winters can be a lot to handle. So, added to our new budget is a travel category, as we'll be coming into Vegas quite often. If there was a way for us to spend half our time in Vegas, and half our time in Portland, that would be great, but currently that's not possible. Something to look forward to, right?
We will have to suspend debt repayment until I get part-time work, but Mr. MT's job should cover all of our bills, and we will be utilizing some money set aside for Nevada state bills that we won't have in Oregon for a cushion. My profession has different educational requirements in different states, so I will probably have to incur some initial debt to cover a few classes.
Also, I now get to focus on my blog and some creative business projects. We will need a supplemental income, but I'm hoping to be able to focus on using MT tips to keep our expenses low enough and maybe etsy.
It's time to start squeezing lemons and adding sugar.
I sat down on the kitchen floor and hyperventilated. I know, I know. Real smooth.
Shortly thereafter I started bawling with the shear panic of everything I have to do. I'm trying to congratulate my hubbin on this wonderful thing, and it's coming out through sobs. We've been hoping for a full-time position for him for so long, and it always takes a special type of bravery to walk up to someone with a resume and ask for a job; I didn't want to rain on his parade, but I was scared.
Was my Mr. MT surprised by this? Of course not. In fact, if I'd checked Mr. MT's facebook page it said "Just got a job. My wife is gonna kill me."
I have an awful tendency to turn lemonade into lemons. I wonder if I have lost the capability to appreciate the good things that happen, possibly because I've been operating under Murphy's law for way too long.
There were so many things to decide that we sat down and made a list of things that needed to be done and decisions that needed to be made. And some of these decisions are hard ones. While it might not seem normal to the rest of the world, Mr. MT and I haven't been apart for more than two nights since we've been married (four years). In order to maximize our income during the transition, and secure decent housing, he's going to move up to PDX and stay with family two weeks prior to FrugalPup and I joining him. I will be going insane.
Leaving Las Vegas will be extraordinarily hard for me. My mother and step-dad live here, as well as my grandmother and cousin. While all of Mr. MT's family lives in Oregon, it will be a bit lonely for me. (While I have great and wonderful friends there, I'm temporarily reserving the right to be a big baby who will miss my family.)
In addition to the emotional side, the gray-skied winters can be a lot to handle. So, added to our new budget is a travel category, as we'll be coming into Vegas quite often. If there was a way for us to spend half our time in Vegas, and half our time in Portland, that would be great, but currently that's not possible. Something to look forward to, right?
We will have to suspend debt repayment until I get part-time work, but Mr. MT's job should cover all of our bills, and we will be utilizing some money set aside for Nevada state bills that we won't have in Oregon for a cushion. My profession has different educational requirements in different states, so I will probably have to incur some initial debt to cover a few classes.
Also, I now get to focus on my blog and some creative business projects. We will need a supplemental income, but I'm hoping to be able to focus on using MT tips to keep our expenses low enough and maybe etsy.
It's time to start squeezing lemons and adding sugar.
MacGyver Monday Update: Alternative Fabric Softener
I think unfortunately, my alternative fabric softener journey has ended. While I thought it was going well, the increasing winds have created horrible static in the air, and I think we need to go back to our Seventh Generation Fabric Softener. The dime we were saving each load was not worth hearing the electricity shocks as my poor puppy got up from his blanket. We even changed the concentration to one part conditioner, eight parts water, but we were still having to use too much; I don't even know we were saving the dime.
However, it wasn't a total bust. When I dumped the first run on myself, it really moisturized my skin nicely. I now have a small spray bottle of doubly dilute mix on my bedside table. So far my skin hasn't been burning, and I can even use it to keep the static down in my dog's coat.
I didn't know how everything was going to wind up, but it sure was a fun project.
Next attempt: DIY Dishwashing Detergent
However, it wasn't a total bust. When I dumped the first run on myself, it really moisturized my skin nicely. I now have a small spray bottle of doubly dilute mix on my bedside table. So far my skin hasn't been burning, and I can even use it to keep the static down in my dog's coat.
I didn't know how everything was going to wind up, but it sure was a fun project.
Next attempt: DIY Dishwashing Detergent
MT Recipes: Crepes
So tonight, Mr. Modern Tightwad took over dinner and made, mmmm, crepes.
Recipe: (Makes 4 crepes)
1 cup Flour
1 cup Milk
1 Egg
Mix, cook in a skillet or on a griddle, and serve.
