SecretarySaving

Let me just say the Facebook garage sale pages in your area are where its at. At least for my area it is! At first, I started with my neighborhood garage sale page then also posted to the area garage sale page. I have gotten a hit on almost everything I have posted very quickly too!

Items currently pending pick up
$10 Cooler
$10 Supplies (envelopes, labels, colored folders)
$20 Clifford books (6) and stuffed animal
$5 Rug
$3 Picture/Décor
$10 Air freshner

Total would be $58 if everyone shows up!

I put my Kohl's trip after work on hold because right before I was about to leave for the day I went to the ladies room and saw a HUGE rip in the back of my dress. Right where my tush is! No one told me and I'm sure someone saw. How embarrassing! I don't know how it happened the dress wasn't a tight dress. it's fitted then at the waist flares out. In the ladies room, I turned the dress around so the hole was in the front then found adhesive paper that you use to hang a Command hook on the wall and used that to close the gap.

I got home in just enough time to change clothes then go meet a lady to sell my cupcake stand for $5. Then off to return things to the library.

Still waiting on the sale for the camcorder. I have someone picking up a stock pile of Fabreeze air freshner tomorrow. Not counting that until money is in my hand.

These new sales I am making off of Facebook garage sale pages in my area.

My totals for the challenge to date are

4 Wii Games $15
Microsoft License $25
Bag $100
Shelf for $5
Mini fridge for $50
Nike football $5
Cupcake stand $5

Total $205

I have an email for another free $10 at Kohls. Received an email this morning for 15% off. I'm planning to swing by after work today and see what I can find. Last time I was there I saw these nude heels that I wanted but they were out of my size. I take a lot of time in the stores always looking at everything.

I sold the Nike football for $5.


My totals for the challenge to date are

4 Wii Games $15
Microsoft License $25
Bag $100
Shelf for $5
Mini fridge for $50
Nike football $5

Total $200

I have a few things in the works. One lady is thinking about the Nike Jordan's that I have listed for her son and another lady is still determining weather she wants the camcorder or not.

Weird thing, after the older couple left on Saturday, later that night after 10pm the husband started sending me inappropriate text messages saying how I look like I lost weight and was very pretty. I never responded as I don't entertain that behavior. If I was closer to his wife I would of told her. She would be extremely embarrassed and I am appalled that he thought he could talk/text me in that manner. I have the couple on my Facebook page and will continue to keep them there but will distance myself.

Back to the selling challenge. I hope to get more items posted soon. I have a neighbor that is moving and she said that she will text me closer to Friday so that I could have some of her frozen food and other foods that she won't be able to transport.

All it tells you is whether you are good at borrowing money and paying it back. That's it. Here is how it is determined.

-35% of your score is based on your debt history.
-30% is based on your debt level.
-15% is based on the length of time you've been in debt.
-10% is based on new debt.
-10% is based on type of debt.

It does not factor in your income. It does not factor in your debt-to-income ratio. No savings accounts either. The only way to have a good credit score is to go into debt and stay in debt.

That is not how I want to live my life. I choose to not have any credit cards. Nope, not even one! I have an emergency fund.

New car? Yep, saving up cash for that purchase. Buy used! I would rather buy a beater than pay a car loan.

Do I have any debt? I do! My last debt is my mortgage. It hangs over my head.

Thursday I sold a bag for $100
Friday I sold a shelf for $5
Today I sold a mini fridge for $50
Total $155 in 3 days!

I've got a lady coming by later to pick up a football for $5 and another wanting to pick up the camcorder for $25 but I'm not counting that money until it is in my hand!

Majority of these items are from my neighborhood FB garage sale page. I need to post them on Craigslist too but just haven't had time.

Some old neighbors picked up the mini fridge that I had listed for $40 then after they left I looked at the check and it was for $50. Woo hoo! Super sweet couple. They came in and sat down for awhile to visit with us. It was nice!

I've spent today cleaning. Last night, the girls and I went to the movies. I used My Coke Rewards and got two free tickets and two free drinks so I only had to pay for little bit which was $7. Then we had dinner at this awesome restaurant paid $43. Used some of the money I had made from the sales.

