My parents were here last weekend, and they treated us to Japanese food in Saturday night. It was very good. Last night, friends invited us over for pizza, so dinner cost me just a fruit salad. Dinner this weekend was easy, easy. A few of us parents at DD's school have been talking about carpooling, trying to get something figured out. One difficulty is the car seat/booster seat space issue. The other is that younger kids start later and get out earlier, which makes it tougher for families with siblings going to school there.

9/1 - 9/18:
Groceries: $242.83
Dining: $64.40
Starbucks: $13.10

Total: $320.33 (about $17.80/day) Goal: $13/day or less

Gas: $110.97

Now that I am driving so much more to take DD to school, I'm going to monitor money spent on gas and get a handle on those costs.

9/1 - 9/16:
Groceries: $218.24
Dining: $64.40
Starbucks: $13.10

Total: $295.74 (about $18.48/day) Goal: $13/day or less

Gas: $110.97

I won't believe it till I see it, but there is a possibility that DH will be getting a raise of what amounts to about 10%. The reason? Offering a like salary to a potential new hire moving into the area from out of state. He and DH will have basically the same job title, and DH's bosses are being very good to him and sticking up for him, saying it wouldn't be fair to give a new hire with less experience more money than tried and true and valuable employees already working there. Like I said, I'll believe it when I see it, but if it plays out I am going to be mighty impressed with DH's supervisor, his boss and the powers that be in HR.

The car - we finally have it back. Between the bill and the rental car, we spent about $1100. Ouch.

9/1 - 9/14:
Groceries: $148.72
Dining: $64.40
Starbucks: $13.10

Total: $226.22 (about $16.16/day) Goal: $13/day or less

Hey - I just saw that my journal has over 10,000 views now. Wow.

I bought canned pumpkin yesterday, so that I can make DD some pumpkin muffins to take to school as a snack. Her lunches for the year are already paid for, but I do need to send a snack each day. Lunches there are vegetarian, and organic to some extent. It is pretty awesome. The cost per lunch comes out to something like $2 per day.

The car - still in the shop, and now apparently not under warranty. So we still have the crummy rental car. Hopefully our car will be done today. What a pain.

9/1 - 9/13:
Groceries: $141.47
Dining: $60.40
Starbucks: $13.10

Total: $214.97 (about $16.54/day) Goal: $13/day or less

We've been eating out far more than we need to. Need to get that back under control. This is going to be an expensive month - car repair, plus rental car. This is what savings is for, so at least we have it.

9/1 - 9/11:
Groceries: $135.60
Dining: $60.40
Starbucks: $13.10 (added $10 to my debit card today)

Total: $209.10 (about $19.01/day) Goal: $13/day or less

The plot thickens on the car - it may be the computer, which is still under warranty. So we may not have to pay after all! Fingers are crossed.

Car isn't done yet, which means we have our POS rental car over the weekend.
Irritating.

9/1 - 9/9:
Groceries: $90.73
Dining: $18
Starbucks: $13.10 (added $10 to my debit card today)

Total: $121.83 (about $13.54/day) Goal: $13/day or less

Broke down and bought a coffee today, plus added some money to my sbux card. And DH and I went out to lunch. Sigh.

The car's in the shop - problem with a fuel injector. Fabulous - we get that bill, plus a rental car for at least two or three days.

Found out what DD's performance fee will be for the Nutcracker. $60, if we can sell 15 tickets (won't be a problem). That includes costume and everything, so it's reasonable.

9/1 - 9/8:
Groceries: $90.73
Dining: $18
Starbucks: $13.10 (added $10 to my debit card today)

Total: $121.83 (about $13.73/day) Goal: $13/day or less

DH and I spent $6 this morning at the coffee house with free wifi. We're actually still here. Coffee's inexpensive - regular coffe, that is - but doesn't taste nearly as good as sbux. Oh well.

Going to pick up DD in about 30 minutes from her first day at school. My nerves have been on edge - I've been up since 3:15 a.m. with a bad case of insomnia.

9/1 - 9/7:
Groceries: $90.73
Dining: $6
Starbucks: $0 (thanks to gift card!)

Total: $96.73 (about $13.82/day) Goal: $13/day or less

Dh is taking this week off from work, so the three of us went bowling today, just because we could. It was fun. DD starts school tomorrow. :O

I've been rereading all of the Harry Potter books. Aftr finishing the sixth one recently, I wanted to go back and reread the series, trying to see what clues or foreshadowing I may have missed the first time through. I'm up to the fourth one now - just started it last night. Makes it hard to get through the books I need to read and review for DivaTribe, but right now it's more fun.

