ThreeBeanSalad

I'm a bad girl for a couple of reasons:

1.) I haven't been entering expenses in Quicken. I've caught up with it now, but it's a pain to get behind and try to remember where the $$ went (especially cash ).
2.) I was over "budget" in May, and will also be over budget in June.

Beginning in January, I challenged myself to live each month off my stipend (usually about $1340 / month take home) while contributing $150 to my Roth IRA. I have other streams of income beside my stipend, like babysitting, interest, and random odd jobs, but I've been trying to just sock that money away.

I won't bother listing all the categories, but I was $262.81 over my stipend in May. I did so well with this Challenge until April. I need to get back on the wagon!

There are a few reasons for the extra expenses, but the major reason is that I've allowed myself a little more liberty in spending because in May I was offered to teach 2 summer classes for which I will be paid ~$5,000 in total, before taxes. I will get the money at the end of June. I decided to use this unexpected "windfall" to max out my 2007 Roth ASAP (by the end of June, I will have contributed $2000, so I'll use the teaching money to top it off at $4K). The remainder I'll put in savings, but I have been very liberal the last few weeks in treating myself to some new clothing, some nice shampoo, etc. All in all, it will probably end up being a few hundred dollars in "treats".

I was going to write how I work really hard and deserve the "treats", but I know that's just rationalizing. It is what it is. I wanted the stuff. I have it now. I think I'm still in good financial shape and the world will keep turning.I need to find a way to balance feeling guilty about spending and enjoying the money I earn. Actually, the more I think about it, I don't really feel guilty about it. I'm just cognizant, and perhaps that *is* the middle ground.

There are so many reasons to love the Dollar Tree: The cute gifts bags, the cleaning supplies, the adoreable party decorations (I recently saved bundle buying all the decorations for a baby shower at the Dollar Tree).

But, by far, the item I buy most frequently at the Dollar Tree is greeting cards. The cards, unlike most items at the Dollar Tree, are $0.50 / each. There's a wide selection, and the quality of the card stock is pretty good.

Recently while looking for a birthday card for Mr. Bean I found this one:



It reads: "I'm not the type who buys the first birthday card I see, ya know!"



"First, I check to see how much it costs. Happy Birthday"

Perfect! Dollar Tree, you've done it again!

Mark Bittman from the New York Times examines the illustrious Bean Salad:

I spoke with the Mom in need of overnight babysitting and she agreed to doing a 1-month trial. In fact, she said she appreciated my concern about the commitment and implied that it showed that I was serious and responsible. I'll start in late July. I feel very comfortable with the situation now.

Last week I went to see Mr. Bean in Washington, DC. I posted an ad one of our Community Message boards offering a round tip ride to DC in exchange for $40 to cover gas and tolls. I ended up taking a a very pleasant female graduate student from India. I appreciated the money, and she appreciated an affordable way to get out of our small college town and see Washington. In fact, she asked to ride with me next time I go to see him in a few weeks. All in all, a win-win. I'll add the $40 to my Challenge:

Old Total: $1401.44
+ $40.00 ride share
------------------------
New Total: $1441.44

I met with a family earlier this evening in need of regular overnight childcare. Mom is nurse who works 12 hour overnight shifts, Dad works for FedEx and was recently moved to nights. They need a sitter 2-3 times / week from ~9pm (some nights 11pm)until 7:30am. The kids will be in bed at arrival and Mom will wake them up and get them ready for school in the morning. The house is just a few miles from my own. Sitter will have use of the spare bedroom and can sleep. The pay seems negotiable, but she suggested $~50 / night, but said she would "pay me what I needed". I'm very tempted. At $50 / night, I would make ~$500 / month-- and most of the time I'd be sleeping. However, it's a big commitment and I would feel obligated to stay even if it wasn't working out for me just because that's the way I am. Even though I would be sleeping, it would mean I'd be away from my home (and my adorable kitty) a significant portion of the week. I'm not hard up for money, and next year, after I graduate, I'll be making at least 2.5x my current graduate student stipend as a post doc. But, I still like making money, and have gotten very good at socking away the cash from my "odd jobs" into my high yield savings.