My totals for the challenge to date are

4 Wii Games $15
Microsoft License $25
Bag $100
Shelf for $5
Mini fridge for $50

Total $195

Looks like I will be getting back $42.08 from Ebates this quarter. The check will be cut on August 8th. This just goes to show how small amounts can add up!

Summary
06/30/2014 L.L.Bean $0.20
06/17/2014 Hotels.com $6.14
06/17/2014 Hertz $1.12
05/30/2014 Hotels.com $5.82
05/30/2014 Hotels.com $5.49
05/21/2014 Avis 3.88
05/14/2014 Avis $2.46
05/14/2014 Hotels.com $5.82
05/13/2014 Hotels.com $5.33
05/13/2014 Hotels.com $5.82
Total: $42.08

After I walked out and was reviewing my receipt I noticed that 1 of the 3 tpapers that I picked up was different. It has small flower print. That cost me .17 more for the prettiness. Many times given the huge savings that I have I just don't bother going to customer service. Let me just say after taking time off couponing. I'm BAAAAAACK! I love it. It makes me happy. The deodorant are two packs and the shampoo also comes with dry shampoo.

Hershey Rolo (not pictured) ha ha!

I was off yesterday. After taking DD2 to her swim lessons we went to a shopping center that had several stores. I spend some money! I'm very happy with my purchases.

TJ Maxx paid $110.38
Ladies Shoes (Ivanka Trump) $59.99
White top $24.99
Black top $16.99

Famous Footwear paid $62.23
Naturalizer heels $59.99
-$14.99 sale
-$6.67 (portion of $10 off $50 coupon I had)
New price $38.33

Sperry Topsider $44.39
-$3.33 (portion of $10 off $50 coupon I had)
-$22.50 (part of by one pair get the other half price)
New price $19.16

A co worker brought me a muffin to say thank you for covering for her while she's been out of the office. That was a very nice gesture! She wrote on the bag banana nut but with one bite noticed it orange cranberry. I think it was hers! It's good. haha
Free snack!

I received an email this morning with presale pricing for different shows. I selected the Nutcracker! DD1 has no interest in going so it will just be DD2 and I on a little mother/daughter date. I selected the day after Thanksgiving. It will be fun and festive! Price was $19/each ticket.

Update on auto/car insurance. I shopped State Farm, Farmers, Nationwide and with an independent insurance agent. The independent insurance agent was able to get me more coverage at lower prices. Yay!

Old Insurance
Auto $2875.20
Home $1731
Total $4606.20

New Insurance
Auto $2354
Home $1543
Total $3897

Yep! I did it. I've been monitoring this one travel website for some time. The very day that I got our passports in, there was a coupon code expiring at midnight. I completed the order with 6 minutes to spare. The code was going to expire at midnight eastern time and I'm on central.

We are going to Italy on Spring Break 2015! Woo hoo! So exciting! This is a self guided no escort explore at your own pace trip. This is an 8 day trip. Price covers air (Houston-Newark-Milan and return), rental car (economy automatic), 6 nights in a first class hotel and breakfast daily.

The options are endless when driving around Tuscany as to where we will visit. For now, I have Milan, Genoa, Cinque Terre, Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, Florence, Bologna and Parma on the itinerary.

If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know!

I've been stocking up on books about Italy and ofcourse I'm studying the language on my long commute to/from work.

I spent money. All budgeted.

Friday the girls were spending the day with my mother. I knew they'd be home late so I ventured off for some shopping.

Frist stop was my favorite store TJ Maxx. I bought two white ruffle pillows for the living room, biosilk for my hair and yoga pants. Next up Target, I bought a wall clock.

My living room is funny. I have a corner fireplace and a rectangle living room. I'm always rearranging furniture trying to get the best layout. I haven't found it yet. I think I will put the wall clock over the fireplace and the mirror over the couch.

Saturday I took DD2 to the YMCA pool. They have a lot of water playground equipment. I'm very impressed with DD2's swimming. The lessons are paying off. We raced each other and played catch me if you can. It was fun. Today I have a nice tan!

