Money in the Madhaus

Even Exchange and they said I owed $.01

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:38:26 PST

Here is a new one - the retailer is trying to make money on an even exchange ...

Well, braved the crowds to go to Macy's to exchange some fur-lined crocs for DS. His pair did not fit and went to his younger brother, thus leaving us to exchange the smaller pair for the right size...

Looking forward to 2008

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:54:52 PST

I've spent November and 1/2 of December coming up with realistic spending for each week and I'm coming up with some good averages for "starting and sticking" to a budget for January 08.

As far as health insurance, I decided to do the high deductible insurance plan through DH employer...

Anyone catch Oprah today?

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:49:04 PST

I was so shocked to see that woman on the show - the saddest part is about the kids with no health care and a mother who spends thousands on murals for the home, silk flower arrangement, and her own weekly upkeep of nails and hair extensions! Ignoring the neurological issues of...

Where do you keep your EF?

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:35:24 PST

We've had some serious expenses here the past few months:
$690 auto repair in Aug
$690 unexpected electrician bill Oct 1
$340 replace rental unit washing machine

I have been able to keep these purchases off the credit card but have had done serious damage to our savings...

Almost a No Spend Week!! New attitude about spending emerging ...

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:49:02 PST

We had a major unplanned expense of $697 to an electrician to repair the "guts" of our electric meter (at that point I probably would have shelled out $1,000 just to have electricity - it is paramount with 4 DKs) I was happy that we didn't have to use the credit card and could "afford"...

Resale Store Finds

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:06:39 PST

Wa-hoo, I have scored some deals yesterday and today on three trips to two resale stores (one affiliated with the hospital where procedes go to the cardiac unit) and another one benefitting the county's domestic violence programs. DH and DKs accompanied me once and I had to double...

Oh Dear, Egg on my Face, Big Piece of Humble Pie

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:21:28 PST

Yikes, I screwed up royally -

Got a letter from Chase on Friday saying they were lowering our credit line from $6100 to $4100 due to delinquincies.

A little background info: my DH and FIL have same name and have had major confusion issues in the past - somewhere along the...

Oh Dear, Egg on my Face, Big Piece of Humble Pie

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:21:27 PST

$8.64 Spend

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:48:36 PST

Yesterday I checked out a new resale store around the corner - all proceeds benefit the domestic violence program in the county. I spent $8.64 on the following items:
(1) virually brand new Karen Nueberger nightgown for winter
(2) great condition Disney pull-over with Buzz Lightyear...

August is a Big Spend Month

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 07:40:43 PST

Well, I'm tracking ALL spending this month (I usually have a good idea on the inflow/outflow from the checking account) but am careless about cash (usually only about $150 coming in from coin-operated laundry and odd driving around I do for MIL, etc.

August has been scary:

(1)...

MOMA

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:56:40 PST

I try to put all purchases (groceries and gas mostly) onto my debit card at National City which adds up pretty fast. In Sept I tally up the points and turn them in for gift cards for Christmas gifts ($25 Target card for neice, restaurant card for my brother and SIL, a home depot...

Advice Needed on Rental Property Situation

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 18:47:40 PST

I'm interested in some feedback regarding a situation we're facing regarding our rental property. It is our original starter home purchased in 1992 for $130K. In January of this year it was valued at $330K. We own it outright and have a mortgage now on our primary residence.

Ok,...

How do you manage multiple savings goals at a time?

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:06:39 PST

I'm having an issue here deciding on how to approach multiple goals.

I have $13,000 at 0% credit card debt for life of balance. I have this money in a money market fund paying 5.4%. The minimum payment on this is $200.00

I have contributed 10% of DH's salary into the 401(k)...

Anyone a Weekend Warrior who did their own hardwood floors?

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:44:23 PST

I have beige carpeting in my house and four children and two dogs. Not the color I would have chosen, but it came with the house. I'd love to replace it with hardwood flooring in the family room where most of the activity/living is done. I'm afraid it may be too costly to have it...

Doing consignment here --

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:41:49 PST

I'm motivated by people who have been cleaning up and clearing out and decluttering. I too have joined the group - my basement has been a place no one wants to go (and that is where the air hockey and the pool table are that we should be using).

Well, I walked around randomly...

My name is Madhaus and I am a Reformed Spender

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 09:00:20 PST

...it has been over a year since my last irresponsibe thoughtless purchase (a $60 silk Tommy Bahama shirt for DH on *great* sale down from MSRP of $130 - might I add this is white and we have 4 DKs under 8 at the time...)?

Well, since I've taken stock of how I spend the money my...

Attempt at Saving in the Grocery/Food Expense Category

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:30:03 PST

Well, I did a major shopping trip to Sam's Club last week and I had a slew of eggs (36) and ground beef to separate - freeze, etc.

I borrowed my parents' waffle maker (I probably should have one but when mine died I didn't replace it) and fed the DKs waffles for lunch, plus I...

Anyone up for a No Spend Month?

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:12:43 PST

I have had a bad handle on the money management/spending log the month of June (having to do with a string of relatives visiting and other activities, etc.) Awhile ago I was pointed in the directtion of a Simple Living blog/website where the creator proposed a no spending month....

Grocery Shopping Advice

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:27:58 PST

I was just wondering what method of grocery shopping you all use -- is it weekly from sale ads with coupons? is it always Aldi's? is it once a month at a warehouse club?

I was down to almost nothing in all categories (dairy/fresh produce/staples/paper products/etc) and stocked...

Been away for awhile, but I've returned ...

madhaus90@sbcglobal.net (Madhaus Mom) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 10:47:27 PST

My grandparents are here on an extended visit(arrived at the end of April and returning to CA at the end of August). I love having them here, they are "renting" our rental property six blocks from here. My waist line is expanding because of the lunches out but my wallet is remaining...