So I noticed on my latest credit card statement from unnamed big bank credit card that I got charged and $19 "membership fee." Are you kidding me? This was a no annual fee credit card when I originally signed up. Where was the notice that I'd be getting charged this? So, because I'm behind on the bill, they of course are hounding me trying to get me to commit to a payment, etc. I told the guy many times in no uncertain terms that I could not arrange a payment right now. They of course don't care about my situation and are obviously reading from a script so while I was on the phone with him, I decided to mention this $19 fee. He didn't know what to do (but still of course asked me to set up a payment) and finally transferred me to a supervisor. She gave me a courtesy credit on the "membership fee" and I'm happy about that. Every little bit helps. I'll be happy when I get this one paid off (the balance is less than $400 but I just can't seem to shake it!) and can just have it "there" for the sake of building my credit back up.

So, that's my small victory. Granted, that $19 is about to be given to unnamed big box store when I go do some shopping but I'd rather spend it on diapers or food than "membership fees" The long and short of it - it doesn't hurt to be a squeaky wheel - you never know when they'll give you that "courtesy credit."

Hope everyone has a good day!

It's been a while since I've visited...almost two years. I'm still working at the same company and am anticipating a raise soon. That will help even though it will probably only amount to $20/paycheck. Every little bit helps though. We aren't in any better position financially then we were before I got this job. A series of events has conspired against us and now it's my hubby that is looking for a new job. I'm sure something will come through soon as all the "seasonal" jobs are beginning to hire - i just worry about whether it will be enough to make everything work with daycare and all our other expenses.

In the meantime, I'm plugging away and paying things as best I can. I could play the "if only" game and look back and forward but I won't because it really doesn't do any good except waste energy/time thinking about things. So, there you have it. Some days I get really down and out while others I thank god that I have a house and a family that loves and supports me. It's been a tough couple of years and honestly, I still don't really see a light at the end of the tunnel but hey - I could always win powerball tonight! haha.

So, this week was not too bad. I didn't spend any money until last night. DH and I went grocery shopping and spent more than we intended BUT, DH did something to save some money so that made me happy. He bought bagels and cream cheese instead of buying it in the mornings. He's really trying and even though he is a sucker for toys for DS, it's okay.

I have to go grocery shopping today but I have my ads in front of me and will get down to business with the ads and the coupons. I don't need much really - it's more of a stocking up trip if there are any good deals.

We had some fresh produce from the garden and given to us this week so my produce bill is nothing this week. I think I probably saved about $20-25 in produce alone.

Tonight is an eating out night - we haven't eaten out in about 2 weeks (probably a record for us) but I need a change as I'm going a little stir crazy with the cooking thing.

I went to the same grocery store today and at pretty much the same time as last week but a different day. This week, a guy walked up to me and handed me coupons to use to double my coupons up to $2 for $25/more. Since the three coupons I had were for $1, I "found" $3 today! Woo hoo!

And, the cashier automatically gave me the $10 rebate on the soda...even better!

Today I saved close to $70. Too bad I can't transfer that to a CC or something though.

DH gets paid today. Have to pay some bills but also need to be more careful about how much I leave in the account to get through the week. May not be able to pay as much as I'd like but oh well what can you do? Maybe next week will be easier.

In the meantime, I don't really need to do any major grocery shopping this week as we had a big trip last week but I do need to get to Sam's and pick up some stuff. Sigh - it's always something, right?

At the grocery store, someone walked up to me and asked me if I wanted their points to put towards a $20 off on my grocery bill. I said sure and was pleasantly surprised to find that I had enough points all together to use! Yay! There's my $20 savings for the day! Some people are just really super nice.

So I was super worried at the beginning of the week that a bunch of stuff was going to bounce due to DH's lack of communication with me regarding how much $$ was left after the bills were paid.

Checked online today and at most, one thing bounced. I'm hoping that I don't get charged but you never know. I'm not going to call - I'll just build it in and if they don't charge us - it will go to the savings account.

Hoping to get some of the bills out of the way today. It's been tough because we have to make weekly mortgage payments in order to get caught up but we'll manage. Especially if I get that job.

So one thing or another always seems to happen. DH and I *usually* communicate very well when it comes to money - you have to when you barely have enough coming in to make your bills. However, over the weekend, he took money from the ATM without asking how much was left after paying the bills this week. Grumble. So, it will be a stressful couple of days until we get a paycheck on Wed. night. I have a feeling we will be overdrafting some stuff but hopefully it won't be too bad. I think it may be time to wrap up all the coins in the house and deposit those! Sigh.