Sunday DD1 was with my sister. As a graduation gift she treated her to getting her make up done at Mac and she got 3 items, she got her a bra and undies from VS and a lot of accessories and headbands from Charming Charlies. They drove out to the Woodlands and she had a photo shoot with two photographers. I am thrilled to see how they turn out. When I met them at IKEA to pick her up she looked beautiful! She was so happy.

DD1 applied for a job with the Peace Corp not sure when she will hear back on that.

Below is what I got at the grocery store. A lot of organic items on sale at Kroger. I paid $78.72. After I got home I noticed that I forgot to get milk, laundry detergent and we need salads for lunch. I've been eating junk again and when I do I feel awful. Items bought were potatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, cauliflower, celery, peaches, bananas, corn, onion, cucumbers, squash and zucinni, organic broccoli, blue berries, guacamole, cheese, organic yogurt, butter, stuffed portebello mushrooms, bread, deordorant, rotisserie chicken, organic spaghetti noodles, organic spaghetti sauce, organic orange juice, v8, organic mac n cheese, moms cereal, gogurts (to freeze), rice, Cheetos and tortilla chips.

I've been looking into saving on my home and auto insurance. The places I have received quotes from are Nationwide, State Farm and Farmers.

The cheapest route would be for me to separate the home and auto to save $31.42/yr.

I kind of want to do it but then thinking about the inconvenience of them being separate I don't like.

Thoughts?

At work they took away my toolbars on my computer. We are no longer allowed to use them. There goes my Swagbucks!

That's okay! Here is my alternative. OVERTIME @ $42.19/hr! This week I will be getting 8.25hrs in overtime on my paycheck.

Getting into the office early pays off. There's hardly anyone here and I can get a lot done. I leave just in time to be in traffic but not bad traffic.

Tonight is yoga! It is much needed. I need to swing by Target and get some more yoga pants. I'm down to 1 pair. I'm hoping we can make it early so I can walk on the treadmill a bit.

Last night we finished the chocolate cake then went for a long walk. I got 13,000 steps on my fit bit. I was a happy camper. DD1 complained the whole time because it was so hot. Every little bit counts. Today, I'm back to drinking my water!

My post timed out and got deleted - here's to another try!

Friday was our usual Girls Night. The girls and I veg out in the living room and watching movies and/or read. I finished 5 magazines then passed them on to my mom when I saw her on Sunday.

Saturday I took DD2 to the neighborhood pool. Those swimming lessons are paying off. She showed me how to swim backwards.

Sunday we celebrated my mothers birthday. I woke up early and made her a chocolate cake with icing and bought some pecan bits for her to sprinkle on her slice.

We met at the movie and I paid for the girls and I $18. My stepdad covered them. Then we had late lunch at this new Tex Mex place. It was so yummy! We will definitely be back! I picked up the tab. $83 for 5 people. Then off to my house for cake and a boardgame. The game is called LifeStories its an oldie but goodie.

I've mentioned Greenling before. It is an online based home delivery service of local and organic groceries. The items arrive on your door step in green bins.

Yesterdays highlight was the HUGE watermelon. It was very heavy! I also got a golden ticket which is good for a free surprise item next time around. I also got my fav cream cheese and pumpkin bread. Yum!

I've never had squash blossoms before. They look like hibiscus flowers. Some peaches were damaged being in the crate with the watermelon but they are ripe and will be eaten soon!

I had to email them about the purslane that had black dots on it. I think its just dirt and should wash off fine. It doesn't look like bugs.

I will be making a menu to see if I can make this last us two weeks. I don't think I'll have a problem. Greenling does include a paper with recipes for the items.

I included some pictures for everyone to see!

The leg quarters were expensive. Let me know if you think this is a good deal for what I paid $94.86.