I think I'm going to call the mom back tomorrow and say that I'd like to give it a try, but would like to do so on a 1-month trial basis. I know she's interviewing other people, so I'll also add that I understand if she prefers to go with someone who is willing to make the commitment from the get-go.

What do you think?

Old Total: $1389.44
+ $20.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1401.44

Tonight was probably the last time that I'll babysit for the "usual" family until they return from their summer travels in August. I'm so sad! I've really grown close to the kids- especially the little girl (the boys are great, too, but they are older and more independent). The little girl asked me If I babysit for other kids and if she was my favorite. I said that was indeed my favorite because she was my friend. She seemed pleased- but it's true!

I interviewed yesterday with another family who needs an occasional sitter. I expect that they'll call at some point, but their kids also go away (to Grandparents) for a substantail part of the summer.

Old Total: $1349.44
+ $40.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1389.44

I keep meaning to write a real entry, but I've been so busy all I can do is keep up with the Challenge for now!

When I set out to reach my goal of $1500 by June 30, I had no idea I'd end up being this close! Yes, I realize I still have a month to go, but the family I babysit for is leaving the country in a few weeks for the entire summer- hence the main source of my $20 Challenge income goes on vaction, too!

To make up for the loss of income,
I have contacted another family who posted an ad for summer babysitter. I also have a small pile of clothes to try to re-sell at Plato's Closet. I'm going to need to get creative to come up with another $100 in the next month (I anticipate making another $30-40 babysitting before they go on vacation).

Eveery little bit helps, right?

I sold a book on half.com

Old Total: $1346.88
+ $2.56 half.com sale
------------------------
New Total: $1349.44

Reaching my goal of $1500 by the end of June is going to be close!

Old Total: $1304.88
+ $42.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1346.88

One of my goals for 2007 is to live off my monthly graduate student stipend while paying $150 / month into an IRA. All other money I receive (odds jobs and gifts) is funneled into my high yield savings account.

My April expenses looked like this:

Auto: $47.00
Clothing $109.97
Dining $18.82
Entertainment $7.00
Gifts Given: $88.13
Groceries $29.65
Joint Expenses $900.00 (includes rent, utilities, food, gas, etc)
IRA Contribution $150
--------------------------------
TOTAL EXPENSES: $1303.79
Total March Stipend $1296.00

Uh oh! I overspent my stipend by $7.79.

A few explanations, I went to three baby showers in April—hence the high gifts given category. One of the showers was out of state. I rode with a friend, and gave her $47 to cover gas and tolls (typically I don’t have an “auto” category since the car expenses shard my Mr. Bean and I go into our joint expenses). Clothing was high this month because I bought a new business suit.

Once again, I failed to live directly off my stipend, but this month was at least closer to target than

I ventured back to the Goodwill today. The trip was more of a form of entertainment than to fulfill a specific purchase. I admit it’s not the most frugal form of entertainment, but it sure is cheaper than a trip to the Mall. I ended up with great some great clothes that I can’t wait to wear.

For the current summer season, I found a great pair of cropped khaki J.Jill pants (I paid $5.59, new I imagine they cost at least $49). For Fall I found a pair of Ann Taylor cords for $0.25, and a Mossimo sweater for $4.99. The picture doesn’t do the sweater justice, but I just LOVE it.



I also picked up this cute little fleece for my niece ($1.20)



I also couldn’t resist this beautiful orchid plate for $0.69.



It will add a nice touch to the whimsical feel I’m trying to create on our porch. Meredith at

I have so much to write about, but I've been so busy! At the very least, I can keep up with updates of my Challenge:

Old Total: $1264.88
+ $40.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1304.88

More to come, soon! I still need to review and psot my April spending analysis, too!

Mr. Bean recently cleaned out his closet in preparation for the upcoming move. I washed and ironed a bunch of his rejects to try to sell at

Things have been crazily chaotic in Beanland.

Mr. Bean has accepted a job in a city ~ 250 miles away, but I need to stay here to finish up my PhD. He's movng, I'm staying and getting a roommate so I can stay in our current house without breaking the bank. Roommmate interviews currently underway. Oi Vay! This promises to be an interesting year! On the positive side, his new job sounds very exciting and the compensation sure beats a graduate school stipend. I've also agreed to teach teach 2 summer sessions of Nutrition 100 at the University where I'm a graduate student. I'll get paid ~$5000 (before taxes) over the summer for this. I'm not sure if I'll add this to my Challenge tally. Maybe I'll keep it on a separate line or something.

