Okay you eBay veterans out there. I have a question. Now that I have listed my items, how will the fees that eBay charges be exacted? I have a PayPal account. Do I need to transfer money into it for the fees, or will the withdrawal be automatic?

I know I'm way behind most of you, but I am just learning to sell on eBay. Yesterday my sister brought over 5 items (at my urging) and we sat down and figured out how to put them up for sale. They are all in the $30+ range. So far no bids. I don't think they're overpriced -- all are very nice items, but perhaps I haven't made them stand out? We'll see how it goes. It's a learning curve.

I figured out my April spending totals:

Vet/Pet Supplies: $334
Groceries: $191
Medical/Health: $175
Eating Out: $133
Entertainment: $48
Cell phone: $45
Gas: $33
Household Supplies: $21
Gifts: $15

The big vet bill was my dog's annual, treatment for worms, and various medications for both him and my cat. This month, their care was more expensive than mine!

The other day I was making chili and I opened two cans of Hunt's diced tomatoes. One opened normally, but one opened with a loud POP! and there was about an inch of airspace at the top of the can. I was working fast, and I threw it in the chili without thinking -- until later. I started wondering if it was safe and if I should throw out the chili (which I certainly didn't want to do!)

So I called Hunt's customer service number and got a very nice lady. She asked for the codes on the can and then told me that if the product looked and smelled fresh and the can was undamaged, it was safe -- that the "canned air" wouldn't be harmful. Then she said she would be sending me a coupon. It came on Saturday -- any Hunt's product free. That was a nice bonus, as I wasn't looking for compensation, just information.

Anyway, we ate the chili and nobody died!

My cousin has arrived back in North Carolina after spending the winter in Florida. She brought along her longtime friend, who will be here for 1-2 weeks. Between the two of them there are three more dogs added to the household, so things are a bit hectic.

When my cousin is here, she takes over the food expenses, so that takes that financial burden off me. When she's here, the refrigerator is full to bursting, and there is always talk of what the next meal is. So different from the way I live -- I try to use everything up, and I don't worry about what to eat next because I always know I can make something. So it's an adjustment. When she's here I have to work harder to try to control the waste because there is so much more food.

I may be driving her friend back to Indiana next week. Her plan was to get a plane ticket, but the prices are so high. Then she investigated renting a car, which is still high. My cousin suggested that I might drive her -- she would pay for the gas, and I would get to spend some time with my son and old friend. So I will probably do it.

Yesterday I set up a spreadsheet to record income streams -- of which I have very few right now. My categories are pension, surveys, consignment clothing, antiques booth, Amazon, writing, garage sales, credit card rebates, EBay, Craigslist, found money, and gifts. In most of these categories I am bringing in nothing, but I will try to change that. I may add it to my author info. All I have to record this month is my pension, $20 in surveys, a gift of $70 and a penny found in a parking lot.

My son, daughter-in-law, grandson and my DIL's mother just left after a 3-day visit here. We had a great time, but now I'm feeling that sad letdown. I'm also recapping what I spent, which has made some damage to my goals.

I spent $85 on groceries in preparation for their visit, $20 for admission to a children's hands-on activity center, $107 on eating out, $28 for admission to a park, and $9 for bath toys. Also, while they were here I came down with an upper respiratory infection and paid $27 for prescriptions. Don't know yet what the Urgent Care Center will bill me.

So I'm reeling a bit. The charges went on my credit card, and I'll have to pay if off from my dental fund -- or from the tax rebate, if it comes in time.

But such is life. I wouldn't trade a weekend with my family for anything, and I sure wanted them to have a good time here. My teeth can wait a little.

Just got another $5 for Pinecone, so that's $5 more for the dental fund!

I have adjusted my dental fund figures -- this morning I paid $80 for a cleaning, so I took $80 off both the goal and the amount funded. I also added $35 to the goal, because I found out this morning that my next scheduled cleaning will include an exam, also.

The good news is that my gums are "much improved."

Next on the docket is a filling on May 19, which will cost $175.