Order Details
Turkey, Ground, Organic Prairie 1 12.0 Ounce (oz) $8.49
Beef, Ground, Local 0.95 Pound/Package $8.54
Loaf, Pumpkin w/ Vegan Cream Cheese, Sinfull Bakery 1 Loaf $6.89
Chicken, Ground, Local 1 Pound (lb) $7.99
Chicken, Leg Quarters, Local 2.48 Pound/Package $7.99 $19.82
Pork, Sausage, Link-Style, Richardson Farms 1 Pound (lb) $11.99
Cream Cheese, Plain Neufchatel, Full Quiver 1 Each $5.69
Local BoxTM 1 Each $35.99
(watermelon, squash blossoms, egg plant, peaches, grapefruit, squash, potatoes, purslane and a golden ticket).
SUBTOTAL $105.40
COUPON CODE ATXCOOKS
COUPON DISCOUNT $-10.54
TAX $0.00
ORDER TOTAL $94.86

I watched the documentary Craigslist Joe last night on Netflix. It is about a young guy who challenges his self to live off of the kindness of others by using Craigslist.

His goal is go get food, transportation, clothing and shelter for free.

Have you seen it?

I had a small car accident on Tuesday when I left work. I was stopped at a light and a delivery truck slammed into me pushing me forward to hit the car in front of me.

No one was hurt. Thank God! We exchanged info and all vehicles were drivable.

The car that I had hit had no damage. The only visible damage I see on my car is to the front and rear bumper. I think paint is all it needs. But, yesterday a guy flagged me down and said that both of my tail and brake lights are out. OK now the car isn't drivable even though I'm driving it. The top light above the trunk is working when I press on the brake and my turning signals work.

I talked to my mom and she said that she forgot to mention to me on Sunday that she noticed my lights don't work. So - this happened before the accident. Weird because I just got my inspection done and now the engine light comes on sometimes.

I've made an appointment for tomorrow after work to get the estimate on repairs from the accident. I might mention the lights and engine light too see what they say. I can be responsible for payment on those.

Then on Saturday I am dropping my car off at the dealership because of a recall.

Let me just say how I am so glad I don't have a car payment anymore!

My car is a 2007 and has over $127K miles on it.

I was riding the elevator here at work with a stranger and I commented on how she's getting lunch early. This was about 10am. I was going for a walk. Three times around the building. She said that she got it free. Naturally, I listened well.

A new store opened over in the food court. It's like My Fit Foods. When you sign up for a rewards card (keychain thing like cvs/Kroger/etc.) you get a free $10 off any breakfast, lunch or dinner.

I picked Salmon. It will be my lunch for tomorrow.

Everything they had is gluten free, mostly organic and from local farms.

I got an email from CVS right now stating that I am in the top 8% of savers at CVS/Pharmacy.

I can't remember the last time I shopped at CVS but this might be a sign that I need to get back into the coupon game. I know BankerGurl got top 1% that's pretty impressive! It's fun!

Here are the details..
ExtraCare Savings
& Rewards Summary

ExtraBucks® Rewards:
• Quarterly $0.50
• Weekly Ad Items $86.67
• BeautyClub $0.00
• Pharmacy & Health $0.50

ExtraSavings™:
• Sale Price Savings
(from using ExtraCare card) $81.09
• ExtraCare Coupon Center $19.57
• Exclusive Coupons $95.68

Total Savings & Rewards $284.01*


You’re in the top 8% of
savers at CVS/pharmacy®!

I contacted my lawyer last month letting them know that the Attorney General was showing arrears for $17K that my ex owed. Which was incorrect. My ex was completely caught up with his child support thru June. My lawyer said that the mix up was because they didn't get the latest revised agreed order.

I received a letter in the mail from the Attorney General over the weekend showing that now my account is over paid by $3K which is NOT correct.

Yesterday I contacted my lawyer and she said that she will get to it as soon as she can.

My ex asked me the other day if he owed child support for the month of July in which I replied yes not knowing that he got a letter stated that he's over paid.

I really hope that the situation gets fixed pretty fast.

Back to school shopping has begun for me. Over the weekend I bought DD2 two dresses, one jacket and 8 tops for $122. I need to buy her some socks, undies, supplies and one more pair of shoes. Then I am done.