I do have a few more Challenge additions:

$60 for babysitting and $7.69 for selling a little tester of a Lancome perfume on eBay. I was going to throw the perfume tester out and then thought, "Huh. maybe someone would buy this on eBay?!?" Glad I did!

Old Total: $1153.69
+ $60.00 babysitting
$7.69 eBay sales
------------------------
New Total: $1261.38

I earned $40 babysitting last night.

Old Total: $1153.69
+ $40.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1193.69

I just checked back in the archives and saw that my goal for the Challenge is $1500 by June 30th. I knew my goal total for June was was $1500, but I couldn't remember if it was June 1 or June 30. I'm glad I made it June 30th- I think I can do it!

I decided to try again at "selling" coupons ons eBay. I had three coupons for free bags of pet food (13 lbs in total). The coupons sold at auction for $6.00 + $0.39 shippping, but after all was said and done, my profit was $5.18 which I will add to the Challenge.

Old Total: $1148.51
+ $5.18 coupons on eBay
------------------------
New Total: $1153.69

I bought this celery from Aldi exactly one week ago:



Note to self: Aldi's great produce prices probably mean a shorter life once purchased. We were able to eat about half of the $0.99 purchase before it headed south for retirement.

I diced the remaining limp celery to freeze. I can through it in a soup or something.

Old Total: $1084.51
+ $64.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1148.51

Last night was a late night babysitting- the parents didn't get home until 1:30am so it was after 2am by the time I was home and in bed.

Luckily I was able to sleep in this morning. The good news is that the later they stay out, the more I earn!

Old Total: $1057.51
+ $27.00 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1084.51

I made $27 babysitting Thursday night. I'm supposed to babysit again tonight, so (hopefully) I'll have more to add by the end of the weekend.

A few weeks ago I posted my planned Aldi shopping list
along with the prices according to a price list compiled by Amy
price list compiled by Amy at MomAdvice. Amy’s prices were based off the August 2006 prices at her Indiana Aldi.

Below is a list of what I actually bought (minus the chocolate bars!) and the price I paid. You’ll notice some prices are the same as Amy’s, but many are higher:

FREEZER:
Whipped Topping: $0.75 each
Ground Turkey (85% lean): $0.79 / lb
Frozen Broccoli Cuts: $0.89 / 16 oz
Frozen Peas / Frozen Corn: $0.79 / 16 oz
REFRIGERATOR:
Hummus: $1.69 / 8 oz
Low Fat Cottage Cheese: $1.79 / 24 oz
Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt: $1.39 / 32 oz
Not from Concentrate Orange Juice: $2.49 / 64 oz
Sliced Turkey Breast Meat: $2.99 / lb
PRODUCE:
Bananas: $0.39 / lb
Plums: $0.39 / each (I thought it was 0.39 / lb—so either me or the cashier made a mistake!)
Fresh Flat Leaf Spinach: $1.39 / 9 oz
Celery: $0.99 / bunch
Onions: $1.49 / 3 lb
Baby Carrots: $0.99 / lb
Multi- Color Pepper: $2.99 / 3 pack
SHELF:
Canola Oil: $1.79 / 48 oz
Canola Cooking Spray: $1.29 / can
Diced Tomatoes: $0.45 / 14.5 oz
Tomato Paste: $0.33 / 6 oz
Hazelnut Spread: $1.69/ 14.1 oz
Golden Raisins:$1.99 / 15 oz
Coffee: $4.49 / 39 oz

Things I didn’t buy that I had planned to:

Pure Maple Syrup: In addition to the flavored syrup, they did have 100% Pure Maple Syrup for $3.79 / 8.5 oz. I bought some at a better price earlier in the week at the grocery store.

Eggs: I don’t remember the price, but I know they were over $0.99, which was the going price at my typical supermarket that week

100% Whole Wheat Bread: There was hardly any bread when I visited the store and ZERO whole grain bread!


All in all, I’m very happy with the quality of the Aldi products. It’s fun to check out the bargains at a new store, but given that my local supermarket chain doubles coupons up to $1, I don’t feel that making a special trip to Aldi is worth it aside from when my travels tae me in that direction.

