I went at lunchtime to the local Barnes and Noble to buy a book for my DD. I have a gift card plus I have a 10% discount card. Well, the mall was so packed there were no spaces! I can't take any more of the madness so I will go back when the store first opens.

What are all these people doing at the mall? Can there be that many returns or sales after Christmas! Aggghhhh!
I am back to no money days and serious cost cutting in the budget. My wife still does not have the credit cards and the grocery bills are down to app. 650 a month. I know we can do better but hey it is progress for us. Rome, as they say, was not built in a day!

We now talk about money without screaming and yelling. It takes a lot of work and patience. I can see how marriages can be shattered by this issue. I'd suggest to people thinking about marriage to get on the same page before they tie the knot! The CC bill is now below 14k. I have 21 payments left unless I can scare up some extra money. I am praying some extra work comes along. I will continue to try and cut as that may be my only option to free up extra cash!

Well the New Year is almost here. The family is staying home for New Years Eve. I wish everyone financial success in the coming year!

Well I have an manila envelope and I have inserted $20 dollars into it! Here we go!

Well, the shopping, baking, and all the other things needing doing are done. I am just listening to some soft Christmas music and enjoying the evening. I wish peace, joy, and prosperity to everyone here. May your troubles be small and your triumphs many. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Happy Holidays!

I am finished shopping for gifts. I am here to to tell you I spent more than I had planned. My daughter saw something in a store window recently that she liked. She never requested it but I could see that she really liked the darn thing. Well, I being a pushover and a softy, went back today and got it for her.

I know I should be frugal, and most times I am, but seeing my daughter smile is priceless. She is a great student and she is a doll. She is well worth it!

I am exhausted though. Thank God I am finished with shopping.

Just got two free theatre tickets yesterday along with a free meal! It will be a big treat to get out and enjoy life a bit while on this austerity budget. Yessss!