I also went to the doctor this morning for a blood pressure re-check. It is better, but still not good enough. My doctor gave me three more months to bring it down before putting me on medication. She said if I lose just 10 pounds, it will make a difference, so I'm going to try.

My dog finally took the de-wormer when I mixed it up with his dinner. Here's hoping those worms will soon be history.

My dog's visit to the vet yesterday cost $279. That included sedation, shots, nail trim, fecal exam, a six-month supply of Heartgard, and a de-wormer, which I brought home to give him today. He won't take it. It is in liquid form and I spread it on bread, but he still won't take it. He doesn't seem to have any appetite. Tonight I'll mix it with his food, and if he still won't take it, I'll have to go get it in pill form, which they say is expensive.

I hope his appetite comes back. He is usually listless after sedation, but it seems to be lasting longer than usual.

I got another Pinecone payment, so I added $5 to my dental fund.

Yesterday I had the carpet cleaned (not out of my budget, my cousin supplied the $). But I had to get out of the house with the dog while it was being done. Since I needed gas, I decided we would take a ride into South Carolina, where gas is cheaper.

I forgot how when you get off the main roads in the mountains, you don't find any gas stations! I drove around quite a while after crossing the border. Finally I found a little convenience store/station/cafe. The gas wasn't the bargain I was looking for. Only .04 cheaper a gallon than it was in North Carolina. It was $33 to fill up the tank, $3.25 a gallon.

Still, I had a lovely ride. The dogwoods and redbuds are starting to bloom. They are my favorite trees, and I saw so many pretty scenes, with that beautiful blue ribbon that is the Blue Ridge Mountains always on the horizon.

When I got back into town, I stopped at Ingles for groceries ($46) and Pet Source for Frontline & kitty litter ($53) and the natural food co-op for CoQ10 ($36). I also stopped at Cracker Barrel for brunch ($9).

When I got home, the carpet was still pretty wet. It's drier today, so this afternoon I'll start putting the furniture back.

My dog is at the vet for his annual, so more spending is on the way.

Yesterday I got my refund from State Farm, which was $516. I have added it to my dental fund.

When I get my $600 from GWB in May, that's where it's going, too. I may get my crowns sooner than I thought!

Even though Fridays are now just like any other day to me, I still get a thrill when I realize it's Friday!

Yesterday I received $5 from Pinecone and $10 from Jeffrey for my "road trip" entry -- thank you! So I added the $15 to my dental fund.

So far this month I've had 7 no-spend days! Most of those days I have not even used gas. Soon I will have to venture out and get more groceries, however. But not today. I'm going to make it another NSD.

My writing is going well. I start out writing by hand in a notebook and the next day I enter it in the computer, revising as I go. It's amazing how many changes I make. This will be a slow process, but I am determined to end up with a book.

I've also been watching my diet, and I've lost two pounds so far. This is NOT an extreme diet I'm on, so I am happy with any results. I am mostly trying to eat more beneficial foods and cut back on the (delicious) junk.

Next week will be a flurry of activity -- carpet cleaning, vet visit, doctor visit, dentist visit, company coming.... Much different than this week, which has been calm and quiet.

Quick question -- does anyone here use Cashcrate or ECN Research? I've heard Cashcrate recommended, and ECN Research keeps sending me email, but I don't know, it looks kind of scammy. Any experience out there?

1. I wish I had known how financially tough it was going to be. I would have had some savings that were mine alone. And I wouldn’t have quit my job!

2. I wish I had known how to outfit myself at garage sales, resale shops and Goodwill. I wasted a lot of money shortly after my divorce before I learned a better way to shop.

3. I wish I had known that buying new clothes and spending a lot of money on haircuts, hair coloring, exercise classes, makeup and contact lenses were NOT going to find me a new husband.

4. I wish I had known my boys were going to turn out fine. I wouldn’t have tried so hard to “make it up to them” with toys and expensive trips to amusement parks.

5. I wish I had known there were so many others like me. I could have talked to them and perhaps shared resources.

6. I wish I had known that marriage counseling was not going to work.

7. I wish I had known that after I moved to a new house with my husband, he would break his promise to stay with me. I would have been so much better off in the original house.