I butter mine, squeeze lemon juice, and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Mr MT likes his with blackberry jam. You can also stuff them with meat and vegetables for a hearty dinner, or chocolate or bananas or strawberries for dessert. It's very flexible, and is a great way to dress up leftovers.
Enjoy!
Recipe: (Makes 4 crepes)
1 cup Flour
1 cup Milk
1 Egg
Mix, cook in a skillet or on a griddle, and serve.
I butter mine, squeeze lemon juice, and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Mr MT likes his with blackberry jam. You can also stuff them with meat and vegetables for a hearty dinner, or chocolate or bananas or strawberries for dessert. It's very flexible, and is a great way to dress up leftovers.
Enjoy!
MT Tips: Diversify Your Shopping
Target killed my Costco. At least it whooped the feminine hygiene section.
I've always been the sort that shops at only one or two stores. Growing up supporting neighborhood markets, I still have the tendency to blind loyalty, something I don't think "big box" stores deserve. I do buy a large percentage of my meats at Costco, and I usually pick up my sanitary napkins there as well. It's 10.99 for a quadruple pack, so I always considered that to be an excellent bargain. Recently, I was running low on napkins and realized, in the middle of raging PMS, do I really want to go to Costco JUST to pick up pads? I think not. So I went to Target. A double pack of Target's brand of my pads was 3.99.
Target was MUCH cheaper. They are also cheaper for latex-free condoms, deodorant, mouthwash, and many other sundries.
Costco is cheaper for meats, cheeses, frozen goods, and carries my husband's favorite pepperoncini's.
The Orowheat outlet near my house is the best bet for baked goods.
The Walmart Neighborhood Shopping Center is consistently less expensive for juice, sour cream, yogurt, and prescriptions.
Vons has the best prices we've found on seasonal fruits and vegetables.
I know these things by searching local ads, and just trying different stores on occasion. I don't keep an actual price book (journal where you track grocery prices), but I am lucky enough to have a good memory when it comes to numbers. I know that paying any more than x amount for chicken is a bad bargain.
It's a little bit more driving, but if you tie these trips into ones you would already be taking, there's little to no increased expenses, and the savings starts to add up.
Also, if you diversify your shopping, you are more likely to try and hunt a great bargain in an ethnic marketplace, leading to a diverse palate. One of our friends shops off the beaten path and always has great meals with international flair. Healthy, tasty, and on budget.
I've always been the sort that shops at only one or two stores. Growing up supporting neighborhood markets, I still have the tendency to blind loyalty, something I don't think "big box" stores deserve. I do buy a large percentage of my meats at Costco, and I usually pick up my sanitary napkins there as well. It's 10.99 for a quadruple pack, so I always considered that to be an excellent bargain. Recently, I was running low on napkins and realized, in the middle of raging PMS, do I really want to go to Costco JUST to pick up pads? I think not. So I went to Target. A double pack of Target's brand of my pads was 3.99.
Target was MUCH cheaper. They are also cheaper for latex-free condoms, deodorant, mouthwash, and many other sundries.
Costco is cheaper for meats, cheeses, frozen goods, and carries my husband's favorite pepperoncini's.
The Orowheat outlet near my house is the best bet for baked goods.
The Walmart Neighborhood Shopping Center is consistently less expensive for juice, sour cream, yogurt, and prescriptions.
Vons has the best prices we've found on seasonal fruits and vegetables.
I know these things by searching local ads, and just trying different stores on occasion. I don't keep an actual price book (journal where you track grocery prices), but I am lucky enough to have a good memory when it comes to numbers. I know that paying any more than x amount for chicken is a bad bargain.
It's a little bit more driving, but if you tie these trips into ones you would already be taking, there's little to no increased expenses, and the savings starts to add up.
Also, if you diversify your shopping, you are more likely to try and hunt a great bargain in an ethnic marketplace, leading to a diverse palate. One of our friends shops off the beaten path and always has great meals with international flair. Healthy, tasty, and on budget.
Toot Your Own Horn #1
Well, folks, I told you it was coming, and now, here it is......... it's time to toot our own horns. No one else is going to do it for us.
While I didn't pay off quite as much as I hoped (I transferred a couple balances to a 0% credit card and that 3% front load kills my spreadsheet.), my personal loan surprised me with news of my balance, and it seems I've actually started denting principal as well as interest!
So a yippee to me as we paid down $1000!
And a HUGE yippee to Abby at I Pick Up Pennies for paying down $30,000 on limited income! The last is just around the corner!
If you would like to be included for next month, e-mail me at moderntightwad at gmail dot com, and we'll all holler together!