Old Total: $1014.51
+ $43 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1057.51

It's been a while since I've babysat or been able to add to the challenge.

I met a new family earlier this week who needs an occasional babysitter, so hopefully that will develop into a new job. Let's hope thing will start looking up again!

Happy Easter!

If your grocery store doubles coupons up to a $1.00 (like mine), then using coupons saves money—hands down!. The trick is to hold your coupons and wait until the grocery store has the item on sale. Typically this is 2 -4 weeks after the coupon was issued in the Sunday paper. Yes, there are a lot of coupons for processed foods. I don’t even bother clipping those. But, there are definitely healthy foods that can be purchased with coupons. Below is a list of what I purchased this week:

Nature’s Valley Granola Cereal (14 oz): $0.50
Caprelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil (25.5 oz): $3.99
2 x Newman’s Own Spaghetti Sauce (28 oz): $1.00
4 x Kraft Cheddar Cheese ( 8 oz) $1.00
4 x Juicy Juice (64 oz): $1.00
2 x Bumble Bee Pouch Tuna (3 oz): free
Quaker Oatmeal Breakfast Bars: free
Fruity Cheerios: free
Dreamfield’s High Fiber Pasta: free
Fantastik Spray Cleaner: free
Scott Toilet Tissue 4-Pack: free
Kleenex Anti Viral Tissue: free

The Quaker Breakfast Bars are an item I wouldn’t typically pay for, but for free I’m sure they’ll get happily consumed on some hike or as a snack during a car trip. The Fruity Cheerios also aren’t something I’d typically pay for, but also won’t pass up for free! The coupons for both of these items were $1 off / 1 item. Knowing that it’s possible these items could go on sale for $2, I clipped the coupons understanding that I would only use it if the item was at this price ($2) since it would be free after doubling. I held on for them for about 1 month, and then, viola! They were offered at the right price!

One of my preferred brands of spaghetti sauce is Francesco Rinaldi. The store often runs 10/ $10 sales on Francesco Rinaldi, so the Newman’s Own at $1 / jar isn’t a great find. Still, it’s nice to mix up the brands, especially for other high quality brands like Newman’s Own. Newman’s Own also has a Vodka sauce which Francesco Rinaldi doesn’t (at least in the 10 / $10 deals).

I had planned to buy the Aldi version of Juicy Juice and cheese since I’ll be near the Aldi again this week, but with a coupon, the grocery store is still cheaper (Aldi Juicy Juice is $1.89 and 8 oz of cheddar is $1.39).

Mr. Bean is out of town again. While he's away, I try to cook foods that I enjoy but he doesn't (or as I like to think-- foods for which he lacks the culinary sophistication to enjoy ;-)

Tonight I made Vegetarian Borscht.

I decided to make borscht when I spotted fresh beets at the grocery store earlier today (something the store doesn't always carry). There was also a huge display of canned beets. Does anyone know if beets part of the Passover tradition- or was the onslaught of beets just a coincidence? I am from a Ukrainian heritage, so I grew up eating a lot of beets, but as far as I know beets aren't part of a traditional American Easter.

Despite the tower of canned beets, I went with the fresh. I've never tried canned beets, but I was tempted this afternoon since peeling and cutting fresh beets is such a messy task. I'll use the beet greens for another recipe (maybe a lasagna?) I also found a use for those pesky pink skins:



While my soup was cooking, I boiled the skins a mixture of water and vinegar and then tossed in a few eggs. Viola! Natural pink dye for Easter eggs!

One of my goals for 2007 is to live off my monthly graduate student stipend while paying $150 / month into an IRA. All other money I receive (odds jobs and gifts) is funneled into my high yield savings account.

My March expenses looked like this:

Clothing $36.69
Dining $46.62
Entertainment $84.85
Gifts Given $42.97
Groceries $6.89
Household $3.50
Joint Expenses $1000.00 (includes rent, utilities, food, gas, etc)
Medical $6.00
Parking $4.00
Personal Care $66.00
IRA Contribution $150
--------------------------------
TOTAL EXPENSES: $1447.52

Total March Stipend $1377.50

Uh oh! I overspent my stipend by $70.02.

