Boomeyers's Digging Out of Debt

I have been carrying the responsibility of this debt myself. I am going make my husband listen to how much we owe. He chooses not to know, but I am tired of doing it alone. This could mean divorce for him. Seriously. So lets see if I can do it before the end of the week.

I have been making my list for our 4th of July celebration. I already have beans, and eggs for the deviling. The list is still long. I am going to try a new pasta salad. I was quite unimpressed with the prices though. 2 packs of OM hot dogs for $3.00, tomatoes .99 a pound. No one really has hamburger on sale! Whats up with that? One store in town has a $10 off a $50 order, so I will probably go there. It is always a crazy madhouse on special days before a holiday though!

Here is the link to the Ziploc freebie. It is from Clean Home Journal. They want you to sign up for their free newsletter too. http://www.cleanhomejournal.com/offers/July2008/?hs225=chj&h...

Before we left on our trip, I hired my nephew to come over and haul a bunch of furniture from all over the house, out to the garage. I then posted it on Craigslist. I like that it is free to post, but people sure string you along. I DID sell this lovely bedroom set and a chair. Then, the day before we left, I held a "quickie" garage sale and sold another chair and the day bed. We gave away a piece of exercise equipment to the people that bought the bedroom set (we just wanted it gone!) and I have to still get a headboard to a lady who says she wants it, but never shows up. I also have to post an entertainment center. Then after the sale, my daughters helped me haul everything to the thrift store. I feel so FREE and PURGED!! I can't say the Craigslist expeience was wildly successful, but it wasn't bad.

We just got back from a quick trip to Branson Missouri. Took the kids to Silver Dollar City. We were supposed to take out a boat on Saturday, but would'nt you know, they got about 8 INCHES of rain! So we spent our time in town, did some shopping at an outlet mall (are these places really cheaper? I don't think so, unless you find a good clearance!) We also went to the Titanic exhibit. Very educational, but quite a downer. My DH said, "What did you expect, them all to live and a happy ending??" Well, it is vacation! So now we are home safe and sound. I had chosen a condo based on the internet and emailing with the owner. There was a little "stretched" lingo in the verbage. We were nowhere near the water, lake or pool. But oh well, since it rained anyway. They also said they had internet connection. I called her about this and "lo and behold" there must be something wrong with it, but it is located in another unit. Whatever. We sponged off someones wireless that did'nt need a password. All in all, a good time was had, except for DH who did'nt have good fishing!

Spent today going through my coupons, purging, adding new ones. I saved over $10 at the store today! Whenever we have eaten out lately we have used coupons and gift cards. It pays to try to be a little organized.

DH and DD2 got 2008 Six Flags season passes for $10 each last year for going on the last day.
So I bought the "family pack" for myself and DD1 and DD3, with the parking pass. Today, it paid for itself and it is only June! I love that they have free coupons to bring friends and with your pass, you get a discount at every shop for drinks, etc. They have an awesome water park at our Six Flags too. So it was waterpark, out to the parking lot for our lunch from the cooler, under the trees, then back in for rides. The day was hot, but there was a breeze and the lines were SHORT!
Good time for all girls and friends, and everything from here on out is GRAVY!

I put the CC's away. I was'nt brave enough to cut them up - YET. But I did take them, seal them in an envelope and then wrap packing tape, round, and round, and round, and.... well, you get it. Just to make it daunting to get out. I thought about freezing them too. Will have to see if I have to go that far.

The stimulus check should come in a week or so. It is all accounted for. Just paying things off and using a bit for our vacation. Oh, and we had to put a new alternator in the van. DH did a good job calling around and we got it for $300.

Ok, warning, this is a boring post, but I thought for those of you who are wondering about Aldi's prices or want to compare costs for other Aldi's or just other grocery stores, here it is....

Plain bagels 1.39
Boxed au gratin potatoes .85
Mac and cheese .33
Beef Hot dogs 1.97
Frozen apple juice concentrate 12 oz. .85
Wide egg noodles .99
Frozen waffles 10 count .99
Shredded cheese 12oz. 2.79
Fudge brownie mix .97
Snack crackers 16 oz. 1.49
Iceburg lettuce 1 head .59
Instant choc pudding .39
Real Chocolate Chips 12 oz. .99
Sour cream 16 oz. .99
Cream cheese .99
Brown sugar 2 lbs. .88
Thin spaghetti 32 oz. 1.39
Mild Salsa 24 oz. 1.49
Tomato juice 46 oz. .99
Whole grain white bread 1.29
Tortilla chips .99
Cat litter 3.49
Chocolate sauce 1.19

Well another interview and another rejection. I guess I should be happy I even got the interview. I will keep sending the resumes out, but I am starting to feel guilty about killing all those trees! The worst part is having to stay at this job that is driving me to drink!!

I entered a raffle last weekend for DD3's school and was the winner of $100. Boy that felt good!!

The dragons at work forced out another worker and I have been putting in full time hours. It is such a shame, I finally got the raise and now the opportunity to work full time, but I would'nt want to work for these people for nuttin! Still trying desperately to get out!! Still sick to my stomach whenever I have to go to work!