While I didn't pay off quite as much as I hoped (I transferred a couple balances to a 0% credit card and that 3% front load kills my spreadsheet.), my personal loan surprised me with news of my balance, and it seems I've actually started denting principal as well as interest!
So a yippee to me as we paid down $1000!
And a HUGE yippee to Abby at I Pick Up Pennies for paying down $30,000 on limited income! The last is just around the corner!
If you would like to be included for next month, e-mail me at moderntightwad at gmail dot com, and we'll all holler together!
MT Recipes: Mmmmm, Tomato Soup
So until this year I'd never had tomato soup. I know, I know, it's a childhood staple, but my mother didn't believe in canned foods, and we'd never tried to make it from scratch. Then I found this recipe at Miserly Moms (submitted by Kevin S.). It is now a household staple.
Tomato Soup
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 Cup Milk
2 Cups Tomato Juice
1 Cup Water
Dash of Season All
I like to use Trader Joe's Veggie Patch Juice. It's a tomato juice base with a veggie blend, lemon juice, and dehydrated green bell peppers, giving it a real kick and great flavor in the soup. (It eliminates the need for any seasoning.)
Tomato Soup
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Flour
1 Cup Milk
2 Cups Tomato Juice
1 Cup Water
Dash of Season All
I like to use Trader Joe's Veggie Patch Juice. It's a tomato juice base with a veggie blend, lemon juice, and dehydrated green bell peppers, giving it a real kick and great flavor in the soup. (It eliminates the need for any seasoning.)
- Melt the butter in a soup pan.
- Add the flour until you have a paste.
- Add the milk.
- Add the tomato juice, water, and seasoning.
- Heat and serve.
MT Tip: Have A Monthly Spending Plan, Or 3!
Abby at I Pick Up Pennies recently made her first b-word. No, not that word! A budget. Well, maybe it is the same b-word. It truly is the "four-letter word" of personal finance, something everyone knows that they need to have, but no one wants to do.
First of all, I don't have a budget; I have a monthly spending plan. Actually, I have three. I know, I know, it sounds like it's just a fancy term for the b-word, but psychologically I think it makes a difference. Budget sounds stubborn and unappealing; monthly spending plan appeals to my goal-oriented nature, and allows for my failings.
Yes, I did say I have three. Three MSPs. No, I'm not crazy and yes, I do have an unhealthy addiction to spreadsheets.
My first MSP is essentially a standard monthly b-word. It contains all of our necessary monthly expenses, a monthly breakdown of our annual expenses, and calculates our necessary annual income.
My second MSP is an emergency b-word. This is important because it's what I use to base our emergency fund on. While many experts claim you need X times your monthly income saved, I say "Phooey, I'm paying down debt! I need X times my monthly emergency expenses saved." My emergency budget is my minimum credit card payments, food budget with zero dining out, putting student loans into hardship deferment, etc. It is a worst case poopstorm. At this point we have two months poopstorm savings, which I'm happy with.
My third MSP is a goal b-word. This is the day I hope to see, where we only need $15,000 in yearly income to live. Having this MSP allows me to keep this future clearly in mind. It is possible by clearing just a few spreadsheet rows.
Over the next few days I will try to figure out how to use Google Docs and post (hopefully downloadable) sample MSPs. The MSPs are copyright free so use them and abuse them, and be b-word free.
First of all, I don't have a budget; I have a monthly spending plan. Actually, I have three. I know, I know, it sounds like it's just a fancy term for the b-word, but psychologically I think it makes a difference. Budget sounds stubborn and unappealing; monthly spending plan appeals to my goal-oriented nature, and allows for my failings.
Yes, I did say I have three. Three MSPs. No, I'm not crazy and yes, I do have an unhealthy addiction to spreadsheets.
My first MSP is essentially a standard monthly b-word. It contains all of our necessary monthly expenses, a monthly breakdown of our annual expenses, and calculates our necessary annual income.
My second MSP is an emergency b-word. This is important because it's what I use to base our emergency fund on. While many experts claim you need X times your monthly income saved, I say "Phooey, I'm paying down debt! I need X times my monthly emergency expenses saved." My emergency budget is my minimum credit card payments, food budget with zero dining out, putting student loans into hardship deferment, etc. It is a worst case poopstorm. At this point we have two months poopstorm savings, which I'm happy with.
My third MSP is a goal b-word. This is the day I hope to see, where we only need $15,000 in yearly income to live. Having this MSP allows me to keep this future clearly in mind. It is possible by clearing just a few spreadsheet rows.
