This weekend we had our annual 24 hour book sale. Nearly all the books were priced at 50 cents, so I got $10 worth, including a copy of the More with less cookbook. The most expensive book I got was a History of rock'n'roll $7.50 for ds. I also got a copy of Psychocybernetics and a book called Money Secrets of the Rich, which I discovered doesn't actually contain much I don't already know. Plus I got some beautiful knitting patterns for 20 cents each.

Memo to self: check dates library books are due and get them back on time. $2.40 in fines and it wasn't all that great a book. Grr.

Today i went shopping at the supermarket. I carefully checked the pantry and fridge before I went to see what I had, then I drew up a week's worth of nutritious menus. I wanted to keep below $30 so I put down the cheapest veges, and used lots of beans.

When I got to the store, I took my time to check all the prices and adjusted my list to take advantage of manager's specials. I made a couple changes to my menu. I deliberately went midweek early in the morning as I knew the store would not be crowded. When i got to the checkout I remebered the coupon in my wallet because I wasn't feeling hassled. Result: a week's healthy eating at $15.90.
And I avoided all the cookies and tempting treats.

I am feeling very pleased with myself. It's great how paying attention and getting value for money makes the difference between a satisfying purchase and just frittering money away (and feeling dissatisfied afterward). I think I could go the rest of the week without needing to spend any more money.

With everything so up in the air last month I didn't keep track of all my expenses. I was also doing a fair bit of comfort spending at the little coffee-and-muffin shop near the hospital. As near as I can calculate I have spent $55 there, and a total of over $1500 this month. But I did buy a new fridge/freezer, do some necessary repairs round home, pay Toastmaster fees and make a $90 donation to charity. So I guess that's okay, it's just that my savings account is now down to $214 so I need to rebuild it. I also have $2020 in Bonus Bonds which I can borrow against if need be.

On the job front, I have been told about a part-time position at the local library which I have a fairly good chance of getting. I am allowed to earn up to $80 a week before my benefit starts getting cut, but I think I would work at the library for free!! There are also positions at the Art Gallery and Museum of a few hours per week. I have been told I can get help with transport costs as well, tho as they are all not too far from home, I will probably walk.

Because all my work clothes are rather old, I went shopping in the consignment shops this week and found a nice turquoise suit for $15. The only drawback is I will be required to spend money on pantyhose, and I need some new shoes.

Today I went to lunch with a friend. I spent $7.20 - and I don't intend to feel guilty about it. Saving money is not about depriving yourself of things that give you pleasure, when you can afford them. There should be a balance between putting money aside for later and enjoying it now.

I had a relative, born in the Depression, who had a mania for saving every possible cent. Not only did he manage to alienate his family, when he finally got to old age, he was unable to relax and permit himself the things he'd promised himself he'd do when he retired. Although he was practically a millionaire, he lived like a renunciate in a cave. Finally when he died his children inherited his money and spent it all on things like trips which he would have enjoyed, but could never bring himself to do.

There is a difference between being frugal and being a miser.

Time to do my adding up at the end of the month.

Total income $935.81

Expenses $601.20

Property taxes 88.40
Electric 101.00
House insurance 45.72
Phone 65.80 (includes $20 for cellphone)
Internet 27.95
Maintenance 33.48
Grocery 91.95
Eating out 4.00
Household supplies 5.50
Medical 29.00
Charity/gifts 59.70
Hobbies/interests 4.70
Camp 40.00
Misc 5.00

Total saved for month 334.61.

Obviously that isn't all going into investment savings. Some is kept in contingency and holiday funds. Nevertheless, a good month (of course it was a short one, so I should have spent less)