On the bright side, I did get a call from DD3's school for a job interview and DD2 is taking my resume to HER school tomorrow! Cross your fingers!

I received this email from Turbotax today. I chose to have the Turbotax fees taken from my tax return, instead of paying with a credit card. This explains why I have'nt received my money yet:



Dear Valued Customer,

We want to provide you with the most up–to–date information about the tax rebate to which you may be entitled.

Recently, you may have received a letter from the IRS advising you when to expect your Economic Stimulus Payment (rebate). That IRS letter may have inadvertently left off some important information. Taxpayers who chose to have their tax preparation fees deducted from their federal tax refund will receive their tax rebate in the mail, not via direct deposit.

Our records show that you chose this payment option in TurboTax. As a result, the IRS has determined that you will receive your tax rebate in the mail. This may result in you receiving your rebate on a date later than expected.

This situation, while not unique to TurboTax, is understandably causing some concern and confusion. To help further clarify the situation, below is the most current IRS rebate payment processing schedule, as well as additional resources about the tax rebates.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you still have questions, the best source for the most up-to-date information is www.irs.gov (see the "Rebate Payment Questions" link).

Sincerely,

Bob Meighan

Vice President, TurboTax Customer Advocacy


If the last two digits
of your Social Security
number are: Payments will be
mailed no later than:
00 – 09 May 16
10 – 18 May 23
19 – 25 May 30
26 – 38 June 6
39 – 51 June 13
52 – 63 June 20
64 – 75 June 27
76 – 87 July 4
88 – 99 July 11

Other sources for current information on the rebate program are.

• http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=182734,00.html
• http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=182735,00.html

For more information on TurboTax and rebates, please visit http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/kb/tax-content/tax-tips/6255.html

The check never came. I tried to catch up with the IRS, but all I got was a maze of numbers to push and a hang up. We should have received our money by deposit on May 9th. I will try to investigate again tomorrow.
We have had nothing but rain and clouds for weeks. Very depressing. Been fighting very hard againist the depression (I've never really HAD depression before), but not so good. Too much debt, a terrible job and lack of ability to be hired anywhere else.... well, it adds up. Ugh.

Hope everyone has a great cinco de mayo! We had a lovely Frito-y, cheesey, yummy casserole for dinner!

After 4 long years of waiting, I finally received a pay raise! I'm glad for the money, but it really feels like I have sold my soul to the devil. These people don't do it for you, they do it so you can be obligated to them. We lost another receptionist, she quit, so they are hiring for the other location which means the extra hours I would have worked there are gone. I don't really mind, as I would have used lots of gas to get there! I am learning more back office work and figure I will use the training for more job experience. Lots of bookkeeping stuff. Hope I don't screw it up! :-)

Well, due to my last post, I have been AWOL. I have been working a LOT and busy every other second! I've been on field trips too and had a fundraiser for DD1's Girl Scout trip to New York city. Working a lot will have its perks in my paychecks, but I am TIRED and I am spending too much eating out. Need to take stock of food and make meal plan. I'm just too tired. Round and round it goes! I did get a Dove free sample from Walmart and today is a NICE Schick Quattro razor for DH. Love freebies!! Can you believe they are rationing rice at the club stores. A little scary!

Okay, I'll make a long story long. Over a year ago we had a change of management. The ladies came in and took over and most of our office agents left and most of our staff is gone now too! We have one lady that wants to control EVERYTHING and will drive you nuts till you quit if she doesn't like you. Sooooo, while they have been ditching office staff, we have been picking up the slack of missing people. No raise, just more responsibility. Soooooo anyway, today another lady walked in and quit. So we are down to 4 receptionist for 2 locations. It looks like I will be getting more hours, and I made the hint that I would like more money. Of course that fell on deaf ears. Sooooo...anyway, I will be working lots of hours, lots of weekends and have even MORE responsibilities. At least I have a job.

I paid the bills with DH's check last week. Had to borrow from the savings acct. Now, this check will be less than I had expected and I need to make DH's car payment (aka, the garage paperweight) and pay to see DD2's talent show and I need gas, oh, and then the regular grocery expenses. Ugh. I know somehow we will make it through, but I hate feeling like a desperate kid that wants to go to the movies with her friends, or buy a new blouse. It's aggrevating to be an adult and to feel this way. Yes, I could use a credit card and alleviate my frustrations, but I really want to stay the course and reverse process. Ahhh.... a nice whine. I feel better now!

With best intentions, I went to Walgreens to use my $5 off coupon with $20 purchase. I bought DD2 a flat iron and I bought a couple of things for the Girl Scouts "April Showers" event. However, after dropping off DD2 at her babysitting job, picking up "the girls" for bunko, and making sure I had money for bunko, I realized I forgot to use my stupid coupon!! >( Doggone it! As a useful bonus however, DD2 does not like the flat iron and wants to return it. Ugh.

DH will be paid tonight through the auto payment. It is already spent, but I will get to see what our exact salary will be now that I have upped our deductions to 5.

Went to the grocery store. Bought 64.42 worth of groceries for 46.41!