Luckily, I’m not worried. I underspent the stipend by $90.14 in January and $139.31 in February to leave myself a $229.45 surplus. In addition, I made $290 this month in odd jobs.

So, while I’m not worried, I’m not ecstatic, either.

There are a few reasons why this month was unusual. First, Mr. Bean and I took a weekend trip and incurred extra expenses in gas and hotel. For this reason, we each contributed $1000 to our joint account rather than the typical $800. I also got my haircut this month and bought a new jar of my preferred (but pricey) moisturizer. Both of these expenses are what drove my “Personal Care” category up to $66.

I also spent ~$70 on a new paid of running shoes (I place this in entertainment category). I am an avid runner, but can typically get my shoes to last ~4 months since I have custom made orthodics which help preserve the life of the shoe. However, when my knees start to ache, I know it’s time for new shoes. My knees started hurting around March 28. The thought crossed my mind to wait a few days so I could stay place the expense in April, but then I realized how silly that was. My Challenge to live off my stipend while contributing $150 / month to an IRA is just that – a Challenge- and the months that I stay under my limit provides a cushion for month’s like the previous.

Regardless, this month proves the point of why it’s important for those of us on a relatively lower end of the income spectrum to watch how we spend our money. A few extra indulgences and you’ll find yourself in the red!

I’m taking Mr. Bean to the train station tomorrow and will be passing Aldi on the way back (both are ~ 30 miles from our house).

I’ve used Amy’s wonderful Aldi price list
to construct a list of items that we need /(or can store for use in the near future) and are cheaper than what I can purchase locally with a coupon.

I recently started keeping an Excel price book- so although it’s still in infancy, it helped me pinpoint which items are significantly less at Aldi.

I should note that Amy’s list was compiled in August 2006. I don’t know if Aldi’s prices vary regional, but these prices may not reflect what I’ll actually find at the store. For example, I already know the last time I bought cottage cheese there it was $2.28 for 24 oz, but Amy has it listed for $1.69 / 24 oz.


Here’s my list:

Pure Maple Syrup (this isn’t on Amy’s list, but I saw it there during my last trip. I don’t remember the exact price, but I remember it was cheaper than the grocery store).

Eggs ($0.69 / dozen)

OJ ($1.69 / 64 oz., I’ll only buy this if it’s not from concentrate)

Shredded Cheese (($1.69 / 12 oz)

Fresh Spinach ([if available] $1.29 / 9 oz)

Onions ($0.69 / 3#)

Multicolor Bell Peppers ($2.29 / 20 oz)

Canola Oil ($1.79 / 48 oz)

Dry Milk ($6.99 / 64 oz)

Hazel Nut Spread (1.69 / for a little piece of heaven)

Frozen Veggies ($0.69 / 16 oz)

Whipped Topping ($0.69 / 8 oz)

Ground Turkey ($0.79 / 16 oz—I’ll only buy this if it’s at least 85% lean)

Coffee *$3.29 / 39 oz)

100% Whole Wheat Bread ($1.29 / 1 loaf)

Lots and lots of tasty German Chocolate! (~ $0.99 / pound)


There are certainly other items that are a great deal at Aldi (ie. the flour is 40.89 / 5#! But I don't need any right now!)

Anything else you love to buy at Aldi? I enjoy poking around a new store and comparing prices. That will be half the fun for me!

My new socks cost $1.



I kept looking at them all day thinking that spring is ALMOST here.

A friend of ours is enrolled in a Secret Shopper program. His most frequent assignment is local Mexican Restaurant. Unfortunately for our friend (but lucky for us) his daughter got sick and they asked us to fulfill the assignment in his place.

We get re-imbursed up to $40 for the meal in return for filling out a 9 page online questionnaire about the experience. Not too bad of a deal! We ended up spending $52 at the restaurant, but we could have kept it under $40 if we wanted to (we got an appetizer, drinks, entree, and dessert).

I'm going to have to look into how to sign up for this myself!

We returned from our weekend away to a refrigerator that looks like this:



[At least there's some good beer to drink whilst we feast on Country Crock and cat food.]

I’m having an especially busy week at school and don’t have a lot of time to go shopping. Plus, I need some time to think through my grocery shopping plan of attack since I will be in the vicinity of an Aldi next week.