Over the next few days I will try to figure out how to use Google Docs and post (hopefully downloadable) sample MSPs. The MSPs are copyright free so use them and abuse them, and be b-word free.
MT Tips: Put a Bucket By The Shower
Put a What? By the Where?This tip is actually essential since I live in the desert. We're on water rationing throughout the summer and can only water our plants on certain days, during the time when they need it most! Since we're on a drip system (economical and most green) we're not as highly regulated, but we still try to be as water smart as possible. So we look for water that isn't being fully utilized.
For instance, there's a considerable amount of water that goes down the drain that is just wasted. When you're waiting for the water to heat up for your bath or shower, that water serves little purpose; if you fill up your "shower bucket" with warming water, you have a fresh daily supply for your garden (square foot or otherwise).
If you utilize soap that's camping safe, like Dr. Bronner's, you can even re-use your gently used bathwater to water your garden. (Here's where someone says, "Oh my gosh, ewww! That's dirty!" And where I say, "Yes, and you're pouring it on dirt. The problem is?")
Where else can you save water? My mother used to keep a pitcher by the kitchen sink to catch "warming" water for the houseplants. In Marin County, CA my family grew up with the "If it's brown, flush it down; if it's yellow, let it mellow" toilet flushing guidelines. Frankly I'm more comfortable with a composting toilet than I am walking behind someone's mellow.
If you want to you can be creative enough to find solutions that are planet friendly and pocket friendly. And now, I'll know who reads my blog by what I find in the bathroom. :)
Photo Courtesy of Shermeee
Meals by the Month
The only place I find displeasure in my budget is in the food section. Sixteen percent of our monthly expenses goes to food ($300), and that's just what I budget. I know that when I get tired and we eat out it gets, ahem, adjusted. So I'm trying something different starting in April, Monthly Meal Shopping.
In preparation for the start of the month I made a meal plan that covered every night of the week, went to Costco ($96) and ordered groceries online through Vons ($103). I figured the $7 delivery fee is well worth it considering all of the last minute items I "need" when I'm at the store. Several of the items I bought were pantry necessities such as flour, that aren't monthly purchases. At the two week point we have it budgeted to return for a produce run, because to me, frozen fruit is definitely a second choice.
"Cheaping out" is not going to interfere with our palette. Tonight we had beef stroganoff, with leftover beef, homemade cream of mushroom soup, the last of the sour cream, and egg noodles. Total Cost: About $5 for a family of four.
My 26 day (28 minus two nights away) dinner menu is:
Lunch is sandwiches and leftovers.
My goal is to get our food bill down to $200 for groceries and one night out during the month. That is NOT going to happen this month, as we will be visiting friends for two days, thereby eating out at least twice, but I think it's a distinct possibility. I'm sure there will be several evolutions over the next few months, but I'm excited. This might be an extra $100 to throw against debt or towards savings. It also means good home-cooked food for my family and less time spent in the grocery store. Win-win for everyone.
In preparation for the start of the month I made a meal plan that covered every night of the week, went to Costco ($96) and ordered groceries online through Vons ($103). I figured the $7 delivery fee is well worth it considering all of the last minute items I "need" when I'm at the store. Several of the items I bought were pantry necessities such as flour, that aren't monthly purchases. At the two week point we have it budgeted to return for a produce run, because to me, frozen fruit is definitely a second choice.
"Cheaping out" is not going to interfere with our palette. Tonight we had beef stroganoff, with leftover beef, homemade cream of mushroom soup, the last of the sour cream, and egg noodles. Total Cost: About $5 for a family of four.
My 26 day (28 minus two nights away) dinner menu is:
- Beef Stroganoff
- Burritos
- Grilled Cheese & Homemade Tomato Soup
- Enchilada Casserole
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Chicken & Sauteed Mushrooms with Rice Pilaf
- Flatbread Pizza
- Shrimp Scampi
- Antipasto Salad
- Scallops & Pasta
- Crepes
- Nachos (Homemade Tortilla Chips)
- Turkey Chili
- Chili Dogs
- Sushi
- Celery Soup
- Steak Fajitas
- Fiesta Salad
- Linguine with Clams
- Chicken Soup With Dumplings
- BBQ Chicken With Fruit Salad
- Sandwiches
- Alfredo Pasta
- Beef "Beer" Roast
- Tacos
- Tuna Casserole
Lunch is sandwiches and leftovers.