I went to work for my Pampered Chef friend. She had my gift card payments for my work last month. I got $60 to Walmart, $22 to Home Depot and $40 to Chevys. I got a LOT of stuff for my Walmart GC! I am proud! I got 5 Colgate toothbrushes for .26 cents each! We have a donation drive this weekend for the Girl Scouts. They pick up personal care items to give to local food pantrys. I will put some of the toothbrushes in for that. I got 2 Crest toothpastes for .50 Each. Would have got more, but they did'nt have any more. So anyway, good shopping deals today! I am planning on using the Walgreens special tomorrow (Happy Couponing mentioned it in her blog).

Will play bunko with girlfriends tomorrow night. $5 for an evening of fun with the girls is quite a bargain. Have really stretched my garage sale money out!

I have'nt posted much, because I am in auto mode. Paycheck comes, is divvied out and we wait for another pay day. Ugh. Soooo sllllooooowwwww. Feel like I will be in debt for ever.

Had my own garage sale. Pretty good. Was so sick, DD1 did majority of work on it. Made about $120, gave DD1 $40 cut for her hard work. Still have tons of stuff to put out. May set up again if subdivision has a sale. Gave my neighbor TONS of clothes. She brought down her wagon and we loaded it up so high she had to have her daughter hold onto it to get it home!

Thinking about starting my own website to see if I can bring in extra money. Doing a little research into it and asking some other online friends how they do it. Can't think of anything catchy to call it. Would like to stick with Boomeyers in the name, but what would go well with that?? Thoughts??

Have I been waiting for this!! I had planned to have my own garage sale today and use some of the money for snowflaking our debt, but the city department decided to tear up all of our streets and repair them, so I thought I would wait a little bit. The weather was also windy and cold!

But I digress!!!.... I went to an indoor sale and was given a bag to fill with clothes for $5!! Yee Haw! Even if I thought it MIGHT fit someone, I threw it in! I got soccer socks for DD3's practices, socks for DD1, a jacket for DD3, some lounging pants for DD1 (Tommy H, very nice and soft!) and some extra clothes for my neice that my mom can keep at her house for emergencys. I did get DD3 some more shirts and some misc. sports shirts, one for the Cardinals and two for the Rams. Nice to have on hand if we go to a game or sometimes they have spirit days at school. Did'nt get anything in the way of shoes, but I did pick up a pair of jeans for my picky DD2 for .50 and a computer game for whoever for $1. also got 2 cute reindeer decorations for Christmas and 4 cookies from the bake sale (gotta have breakfast!)

All total I spent $7 at the indoor sale and 1.50 at the other sale. Not bad. The season is just starting!!!!!

Gotta love em! Got a Tide sample from Costco in the mail and a Dove sample from Walmart. Love free!

Great dinner with friends tonight. Really enjoyed being with "the girls". What a treat!

Sad, but true. I returned some things (with receipt of course) and will use that money to have dinner with some girlfriends tomorrow night. I also invested in a food processor. I got it from Aldi for 16.99. Can't wait to use it. I hate buying appliances and usually am selling them in garage sales, but I have had the need 3 times in the last month for one, so I will give it a spin!

I guess I'll say it is REWARDING the kids for saving money! At Easter time my kids have gotten too old for stuffed bunnys and crayons, so they have VERY generous family who give them lovely cards with money in them. (Not me! I still give them just candy and a special treat). Each child made off with $50 total. I told them if they put $20 of that in their savings account, I would add $5 to their account too. Bingo! All three stashed the cash! I'm so proud!

I hope you all have a terrific and blessed Easter!

I posted before how Citi had moved its due date backwards and we had a "late" payment. The charged us the lovely $39.00. This statement, I now see that the late payment is listed as a "standard purchase" and is being charged an 11.99% interest rate. Do they know how to get you coming and going, or what!!!!

This is working out well. The real estate agent that has me work for her, let me work from home today. I put in 4 hours for her. (This is all she had budgeted for me for the week.) Then last night I worked from home for the Pampered Chef lady and got in 1.5 hours. I will hope to do more for the Pampered Chef lady tonight or tomorrow. Love the computer! Sure has helped the bottom line!

I went today to see if I qualified for a Fibromyalgia study. I was very disappointed to find I am not in enough pain to qualify! Ugh! What hurts even more, was that I found out they would have paid $450. I am aggrevated because I have no validation for the fibromyalgia, because I have never been diagnosed formally with it, so I was hoping someone would finally have said, "Yes, we believe what you are feeling is real." Ugh.

Hope everyone had a safe and fun St. Patricks Day!!

I guess I'm really looking for a laying hen. Hmmmm.... guess the neighborhood association would'nt like that. Maybe I could pay them off in eggs? They are getting as costly as gold!

I have been doing an unscientific study to see who has the cheapest food. I have actually been working on a price book! The eggs at Aldi, as of now, are $1.79 for a dozen. Followed closely by $1.80 at Costco, but they must be bought in bulk of 36 eggs. Walmart came in at $1.92. Our local "nicey-nice" store is $2.67 a dozen!! I almost fainted when I saw the 18 count pack for $4.09!!!!

That is all for the egg report. I will follow up with milk and bread!