I have a parents meeting for the Nutcracker performance this week, so hopefully I'll find out what the fee will be. The spring show ran twice; Nutcracker has three performances. The spring show fee was extremely reasonable, and we don't buy costumes, so I'm hoping this fee will be equally reasonable.

Over $12,500 has been raised in the fundraiser - just checked.
http://craftrevolution.etsy.com
http://www.crafters-united.com/

DD starts school tomorrow. I made two batches of muffins to include with her snack each day: apple muffins, and maple oatmeal muffins. Didn't take more than about an hour to make 24 muffins, and I froze most of them. That will make snack a little bit easier - include some fruit or carrots, maybe some cheese, and she's all set.

9/1 - 9/5:
Groceries: $90.73
Dining: $0
Starbucks: $0 (thanks to gift card!)

Total: $90.73 (about $18.15/day) Goal: $13/day or less

The Crafters United fundraiser has now raised over $9000, and there were more than 400 items in the shop the last time I looked!! Totally amazing.

A friend gave me a $15 Starbucks gift card today, as a thank you for watching her son much of the day. It was our pleasure - DD and her friend get along so well and just laugh and laugh when they play together. We took them swimming and had lots of fun. I definitely didn't expect any sort of 'payment' - it was quite a surprise.

DH and I are heading to a potluck 50th birthday party for a friend this evening. DD is spending the night at her grandparents' house. Should be fun. I think we're going to pick up a dessert at Trader Joe's, since neither DH nor I bothered to make anything. Oops.

I updated my spreadsheet this morning that tracks our savings. Once the last round of checks clears that I deposited, we'll be back where we were before paying DD's tuition for the year. I showed DH the figures, and I know he's relieved. He's been working hard to earn extra money, and it's paying off. Not counting those other checks, we're already up about $2400 from the beginning of August.

We spent about $13.23/day on food last month. It would be great to get that down a bit. I'll set the goal at an even $13/day for September, or $390 for the month.

Once DD is in school, I will have more time to really focus on DivaTribe, and building up my distance tutoring. That is, if those are things I want to focus on. I'll also have more time to create things - to knit, crochet, bead, etc. I need to figure out what it is I want to do with that time so that it is spent productively (in all ways - financially, mentally, etc.).

The fundraiser is going strong - over $2000 has been raised already!! It's a good way to get a jump on holiday shopping AND know that all of that money is going to the Red Cross.

http://craftrevolution.etsy.com

The indie community is getting together for a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross. The initial goal is $1000. A shop has been set up at Etsy, and as of this writing 85 items have been donated to it. Take a look!

My IL's went car shopping last night, and we went along to help out. They took us out to dinner afterwards for Greek food, which was nice.

I think some of the fabric I bought to make a top for DD shrank more than usual when I pre-washed it, as no matter how I lay out the pattern pieces there just isn't enough there. Frustrating.

8/1/05 - 8/28/05:
Groceries: $221.99
Dining: $117.70
Starbucks: $30.65
Total: $370.34 ($13.23/day)

Spent the day at Disneyland today - we have year passes, so admission and parking were already covered. Still spent money on snacks, drinks and dinner, but all in all it was a really fun day. Hot, but fun. Went on Space Mountain, now that it's open again. It seemed faster and darker than it used to be. I remember when it was new, way back when. Growing up, my best friend's dad worked for Disneyland, so we got to go quite often, for free. Fun, fun, fun. DD loves going - she wanted to ride the carousel first thing, so we did.

8/1/05 - 8/25/05:
Groceries: $215.84
Dining: $93.89
Starbucks: $24.40
Total: $334.13 ($13.37/day)

$2.60 at sbux yesterday and $20.50 going out to eat.

I set up a scholarshare program (529) for DD and am having some money automatically transferred to it each month out of my checking account. I'm also having a small amount of money transferred to my ING account each month. Figure the amounts are such that by year end, they'll add up to something, yet I won't feel them missing out of my checking account. As time goes by, I can increase those amounts by five or ten dollars, a little bit here and there. Paying myself first, as it were.

Yesterday I kept thinking it was Thursday for some reason.