8. I wish I had known that going back to school when I was so stressed and crazy was a dumb idea. I wasted a year’s worth of tuition on classes that got me nowhere.

9. I wish I had known that I was really all right and my husband was screwed up. I wouldn’t have wasted all that money on counseling.

10. I wish I had known that my happiest years were ahead of me. I would have saved a lot of money I wasted on comfort food and indulgences that really didn’t comfort me at all!

Some of these are not really financial, but these are the things I truly wish I had known. Of course, divorce is such a crazy time, no one gets through it unscathed. I am just so grateful that I am happy now!

Not much of a financial nature to report. Yesterday I did just a bit of shopping. Needed to buy fiber tablets, and I had two coupons for FiberChoice, one for $3 off and one for $2 off. So I bought two of the lowest count bottles at Wal-Mart. Still, they were $17 and I wonder if I would have been better off with a generic product.

Then I went Ingles just to buy a few specials. I got fat-free Jell-O pudding -- a favorite when I am trying to watch it (I won't say I'm dieting)! I had a 50c coupon and they doubled it. They aso had pineapple and asparagus on sale so I got those. I'm really trying to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, but they are expensive, so it rubs against my frugal grain.

I got a $5 payment from Pinecone. As soon as Paypal sends it to my bank, I'll transfer it into my dental fund.

I had a really short night's sleep last, because I was so darn excited.

What about? I am writing again! It was my plan to write when I retired, but somehow I just couldn't do it, and I was beginning to feel like I didn't have it in me. But yesterday, I sat down with a pen and notebook, and it just seemed to pour out of me. At this point I don't care if it's any good -- I'm just so glad to be writing again! My plan is that this will eventually be a novel. Hint: it's money-related!

I'm also excited because Son #2 called to say that he, his wife, his son, and his mother-in-law are all coming for a visit! This will be his first time here -- my other son has been here twice, but he is less encumbered.

I'm happy that his MIL is coming along, because I like her very much and enjoy her company. And of course, I can't see my grandson too much!

I also lost 2 pounds! I am not really dieting. In fact, all I am doing is writing down my weight every day and writing down what I eat. Just doing that is making me more mindful, and I am not feeling deprived.

So these are all good things!

The bad thing -- I got a lower payment from my pension this month. Since it is partially tied to the stock market, I was expecting this to happen -- well, actually sooner than now. Conversely, my fund is $2500 higher than it was last month, so it is actually starting to recover.

Just added $30 to my dental savings fund. It was left over after paying March's bills.

I grocery shopped today, spending $40. My savings -- a combination of specials and coupons -- was $25.50. I'm doing better, but I still feel I am buying things I might not otherwise buy because I have a coupon.

I had my colonoscopy yesterday. I would advise anyone having this procedure to stock adult diapers and bedpads! That's all I have to say about the prep. My results were good -- nothing to biopsy.

Afterwards I was starving, so my sister and I went out to breakfast, and I treated, since she got up at six to be my chauffeur. That was about $16. I was dragged out tired the rest of the day -- feel better today but still tired.

I've been getting letters from my former insurance agent asking about my change of address. The first time I didn't answer -- since I stayed with the same company I figured the right information would trickle back. I got another letter today, so as a courtesy I called them. Turns out they were never informed I sold my house and my former bank has been making insurance payments. I guess they have been paying it out of escrow. I thought that was all settled at closing. Ugh. I faxed the insurance company a copy of my settlement statement, so I should be getting a refund. That's good, but I wish it had been handled properly in the first place. I sure do appreciate the insurance company following up, or I would never have realized!

Spending in March was high, but a lot of it I was able to do because of my federal tax refund. Here's how my spending broke down:

Medical/Health: $647

That included a periodontal treatment and co-payment for a mammogram and bone density test.

Vacation/Travel: $131

Basically the costs for my trip back from Florida. Pretty cheap, considering.

Eating Out: $94

Treated others on two occasions.