The good thing is she has a new back pack that was bought the last month of school when her straps broke, she already has a lunch box. I already bought her a pair of school shoes over the summer and she will be wearing shorts that she already has.

I normally buy the school supplies on my own using the list from the school but this year I think I'm just going to buy the prepackaged deal. I'll have to look at the mark up on it.

Below is a jacket and top I got from JCP. Take a look at my savings. The jacket sleeves are long so those will have to be cuffed. All in all pretty cute. The rest of the stuff I got from Target.

I have one Vice President that I support that is making me uncomfortable. Every once in awhile he will ask me to grab him a soda.

Tuesday he emailed me saying "Could I trouble you for a Diet DP? Sorry for the high maintenance request." I went and got one for him and placed it on his desk. No thank you.

Yesterday he pulled the same thing. He had a meeting and walked right passed the kitchen then sent me a text.

This Vice President knows that it bothers me because 'once' I told him.

Yesterday after he sent that I was not happy. Over something so petty! It made me feel belittled. Never do I ask him to grab me a soda.

If the President that I support knew of this he would not like it one bit. I wouldn't dare say anything either.

Back to yesterday. I ignored it. He came out of his meeting looking mad. He was walking fast and didn't speak to me the rest of the day. I felt uncomfortable because I sit in front of his office. I really shouldn't care but I'm wondering if I'm going to feel his wrath some way or another.

I sold the Microsoft Office license last night for $25. YAY!

So far ...
4 Wii Games $15
Microsoft License $25
Total $40

Hopefully this weekend I will have more time to post items to sell.

I finally have my first update!

I've been communicating with a neighbor since 6/23 regarding four Wii games that I listed for $15. She responded to the neighborhood Facebook page that she wanted them BUT was a no show or didn't respond back to my messages. Yesterday, she showed up at my door!
I collected $15 and am a happy camper.

Below are items that I have listed. I've only listed these items on the neighborhood Facebook page and Craigslist. I've never posted on EBay before and I don't know how to factor in the shipping.

-Nike Air Jordan's $400
-Imitation Louis Vuitton duffle bag $100
-Microsoft Office Home and Student (1 license)$25
-Office Supplies $10-$15
-Camcorder w/tapes $25
-Nebulizer $25
-Rug $10
-Ottoman $15
-Canopy $25

I've got a few hits on the camcorder but no buy.
A guy is supposed to meet me today to buy the Microsoft Office license. Two people have inquired about the LV bag. One is pretty eager and the other said she is looking for a purse. I have one but haven't listed it yet. I told her I'll send her a pic and price after work. It's on the top shelf in my closet and I have to stand on a chair to get it down.

When I think about what is on the shelf in my closet I have a vaporizer and sewing machine with case that can be sold.

I'd really like to get into sewing but I haven't yet. That machine has been sitting in the closet for four years now. That is something to think about!

Can you believe I listed those Jordan's for $400? Pretty silly, I know but I saw someone EBay that were going for the same. I might lower to $250-$300. I really think I would get a hit for $250 but I'm going to give it some time. I just posted them today.

Tonight I'm going to post books and DVD's.

A neighbor is moving and they posted that they were giving away a FREE desk. The desk is from Wal-Mart and retails for $50. It's black and cute! Again, a neighbor responded that she'd take it then responded back saying her picky child doesn't want it. Shoot, I jumped on it! Picking that baby up today.

I'm not doing a menu this week. I'm out of it. I have no plan. DD1 texted me from work saying that we have yoga tonight and that she put fish in the fridge for dinner. She's such a wonderful kiddo!

Last night when I got home she was asleep. I lit a candle. The kind that makes a crackling sound like a fireplace and laid on the couch to read. I'm reading this really sick book. I got so disgusted I had to put it down and walk to the mail box. As disgusting as it is, I will read it tonight! lol
It's called Secrets in the Cellar.

I want to do some shopping over the next few days.
I'm off work until Tuesday of next week.

I've got the following cards I need to use.

$10 JCP
$10 Alonti
$5 Kroger
$4.10 Crate & Barrel
$.70 Macy's
$37.88 Kirklands

I will try to pair these gift cards with coupons!