CB in the City

Well, I got through yesterday without spending a penny. And got some nice freebies, too. I (and three others from my office) provided training to some new people in a satellite office about 2 1/2 hours away. The place where I was training gave us a very nice sit-down lunch and then gave each of us trainers an golf umbrella. The best part is I actually needed an umbrella!

I didn't even have to take my car out of the garage, because my co-workers picked me up, and the company provided the car.

Of course, I worked hard. It was a long day -- 12 hours. But the people we were training were so nice, and interested and eager to learn. Altogether a very good day!

It was a good start to my personal challenge to spend as little as possible this month.

Today I had to go to Wal-Mart to get cat food and kitty litter, which are necessities -- I can't reason with the cats! I also picked up some milk. $15.34 altogether.

I did NOT pick up detergent, which I would have done in normal circumstances, because I am very low. But I did three loads -- my whole week's worth of laundry -- with much less than the usual amount of detergent. I gave each load a nice long soak before starting the cycle. They came out looking as clean and fresh as usual. I think I've learned something!

I also cooked and de-boned a whole chicken and made a batch of muffins, I'm preparing for the long month ahead.

I am hoping to get a reimbursement from my medical flexible spending fund any time now. It's only 30-some dollars, but it will give me a little boost. Till then I will scrimp, scrimp, scrimp.

Meanwhile I'm having a fun day, reading "Death Dance" by Linda Fairstein (from the library). Reading library books is the greatest free entertainment ever! So glad I have a good library close by.

Okay, I messed up. I spent too much last month vacationing with my kids -- and bought a digital camera to boot. I paid it all off this month, but now I have almost nothing to live on until I get paid again at the end of the month. So dumb.

So this is my challenge right now -- get by till the end of the month without whipping that old credit card out again. To be honest I don't know if I can do it, but I'm going to try. I'm tired of that credit card merry-go-round and I want to get off!

Tomorrow I have to go out of town for an all-day training session. The transportation is paid for by my company, and I expect a free lunch also. So it should be a pretty frugal day. I'll keep you posted. One day at a time!

Hello! I love your forum and I want to play, too! May I join you?

I'm single and in my late fifties. My goal is to retire in about a year and join my cousin in the Carolina's, where we will share a house and expenses.

BUT before I can do that, I have to build up my retirement savings more, pay down my debt more, and fix up my house to sell. All on a very slim income, and this month I am particularly cash-poor. Okay, I'm always cash-poor. I've been on the frugal bandwagon for about ten years, but I haven't really gotten ahead, so I need to seriously re-evaluate my habits.

Anyway, I thought that talking to (and listening to) you guys might help me on my way.