Groceries: $90

Only half a month's groceries, as I was in Florida for the first half of the month.

Clothing: $88

Two pairs of shoes from DSW, and two tops from Goodwill.

Phone: $45

Gas: $27

Gifts: $24

Just some token gifts for the people who looked in on my cat while I was gone.

Personal: $15 (haircut)

Miscellaneous: $15 (stamps, photo development)

Entertainment: $12

Household supplies: $6

Fees/Services: $1 (library fine)

I made an update to my goals. Added $25 to the dental fund; it's an automatic transfer from checking that B of A does each month. I'll soon add a little more when I get my second pension payment.

I also added $95 to the emergency fund. That is the amount I have in my old credit union savings account; might as well call it emergency money! It is not particularly accessible since it's in Indiana, but I might as well count it.

Today I am starting a liquid diet. I get a colonoscopy on Thursday. By rights I don't have to start the liquid diet till Wednesday, but I think the (ahem) purging process might be easier if I've been on liquids a few days.

Anyway, it will be fun to see the scale go down for a change!

I added some goals on the sideline, hoping the disclosure will help me to save.

My biggest goal is met, which is my medical premium for next year. It may seem strange to want to do that first, since it is so far away, but I just want to not have to worry about it.

Then comes all my dental work, which will get done in bits and pieces.

I don't have a true emergency fund right now, as all the extra is earmarked for the medical and dental. But if I have an emergency, I can borrow from those funds.

I thought about starting a new car fund, but then I got to thinking I might not even replace my car when it wears out. My cousin has a car which she rarely drives. Actually, with her condition, she shouldn't drive. It would be easy for us to share a car. The only disadvantage for me would be that I'd have to rent a car for trips, but I think that would be cheaper than buying and maintaining a car. Something to think about. My car is still in great shape, so I'm not thinking it will go in the near future.

I'm trying to get into coupons again. I used them years ago and was quite organized about it, but gradually I came to feel that I did just as well or better buying house brands.

Now that I live with my cousin, who has pickier tastes, I thought I would try coupons again. My criteria for using them are: they have to be for something I was already planning to buy, OR for something that is already marked down, OR they give me something free.

On my last grocery trip, I managed to use only three. I took more with me, but it turned out that some were for the wrong size, the product wasn't really marked down, etc.

So I got $1 off a frozen dinner, and I got a free container of nasal spray and a free bag of cat food.

It seemed like a lot of work, and I didn't really need the nasal spray or cat food (though I will eventually).

So I'm going to give it a few more tries, but I'm not sure if this is a strategy I'll keep.

Today I spent $15 on a haircut at Great Clips -- $12 for the cut and $3 for the cutter, whom I like very much. I FORGOT to use a $2 coupon! Coupons really don't work when you don't use them!

This morning I took care of a few things I've been meaning to do for some time. First of all, I wrote a letter to my old credit union officially closing my checking account. I received a note that they would start charging fees if I didn't make direct deposits or keep a $2500 balance in checking. Since I don't need it, anyway, I closed it, but kept my savings account open. I have been a customer there for a long time, and I want to keep the relationship going in case I ever need a loan.

Secondly, I sent a copy of our family's deed to a cemetery lot back in Indiana, inquiring if they have any (ahem) extra beds left? Just need to know, even if I don't decide to plant my mortal remains there.

Third, I called Liberty Mutual and got a quote for auto insurance. It turned out that they couldn't give me a better deal than my current State Farm policy, but I will get a $25 Target gift card for making the call.

I've also taken several surveys and ordered a Cracker Barrel gift card from MyPoints, so I feel like I've put in a day's work! Whew! Time to get back to reading and watching movies!

Update on spending since my last entry --

OTC drugs: $11
Prescription: $5
Groceries: $21
Movie: $6
Stamps: $7
Radiology bill: $143
Photo development: $8

Upcoming expenses (next month):
Dog's annual: ~$200
Dentist (cleaning): $80
Dentist (filling): $125

I also have a colonoscopy scheduled but I assume I won't be billed till the following month.

