that wasn't necessary like food and stuff. And if you think that's not hard ~sigh~ then you don't know me! I went to Fred Meyer today to get hubby some Carhartt stuff for work and the clearance tables throughout the store were Clarence (my boyfriend lol) plus 40% off the lowest marked price.

I just kept right on walking..although I was walking pretty slowwwwlllly and glancing ever so slightly at the tables but ...I did not stop.

I have only bought what's on my list and only what is needed. It's hard!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

Good for you Annarose!
I happen to be one of those people that hate to leave a store without a bag in my hand too. But with less income coming in, I have made it a personal challenge to see how much I can do without. And it is working out pretty well.
Right now I am working on how much I can recycle or barter for to get the garden going this year.
I can be very resourceful when I need to be.

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Good job...but may I remind you that it's only March 8th? But so far, so good!

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Craigslist and Freecycle can be good places to find stuff to get the garden going.

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Good job! It is very difficult! I've been wanting to go shopping all weekend and I haven't. I even have a Kohls 30% off card and I haven't gone over there. It's tempting though! I've been cutting back too. The only store I've been to lately is the grocery store. ~Lisa

We've been cutting way back on our spending the past few months as well. We used to spend an additional 2000-3000 a month (above and beyond all monthly bills). We would buy groceries, clothes, go out to eat (to the tune of 500-600 a month!), entertainment, etc.

Now we've rearranged the finances and are following a written budget--with only spending 600/month for groceries and 200/month on gas and 100/month in restaurants, I've found we are putting 3000-3500 a month into our savings account. It is amazing where you can find money when it is all spent on paper the month before it is deposited! I must say that although I love my designer purses and eating out, I love watching my savings account grow (and my waistline shrink!) even more, especially in this economy! Why didn't we do this sooner?!

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I've had a Foreman Grill for about six years. I've done about 85% of my cooking on it, but I've never burnt myself. Probably because I don't use it as a pillow.

We are cutting back too.
I am saving $30 a month, wish it could be $3,000!
DH is job hunting.

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Square dancing is friendship set to music!

Other than food...I haven't spent a penny on me. I have never been very good at buying stuff for myself. Actually...I guess I did kind of spend money on me last night. Hubby and I went to a local inn for a night by ourselves, no phone, no kids...it was great. But, we actually used a gift certificate, so technically....I didn't spend anything on myself. That will all change when warm weather gets here (if is ever does). Once yard sales start up again, then I will spend money on myself, getting some much needed new clothes (new to me anyways). Right now, we are busy trying to pay down our credit card that we had to use while going to Florida to plan my brothers funeral. I hate using credit cards...

I've stopped shopping too. Besides saving money, I am committed to banishing clutter. I used to buy stuff just because it was cheap. I would buy seasonal things and save them for a year. I would buy things on sale to give as gifts. No more! It feels good to save money and get rid of clutter.

Is my Clarence seeing you behing my back I love sales, bet these where the longest 7 days of your life. I hate when I walk by those sale tables and the stuff starts calling me by name! I am doing the same, not spending. I think it is a sign of the times.

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Sometimes the elevator often the shaft

I wanted a new purse so bad - I was pricing some in stores and online... and I just thought, "Hey, I can use my old Dooney that I have not used for 2 years and it will be new again!"

It was a huge realization for me. Also, I have been selling stuff on craigslist because I really do want some new things from Stampin Up and I want to use the proceeds of my craigslist stuff for that.

Clarence is MINE girls...hands off! ~Lisa

I overheard something on the news last night about how quickly and successfully American people are in pulling up and tightening the belt. I haven't been able to figure out whether that's a good thing or a bad thing. Its good that people know how to be conservative but it likely contributes to the downturn in a very negative way.

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Wait wait Ladies I have been married to clarence for years so many years and also its my middle and confirmation name as well.. lol.. I could never ever shop anyway else too funny.. Peace. catherine

Okay once and for all Clarence is very loving and there is a lot of him to go around. Ladies, ladies, we can share him! He has lots of energy and stamina and he's been known to travel around the country in a matter of minutes. There is no need to argue over Clarence he is dedicated to EVERY one of us!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

annadrose I agree there is plenty of him to go around and share, we all can share him lol... Peace. catherine

After reading your post the only thing that comes to mind is VIVA VIAGRA sorry it has been that kind of day

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Sometimes the elevator often the shaft

Viva paper towels and viagra are on clearance?!

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Thank you, I love a good laugh!

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Another week down - how's the non-spending going, Annadrose? Still keeping at it??

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

With the $$$ I have saved I am going to see my Mom. I am leaving this morning talk to you later! It will take me about 10-12 hours I drive like a little old lady and I am in no hurry. I like to be careful and get out and stretch my legs, sit down to eat, use a real bathroom, etc. Talk to you from the City by the Bay tomorrow!

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.