My goal is to get our food bill down to $200 for groceries and one night out during the month. That is NOT going to happen this month, as we will be visiting friends for two days, thereby eating out at least twice, but I think it's a distinct possibility. I'm sure there will be several evolutions over the next few months, but I'm excited. This might be an extra $100 to throw against debt or towards savings. It also means good home-cooked food for my family and less time spent in the grocery store. Win-win for everyone.
Are You Ready For Some Financial Literacy?
So I've been told that April is Financial Literacy Month. What better way to support financial literacy, then by thanking my top 10 referrers this month?
1. Four Pillars - An Investing and Personal Finance Blog: Check out his recent post on Changing Your Opinion. I think it's important to remember that a financial situation is always in flux, and the decision you make today may not be the right one for you tomorrow.
2. Funny About Money - I love this blog! I strongly recommend reading through the links on the left, like The Poison Poppy. Sometimes you have to brainstorm your life into a semblance of order.
3. The Simple Dollar - As one of the largest personal finance blogs on the Internet, I must say I was quite honored that several people liked my comments enough to visit my little blog. Thank you and come again!
4. M is for Money - Miss M currently has an excellent series for anyone taking their first steps into home buying. She has a crisp, informative writing style, and always leave her blog feeling like I've gained something.
5. FruGal - FruGal is a personal finance writer across the pond who is navigating life with her FruGuy and always has a great take. For instance, how's the recession affecting your sex life?
6. Frugal Chick - Frugal chick is a frugal hacker who always has the greatest finds. Check out her meal plans if you're looking for tasty cost cutting meals.
7. Blogging Away Debt - Congrats to this blogger who recently hit the best debt reduction goal: savings>debt. Cheers!
8. Greenhab: The Browns Go Green - While this isn't a personal finance blog, the Browns have excellent money saving green tips and a skeptical eye for "greenwashed" products.
9. Moneyning - David at Moneyning was kind enough to include my blog in a carnival he hosted. Moneyning is a shotgun blast of everything money, from personal finance to investing, to frugal tips.
10. I Pick Up Pennies - I have to say Abby at I Pick Up Pennies is starting to feel like a partner in crime. Everytime I go to comment on a blog lately, I find myself saying something to the effect of: "What she said." Her blog really focuses on a niche that is ignored: Fixed income with health concerns. A lot of people think that pennies aren't worth their time, but I guarantee I Pick Up Pennies is.
I have a lot to be grateful for. While this is really only my first month of active blogging, Modern Tightwad has seen almost 400 visitors from 18 different countries. I'm thankful for the comments, the encouragement, and I hope to continue this for many months to come.
1. Four Pillars - An Investing and Personal Finance Blog: Check out his recent post on Changing Your Opinion. I think it's important to remember that a financial situation is always in flux, and the decision you make today may not be the right one for you tomorrow.
2. Funny About Money - I love this blog! I strongly recommend reading through the links on the left, like The Poison Poppy. Sometimes you have to brainstorm your life into a semblance of order.
3. The Simple Dollar - As one of the largest personal finance blogs on the Internet, I must say I was quite honored that several people liked my comments enough to visit my little blog. Thank you and come again!
4. M is for Money - Miss M currently has an excellent series for anyone taking their first steps into home buying. She has a crisp, informative writing style, and always leave her blog feeling like I've gained something.
5. FruGal - FruGal is a personal finance writer across the pond who is navigating life with her FruGuy and always has a great take. For instance, how's the recession affecting your sex life?
6. Frugal Chick - Frugal chick is a frugal hacker who always has the greatest finds. Check out her meal plans if you're looking for tasty cost cutting meals.
7. Blogging Away Debt - Congrats to this blogger who recently hit the best debt reduction goal: savings>debt. Cheers!
8. Greenhab: The Browns Go Green - While this isn't a personal finance blog, the Browns have excellent money saving green tips and a skeptical eye for "greenwashed" products.
9. Moneyning - David at Moneyning was kind enough to include my blog in a carnival he hosted. Moneyning is a shotgun blast of everything money, from personal finance to investing, to frugal tips.
10. I Pick Up Pennies - I have to say Abby at I Pick Up Pennies is starting to feel like a partner in crime. Everytime I go to comment on a blog lately, I find myself saying something to the effect of: "What she said." Her blog really focuses on a niche that is ignored: Fixed income with health concerns. A lot of people think that pennies aren't worth their time, but I guarantee I Pick Up Pennies is.
I have a lot to be grateful for. While this is really only my first month of active blogging, Modern Tightwad has seen almost 400 visitors from 18 different countries. I'm thankful for the comments, the encouragement, and I hope to continue this for many months to come.
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