After that I'm going to have to start putting money aside for the two crowns I need.

Way back in the day, when I was a clerical worker, my employer placed $10 in a pension fund for me. It was only $10 because I transferred to an administrative job soon after and no more funds were ever put into that particular account. Well, they realized I retired and I just got a check for $34!
Would have been $40 but they kept out $6 for taxes. Now, if that had been $100,000, I would have gotten $340,000!

Just got back from the dentist, where I plunked down $400 for my second periodontal treatment. SO glad it's over! Next month I'll go back for a re-check and cleaning -- another $80.

I also just transferred $1000 into savings for my medical premium (not due till next January, but I want that account fully funded and off my mind).

It's raining cats and dogs today, but that makes me happy -- good for the sod!

I just paid a bill to the hospital for a mammogram and bone density test I had a month ago. It was $88.

Tomorrow I have the second periodontal treatment, which will be $400.

In April I have to get a colonoscopy. Don't know how much that will cost me.

I figure I need to put $1500 more into savings for my medical premium next January.

It's time for my dog's annual, which will probably top $200.

I also have to get two crowns and a filling some time this year, as well 3 more cleanings, and that will be more than $2000.

I am a little depressed about all these medical expenses. So much money and so little fun.

Finally got home from my trip to Florida last night at 10. I drove straight through. I was on the road for 14 hours, including stops.

I spent less going home than I intended to -- for one thing, I was planning to stop for the night, but since I felt awake and alert, and since my dog is very uncomfortable in motels, I just kept on plugging. Also, I intended to have a "real" dinner to refresh myself for the last haul, but at the junction where I stopped, everything was too busy. I ended up buying snacks at the gas station, and getting back on the road. Altogether I spent about $97 on gas and $14 on food.

When I got home, I of course had a lot of mail to go through. The nice thing is I had about $184 in checks -- both of my state tax returns, some rebate checks, a property tax refund -- nice surprise. Bills, too, of course, but I'll deal with those tomorrow.

Today I went to the library and paid a 90c fine, then grocery-shopped. Bascially I bought $27 in groceries and also spent $23 for coffee which I will give as gifts to my sister and cousin, who were looking in on my cat while I was gone.

It's good to be home. I slept like a rock last night, and I hope I do tonight, too!

I've been on a lot of road trips lately, and there are a lot of financial lessons in a good, long road trip.

First of all, it is LONG. You're not going to get there instantly, no matter what you do. Speeding is only a temporary fix. (And could result in a ticket!) Building wealth is also a long journey with no quick fix. You're in there for the long haul, and trying to shorten the trip is likely to be dangerous.

On a road trip, there are many temptations along the way. Oooh, let's stop for a latte -- oh, look, Prime Outlets! So many opportunities to spend, and lengthen your journey. On a road trip, as in life, you have to practice restraint if you are going to meet your goal.

A good road tripper packs carefully. Good packing will ensure an easier stay at hotels, no last-minute emergency purchases, and will provide sustenance along the way. Likewise, a good financial planner will "pack" his/her life with the right tools; high-yield savings accounts, financial software, retirements funds, professional advice, etc.

There is no replacement for a good map -- or navigation system. If you know where you're going, you'll sure get there sooner! And with a map, you can check your progress along the way, as well as keep yourself from straying off the path. So, in our financial lives, we must have a plan and a roadmap to avoid those detours into oblivion. A worthy goal, written down, and a way to monitor progress.

On the road you MUST spend a little just to keep going. Without those pit stops for gas, you're not getting anywhere. So we must use our resources wisely. Don't use premium gas when regular will do! On the other had, don't scrimp on what you really need -- like an oil change or new tires. Spend wisely to keep your goal attainable.

And remember there may be a few toll roads, or heavy traffic, or construction, or a torrential downpour. Your trip is not guaranteed to proceed smoothly, because life happens. That's how it is financially, too. There will be setbacks. The trick is to handle them and move on.

The key is, MOVE ON! And while you are, enjoy the journey!

Well, it's been a few days. I'll just review the financial highlights since my last blog.