8/1/05 - 8/23/05:
Groceries: $215.84
Dining: $93.89
Starbucks: $18.15
Total: $327.88 ($14.26/day)

Spent some money on two patterns plus fabric and notions for a dress and a top for DD today. Also ordered a workout DVD for myself from BN.com.

Ended up spending yesterday - $8 at the thrift store for a pair of pants and two skirts for DD; $32 on Keds for DD; $16 at Bath and Body Works; and, $13 on a lunch bag at the Hello Kitty store.

Today we're going to the park for a couple of hours, and possibly to ballet early to make up a class. I think we will, as the level I class has had hardly any kids coming to it over the summer. During DD's other make-up, she was the only one, so she got a private lesson for the group rate! The other option is Saturday morning, but I think I'll take her today. We're going camping Saturday night, so we'll have enough going on around here that morning as it is.

DH is tutoring tonight and tomorrow night. That'll bring in around $80-$100.

Schools have started here, so soon my tutoring will start again as well. I told one family that I would see their two youngest kids for sure, and one other family that if I could figure out my schedule I would work with their son, too. These are both returning families - one of the dad's is DD's ped. I'd like to raise my rates, as I know I am underselling myself, but I don't want to do that to these longtime clients.

Spending coming up this week: $12 for camping Saturday night, $15 copay Thursday for a dr's visit for DD, and I need to order replacement air filters (don't know what they'll cost).

8/1/05 - 8/21/05:
Groceries: $181.13
Dining: $73.39
Starbucks: $15.55
Total: $270.07 ($12.86/day)

Picked up a cute top today for 50 cents for DD at a garage sale down the street. Went out to breakfast - love to do that! Had to go to Green Thumb and buy some natural pest repellant and a sprayer, in an effort to get the fleas under control outside. Our poor dog is really suffering this year, and he own't let us put drops on him, so the best we can do is give him Program tablets, bathe him, wash his bedding, sweep and shake out throw rugs regularly, and try to mitigate the problem outside. This is the first time we've ever had a problem this bad with fleas on him, poor buddy.

Took DD to a skating birthday party yesterday. Everything for her waspaid for, but I had to pay $6.50 to skate. Turns out I could have gotten away with not paying - they didn't stamp my hand or do anything to indicate I'd paid. Oh well - what goes around comes around, and I'm an honest person. I did get to try out the skates DD got me for Christmas, which was fun.

I've made about $9 this week from books at half.com. I have two grocery bags full of books listed there, and it would be great if they all sold. Did some spending yesterday - birthday gift for one of DD's friends, gas for the car, and coffee, chocolate milk and bagel at a coffeehouse near DD's school (bought those so I could test out their free wifi and make sure I could actually use it, which I can ).

We're meeting some friends today at a park, so I'll pack a lunch to bring along. Then it's the birthday party later this afternoon. Busy day.

8/1/05 - 8/18/05:
Groceries: $173.85
Dining: $63.39
Starbucks: $15.55
Total: $252.79 ($14.04/day)

Went to the farmer's market today and spent $10 on fresh produce, including some basil to go with dinner tonight - pasta, salad and mozz/tomato/basil slices. Yummy.

8/1/05 - 8/16/05:
Groceries: $151.84
Dining: $63.39
Starbucks: $15.55
Total: $230.78 ($14.42/day)

A few weeks back, I had a bad razor blade. It was dull from the get-go. In the past, I would have tossed it and been annoyed, but done nothing about it. This time around, however, I decided to write the company and let them know about it. I did, and they replied. Included with their reply was a $10 coupon for my next purchase. I was so pleased! I've been using this razor brand for years, and it's the first time I've ever had a problem. By sending me that coupon, they kept my business for quite a long time more, I'm sure. Pretty cool.

DD and I need to get a birthday gift for a friend of her who is turning six. The party is this Friday afternoon. It's a friend from ballet, so perhaps we'll get something ballet-themed. We'll see. Groovy Girls have made good presents in the past, both for DD and for her friends, so tat's always an option.

I haven't done any more research on 529 plans and other education investment vehicles, but I haven't forgotten about it either. Just been out of town and then getting caught up here around the house.

DD will get to be in the Nutcracker this year. I don't know what the fee will be for the performance. For the spring show it was $37, and that covered two shows. I suspect this will be a bit more, as there are three performances and the two lowest levels of classes do not particiapte in them.


