• $0

I like days when we don’t spend any money. They used to be few and far between, but they are becoming more and more frequent. Whether that’s because of smart spending or because we’re working too much to go out and buy anything, I can’t say.

How long have you gone without spending any money?

I’m going to bet that there are quite a few investors and bankers out there who are in need of good rehab centers considering the current state of the economy. It’s a fact that in times of economic downturn, the sales of chocolate and liquor increase because they are comfort items. They make us feel good and help us to forget our worries.

• $55 Target
• $10 gas (Only a half tank. I had to fill up when I saw $2.64!)
• $110 Costco $55 Walmart (groceries)
• $140 Burlington

I’m almost ready for winter. I bought new winter socks (Target), a new down coat (Burlington), and a king size electric blanket with dual controls (Costco). Using an electric blanket can lower your heating bill by up to 10%!

I went grocery shopping at Walmart because it was the only store open when I headed out this morning, and (I know I say this every time) never again. They were out of bread, skim milk, and green onions and the whole place just has a really bad vibe. Ick.

I’m an excellent shopper. People think we spend money left and right because we always have something new, but they don’t know that I buy everything on sale. It pains me not to.

My most recent example of bargain shopping is the $400 worth of clothes I bought yesterday from Old Navy for $166. I had a 20% off coupon stacked with a 15% off coupon, plus free shipping, $30 in cardmember rewards, and I bought several 2-for-1 items.

I got some warm winter clothes and my husband got new jeans and cords because he’s gone all Hemaguno on me and last year’s winter wardrobe doesn’t fit and I get the satisfacation of knowing that I didn’t pay anywhere near full price.

• $16 gas (don’t get excited, it was only half a tank)
• $4 Starbucks

Starbucks was a must this morning since I had a client in town for the second day in a row. I also ordered some new shoes and took advantage of the Old Navy sale for some winter clothes for my husband, but alas, those purchases were put on a credit card so you’ll see those amounts at a later date.

Don’t ask me how it happened, but we have extra money this payday, and it’s going towards bills! We threw a little extra at our debt, are paid two months ahead on Sallie Mae and a month ahead on the car, and we still have money left for Nikon binoculars to use at our next trip to the racetrack!

• $508 State Farm (husband’s car insurance paid through June)
• $525 Chase
• $39 AT&T
• $376 car payment
• $169 Sallie Mae

My husband and I may not have any children, but when I see a trend that’s also an investment, I have to tell all my pregnant friends (and there are currently 3 of them). Not only is a Bugaboo stroller a trendy baby accessory with a contemporary look, its functional (with the ability to go from stroller to car seat) with loads of ad ons (umbrellas, cup holders, and travel cases) that will last from baby to baby and never go out of style. Bugaboo is know for its durability and safety and has exceeded consumer (and baby) expectations since it hit the market.
You know a product is well designed and a hot item when someone outside its target market (me!) wants one!