First of all, my cousin cleaned out her closet and gave me enough tops to fill two shopping bags. One bag is what I will keep for myself -- the other I will offer to my sister, and then consign whatever she doesn't want. (This is with my cousin's blessing, of course. She would never consign anything herself.) Most of them are really nice, good brands and not worn very much.

Second, I've spent a lot (for me) on eating out in the last few days. And I did the treating in all cases. I took my cousin to IHOP for breakfast ($23). I took my DIL and grandson to Chick Fil-A for lunch ($9) -- we had coupons, and didn't eat very much. Then I took my DIL, grandson and a niece to Olive Garden for dinner ($46). I also bought gas for $29, only filling up half the tank. It was $3.49 a gallon! Hope to find a better deal before I hit the road to go back to NC on Sunday.

Oh, and I took back the dog ramp, so was reimbursed $128. I will revisit the problem after I get back home.

This evening I will make my second attempt at creating a new chicken recipe to submit in a contest. The first one was kind of a flop, but I have some ideas for improvement. First prize is $50,000, so it's worth a shot!

Had a no-spend day yesterday. My cousin and I were planning to go to the movies, but she didn't feel well enough, so she ordered "Michael Clayton" on PPV. It was good, but I was glad it was on PPV because I had to watch it twice to catch everything!

I also helped my uncle avoid a scam. He is so gullible -- it's really because he is trusting and just can't believe people would lie to him. Anyway, he was all set to get involved with Russ Dalbey's Cash Flow program. I suggested he look up comments about it on the internet first (which never occurred to him). He did, and called my cousin to say, "Why, it's a SCAM!" Thank goodness, he will not be throwing his money away on that.

He feels bad that his daughters have to help him out financially, but it is clearly their pleasure to be able to do it. We all reminded him that he did all the giving when he was raising them, and now it is his turn to receive.

He has not been wasteful with his money, but he is living in a retirement home that is pretty pricey. However, it is so good for him (and my aunt) for both health and social reasons, that we all think it is a priority for them to stay there, despite the cost.

Went to Petco yesterday to buy a ramp for my arthritic dog. He is struggling with the steps on the back stoop here at the Florida house -- and I know the day is coming when he will need a ramp to get in the car. Well, I bought one for about $130, brought it home and set it up. It is so rickety, and it is texturized with something my dog doesn't like. He won't use it. So it's back to Petco for a refund. Sigh.

This morning I grocery-shopped ($127). I was pleased to find at the grocery store a cute soft dinosaur and a set of stacking toy boats, all for under $6. I will see my grandson next week and wanted to have a little something to break the ice. These are perfect, fun but not expensive.

I also succumbed to some cute brownie scouts and bought two boxes of cookies ($7).

Tonight my aunt & uncle are coming over for steaks on the grill and game of cards. I do so enjoy these simple good times!

Yesterday I visited the Goodwill here in SW Florida for the first time. It was only so-so, but I found two brand-new items -- a Faded Glory top for $5.99 (tag on it for $16), and a Coldwater Creek sweater for $3.99 (tag on it for $54). So my savings were over $60. Unfortunately, I failed to notice that the sweater is "dry clean only." Oh well, I will hand wash it; I'm sure it will be all right.

I went with my aunt & uncle to the memory clinic, which is a totally free service. They had taken a little test and got an evaluation on their memory problems. They were both in the "mild" category, which is good, considering their ages (mid-80's). From here, they can go to a neurologist if they want, but I feel that their mental functioning is pretty darn good.

I also did their taxes for them, so right now I am a very favored niece!

I think I will stay in Florida for another week. Although I am anxious to get back home, I found out that my daughter-in-law will be visiting her cousins in a town about 45 minutes away. She will be bringing my one and only grandson. I haven't seen him since January. I hate to miss any opportunity to see both of them. So I will stay a little longer.

Was a membership in a cassette tape club. I spent lots of $$$ when I didn't have it on music that I didn't listen to, in a format that became practically obsolete. I ended up giving away those cassettes at a garage sale to anyone who would take them.