I was charged $7.70 on my checking a/c for Feb. It's all my fault for using my debit card for minor purchases. New Zealand was the first country where debit cards and ATMs were introduced, and we were encouraged by the banks to use them because it was free, whereas the fees for checks and over-the-counter transactions went up. Once we were all happily using them, a .30 cent per use fee was slapped on. I try to make one cash withdrawal for the week and make all my small purchases in cash, but last month I slipped up.

Some people still get free usage of debit cards, esp students and retirees. It bemuses me when I see them paying for a cup of coffee with the plastic. One time I was bemoaning my high bank fees. Quoth my dad, "I don;t have fees because I'm retired." Quoth DS, "I don't have them because I'm a student." No wonder my fees were so high - I was paying for both of them!

The cheapest rice I have found sells at $5.99 for 5 kg. White rice. I buy brown rice at $1.69 for 1 kg, but the price has just increased by .30 cents. The 5 kg bags of brown work out more expensive, besides brown rice doesn't keep as long as white. Strict budgeting suggests i should buy the cheapest white, but brown is more nutritious and my health is more important than saving money. So I will carry on buying the same brand until i find a better bargain.

Someone told me today about a fruit & vege coop that runs out of one of our nearby churches. Apparently it is only $3 a week for a single person. I must look into it. I'm curious to know how much you get for that amount of money.

One of the quotes at the top of the page - by Tom Robbins, I think - read, "There's a Buddhistic calm that comes from having... money in the bank."

It's true, I'm happy and not worrying now I have ten grand in my emergency fund. Of course the money won't prevent stuff happening, but knowing I've taken practical steps to deal with Murphy helps me feel relaxed and capable of dealing with whatever comes along.

My first no spend this week, plus I found .60 cents.

Neil Diamond is coming to perform at our stadium soon. I had a great time at his concert back in 1974 (OMG! over 40 years ago!) but I'm afraid if I go to this one he may be over the hill and spoil my happy memories. So I'm putting the $100 aside to pay for a visit to the optician.

I am in the third month of my spending fast, and today was the first time I have bought anything but food. My sneakers were worn out, so I bought a new pair at 50% off. I also went to the library book sale, where i got a book of knitting patterns. That was a want rather than a need, but i've wanted this particular book for a long time, and thanks to a small tear on one page, which doesn't hinder reading the instructions, it was mine for $2.

Yay! my FFEF is completed, I have $10,000.89 in an online savings a/c, earning 3.15%, just for emergencies.

I walked to the library today, and on the way I found $3 in coins by a parking meter (hope no one was trying to raid it). On the way back I found another dollar. Also in the afternoon I visited my former neighbor, and she gave me a lettuce and some chard from her garden.

I found .20 cents today. Where to put it?

I have several things I am saving for. I am building up my EF. I have automatic payments going into my Travel a/c and House repairs/renovations a/c, as well as Retirement. I want to let a surplus build up in my bill paying a/c, and I am doing the 52 week challenge to save up cash. Anytime I get a bit of extra money I randomly throw it into one place or another. The problem is my efforts are scattered, so it takes me longer to see progress in one place. I have been focusing my efforts lately on the EF, and it is almost done. I think I need to concentrate on one goal at a time, then I will see faster progress. I will leave the automatic payments as they are, get the EF completed, then concentrate on building up cash. Just think, a jar filled with notes and coins!

When you make a determination to save, the money gremlins will throw more expenses at you, to see if you're committed. I went to pick up a prescription this morning, and learned it will now cost an extra $5 a week. Hmm, not too many areas left where i can tighten my belt ... I'll figure out something. Just have to focus on needs, not wants.

Anyway, I put another $10 in the Christmas Club. Now have $36.25

Had to go to the dentist for a checkup today. Bye bye $136. But now i'm all set to keep my fangs in my head for another 6 months, and thoroughly resolved to avoid sugar.

When I find money I generally just toss it in my change jar, which i bank when it gets to 6 or 7 dollars.(the bank doesn't mind me depositing that much in loose change). I don't know how much I've found over the years, tho I have found a $20 note on more than one occasion. i'm going to save it in a separate box to see how much it comes too. Starting with the .20 cents I found in the last 3 days.

Another no spend day, plus I found .10 cents. Need more days like this.

I was going to buy a new raincoat, but decided fully funding my EF took priority, so transferred $113. I am now tantalizingly close to my goal. What else can I postpone till nearer winter?

of Work & Income for medical certificates continue. Paid $44 for one this morning. Also paid an electrician's bill of $51.58. OTOH I found .10 cents, and a friend called round to see the new house bringing a big bag of veggies from her garden.

So I cleaned out my wallet. $5 to Christmas Club, $5.80 to House repairs/renovation a/c

This morning I dashed over to the store to pick up some bread, and I found $2 by the (empty) taxi stand. Nice.