Got a few bits of extra income -- $18 from a class action settlement, $10 from Opinion Outpost, $3 from Pinecone, $3 from half.com.

Way more money went out. $144 for gifts, $9 for stamps, $49 for groceries, $6 to see a movie ("Hugo"), $5 for a prescription, $1 in the Salvation Army kettle. Still, not bad, considering the season. Some of my gifts I got at the grocery store (wine, cocoa, toys, chocolate). I spent $115 there altogether and saved $28 using coupons and store discounts. I also used a $15 voucher from Coinstar and received a $25 gift card for switching a prescription. My other gifts I got at Carson Pirie Scott, using a $10 off coupon for one purchase and a 20% off coupon for another.

I'm almost done with Christmas shopping but not feeling very satisfied. I feel anxious both for spending money AND worrying that my gifts are too cheap. I should choose one worry or the other! I have kept up with the wrapping, so I'm feeling pretty good on that score.

Oh, and I went to Goodwill and bought nothing! I had three little items to buy, but the lines were long and I decided I didn't really need anything in my basket. That may have been a first!