Sounds like it’s time for another Kitchen Staple Creation!

We all know pasta is a great solution for meals in a hurry. Some nights a bowl of pasta topped with marinara from a jar and a handful of frozen veggies hits the spot. But other times, I’m really in the mood for something more imaginative.

Penne with Spinach and Raisins is definitely one of my favorite “Go To” pasta meals for when sauce from a jar won't do the trick. The bite of the red pepper combined with the sweetness of the golden raisins is almost enough to make you think you’re in Sicily (almost). Golden raisins were not a typical staple in our house, but now I always keep a box on hand specifically for making this dish.



Penne with Spinach and Raisins

Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
4 gloves garlic, crushed
10-12 ounces spinach (I use frozen)
1 14.5 oz can Garbanzo Beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup golden raisins
½ tsp salt
¼ - ½ tsp crushed red pepper (depending on taste)
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
12 ounces cooked whole wheat penne

1. In large sauté pan, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Cook until golden. Add spinach, beans and spices. Cook ~ 5 minutes, stir in broth. Heat through.
2. Add cooked penne to spinach mixtures. Toss and enjoy!

I use Clinique Super Defense Moisturizer for my face. I’ve tried a few other types of moisturizers, but for me, none work quite as well. The only drawback is the price: $39.50 + tax for 1.7 ounces.

Since my current supply is running low, I’ve been contemplating if I really need to be paying so much for moisturizer. I thought about switching to something cheaper—like a drugstore variety moisturizer.

So, off I went to CVS (coupons in hand) to seek out a substitute. But alas, even at the drugstore most facial moisturizers with SPF (my one requirement is a SPF of at least 25) were in the $15-$20 range. That’s a lot of money to spend on something I might not be happy with.

I decided that I’d just stick with the Clinique—at the very least I know that I’m buying a product I like.

Luckily, before I re-stocked at the department store, I decided to look on eBay. Good golly—eBay is a hot bed for cosmetics! My particular moisturizer was being sold by dozens of wholesalers. I ended up being the sole bidder on a brand new jar for $19.50 + $6.50 S&H. So, my total cost was $26 compared to the $41.87 I would have spent at the department store after tax. Total savings: $15.87 and I didn’t even need to leave my house. I know this is the still a chunk of change for cosmetics, but this is a product I consider to be very high quality and it’s the only expensive cosmetic I use. Gosh darn it- if I'm going to fully fund my retirement savings I need to make sure I have fabulous looking skin in the golden years, too!

I looked for an eBay vendor with a lengthy sales history and positive feedback since I know counterfeit cosmetics exist. I plan on inspecting my purchase carefully with my current container to look for any difference in the packaging or other indication that it’s not authentic.

Anyone else shop eBay for cosmetics?

Old Total: $974.71
+ $40 babysitting
------------------------
New Total: $1014.51

I babysat last night and made $40. It feels good to pass the 1K mark since I haven't been able to add as much to the Challenge this month. This money represents new earned income from new income streams since the New Year. The bulk of it has come from babysitting and selling on eBay.

This upcoming weekend Mr. Bean and I are taking a much anticipated weekend trip to the Lodge / Hotel where we had our wedding reception. I'm really looking forward to it, especially now that I hear they have an outdoor heated hot tub! I splurged and bought a new dress at Ann Taylor Loft (my favorite store). I LOVE the dress, the price was right, and I know I'll get a lot of use out of it.

After our night at the Lodge, we're going to visit our family. While Mr. Bean was lying low and recovering from his wisdom teeth, I was cleaning out my closet. I have about 15 items I'm going to take to a higher end consignment shop near my parents’ house. They are picky about what they'll take, but I imagine I've got to have some winners in my bunch. I don’t know how profit I stand to make, but since it requires no investment on my end I figured it was worth a try. I would have expected that my town (being a College town) to have consignment shop, but all we have is a Plato's Closet. Plato's Closet is for great teen wear, but not for more professional looking clothes. They snubbed some nice Ann Taylor pieces that no longer fit me, but I expect they will be perfect for the other consignment shop. If nothing else, my clothes will be going on a 500 mile sightseeing trip this weekend!