8/1/05 - 8/14/05:
Groceries: $132.87
Dining: $63.39

Current food totals -

8/1/05 - 8/11/05:
Groceries: $132.87
Dining: $0.00
Starbucks: $15.55
Total: $148.42 ($13.49/day)

I'm back from my trip, and it will take some time to get caught up on things. I have some yarn to return, as I bought more than I needed. I can return some scissors as well, as I didn't need them and they are still in the packaging.

DH put in the new kitchen floor while I was gone and it looks GREAT. Really super. Cost about $400 altogether, maybe a little less. New coutners and a new sink, some fresh paint, and we'll be DONE.

I'll write again later - need to go pick up DD from Spanish.

OK.

I got that yarn and the scissors returned today. Bought enough yarn for two more ponchos for about $14, including some ribbon 'yarn', which I have never worked with.

I was able to deposit a big chunk of money today. The largest portion was from DH's side business, from all the work he's been doing lately. We'll earn more interest on it in one of our personal accounts (as opposed to the business account). The rest came in the form of medical and prescription reimbursements, some tutoring income from DH, and some income from DivaTribe. It's good to see the account balances going up, up, up.

DD and I went to a park down at the beach today for about an hour. It was sunny, but windy. I hate wind, but it was nice to be at the beach and have it actually be somewhat sunny for a change.

Spendy day.

$50+ at michaels on yarn, patterns and a new pair of bamboo circular knitting needles.
$20 at the drugstore on a pedometer and a case to hold my pills on my trip
$10 on a puzzle, a paper dolls book and toothpaste
$75+ on books - a gift for FIL's birthday and some science and math books for DD
$14.50 on pizza

Phew.

I have a simple spreadsheet that shows our total savings balance and total college savings balance, along with a simple graph. I like having the visual summation of how much money we have on the first of each month. (It does not include any retirement accounts.) Our savings total took a big dip in July as a result of paying for DD's tuition for the year in one fell swoop, but I was pleased to see that as of 8/1/05, we had already recouped about $700. DH has been working many, many extra hours doing freelance work, as well as a bit of tutoring again, and it's good to see some of that money starting to roll in. If I can do my part to help keep our spending down and get my own tutoring back up once school starts up again, we'll be doing alright.

I've started thinking about DD's college funds, and how to best invest them over the next 12-13 years. I need to look up the account the bulk of her money is in right now and see what its rate of return is, so that I can compare it to other investment options. I was just looking at California's 529 options. The age-based ones didn't have very good rates, from what I could tell. The socially responsible option had negative return rates for recent periods, but I don't know what the long-term returns have been. I obviously have a lot more research to do, but I'm ready to delve into it all. I think I'll try to turn my research and findings into an article for DivaTribe - two birds with one stone and all that.

Links folks here have already suggested (thank you ) -
http://www.savingforcollege.com/
http://clarkhoward.com/topics/529_plans.html

DD and I head out of town on Thursday for five days. While we're gone DH is going to redo the kitchen floor. For a variety of reasons, including the possibility of mastic with asbestos in it, we're putting Pergo or something similar over what's already in there. I'm not quite sure what it's going to cost, but doing it ourselves will be cheaper than hiring someone else.

8/1 - 8/2:
Groceries: $47.30
Dining: $0
Sbux: $15.55 (added money to my sbux debit card today)
Total: $62.85 ($31.43/day)
($295 budgeted for groceries and $157 for dining out)

What a crazy month. Lots of dining out, although last night DH's parents treated us to dinner out, which was night.

7/1 - 7/31:
Groceries: $239.47
Dining: $179.75
Starbucks: $21.30

Total: $440.52 (about $14.21/day)

Jan = $486.55 (326 + 131 + 29.55)
Feb = $495.51 (351.33 + 100.28 + 43.90)
Mar = $713.33 (415.81 + 292.02 + 5.50)
Apr = $516.21 (310.72 + 151.05 + 54.44)
May = $493.98 (277.11 + 182.32 + 34.55)
June = $460.48

I'm not one to procrastinate too much, but I still need to get a gift for the party that is now 3 hours away. :O I'm heading out to our local indie children's bookstore with DD soon to choose something.

The dinner party/going away party last night was fun - Indian food. Yummy. DH let the business pay for us, so our personal finances won't show it as a meal out. I know, money's money, but whatever.

I finished DD leg warmers and they fit. Yea! She likes them.


7/1 - 7/29:
Groceries: $226.49
Dining: $176.00