I left you with writing down the prices to the basic items you listed to start a home. Well lets revisit the prices and list.

1. Taking pictures – Our memories are not very great and we tend to remember differently then what we actually saw. So lets not take our memories word for it. Take the extra step and take pictures as you are getting prices. Because of our financial situation, I do not have a cell phone but my hubby does. Either way I did not have a camera on hand or a device to take pictures such as a cell phone so I wrote everything down. Believe me going thru Wal-mart and Dollar Tree to write basic descriptions of the products and cost takes time. I have been to several stores and done online pricing several times. I think I have easily invested 10 hours but the best thing is I have plan and although I can be flexible I know I will accomplish most of my goal each purchase. Remember we are looking at basic needs so pictures come in handy when it comes to calculating the best buy. For example buying Dish Detergent or any liquid you will want to know the best value for your money so you need to take into consideration ounces per unit. Also very helpful to be realistic when in my case I want to have 1 yrs worth of cleaning and health and beauty products. So for me its a bit easier because a couple years ago when I first started couponing and creating my stockpile I wrote down how often we use a certain product and how much if needed for a year.

My kids are much older now so I do have to adjust shampoo, body wash, etc for their higher usage now then just a couple years ago. So as you can see these pictures will help you plan out how much you will need to reach your goal whether it will be for a year stockpile or more. Don’t rely on your memory, I’m sure you are stressing out over other items right now like me!

2. Setting up a budget plan – finances. Oh boy this is so hard to do but you really need to chug through it and write it all out so you can see the entire year and be able to see how to plan it out and know exactly how much you can spend each month toward your goal. Start with each month dates of your paychecks and how much they are or expected to be. I used Microsoft Excel to set up a simple table. I did not start from January because its passed and what was made was already spent. I started from the nearest paycheck to come. Both my hubby and I get paid close in date. I get paid 2 times a month and my paycheck is the exact same every time. I don’t have to guess is its less or more. I am not salaried but payroll purposes it seems like it. My husband on the other hand is part time and his schedule is a week to week basis but we can guess he gets between 20-23 hrs a week so for our realistic purposes and manage our money effectively we budget that his check will be the lowest he has been paid in the past year minus his first paycheck which is always the lowest. This way we know his check will be that amount for a minimum of 20 hrs a week. There is no surprises, we can expect the bare minimum and it also seems like we are cheating because we get to celebrate every time its a little more than expected which is most of the time.

Now that we have the bare minimum we know to expect for 1 months time, we can plug in our monthly expenses; groceries, fuel, car insurance, health insurance, schooling, and yes Netflix! Netflix is our sore spot. But for $7.99 we can pamper ourselves with a little entertainment! Don’t forget housing, utilities, cell phone and so on. Write down all your expenses for the month in broad categories. Really quick you will be able to see how much is going to each category. Do you find yourself shock? I hope not, now you need to write out projected costs and when you might have the services done. For example health, dental, eye appointments, oil changes and vehicle registration and inspections if your state requires them. These are expenses that are not monthly but over the course of the year you will need to have done. Don’t forget property taxes! Being able to write it all out on paper will show you where you need to plug them in your budget and how long you need to save to pay for the services. Do you feel tied down now? It was a very depressing site for me when I did this for my family. I cried and tons of thoughts went through my head about how will we ever get on our own again. I am scared and I apologize if I come of paranoid and silly but we’ve been rock bottom and its not fun. As a family we have to take every precaution and think of every little expense. We do not want to end up in the same situation we have been in.

After much prayer and talking to God, I got a grip on my emotions and realized our expenses are not so bad. They could be worse. In fact not even 12 months prior I hadn’t found a job yet and my husband was only part time and had only been working a month at most and we were so swallowed in debt and not to mention a whole lot of other stuff was going on as well. We were by the state considered homeless. I tell you this because when I started to have a fit over $20 it was a huge deal to me. $20 is a lot. I can buy about 18 items at Dollar Tree with that amount so to put that amount away in an envelope has hard for me. But I was being very silly. We could afford to put $100 away in an envelope towards a new to us car and $100 towards household items for our new place. We are not rolling in money, believe me we are not. The federal government says we are 400% below the poverty line for our size family. Doesn’t feel good at all.

So now that we have set aside in an envelope of $100 for the car and $100 for household items, we can now set our goals of our basic needs.

Check out Frugal Fresh Start Week 3

Now that you have figured out your storage issue, now its time to take a look at your lists and make a game plan.

1. Creating maps/Put your pictures in your mind down on paper. Why is this important to me? Because for me seeing things on paper, makes it feel like I can really accomplish something. Its more concrete for me plus I can erase and adjust it very easily. You can physically write and draw with paper and pencil or you can use the computer. Which ever way works best for you. If I can visualize my needs, I can create smaller goals to get to the end result.

For example I want to have our very basic needs to start a home before we move on our own. I also want to have another vehicle to replace our current one. So what does my thoughts look like on paper? For the car I put how much I want to spend, what mileage I want it to be under, the year and the possible make and models. I have also put down how much I plan on putting down upfront and that is 2500. I also wrote how much from each paycheck I am able to put towards the vehicle. The most important, I wrote down registration and licensing, taxes, inspection, insurance cost and estimated fuel for the year. I want to see the big picture of how much a car will cost us because it is a huge factor on whether we can afford it and maintain it. Remember I am paranoid so I want to make sure we can afford it before making a huge decision. Hence I don’t want to be stuck with a car payment for a couple of years. I want to pay it off before we move and yes that may seem like eight or nine months away but take 2500 and divide by eight months that is just over $300 a month and like always, things happen and I may not be able to put that much towards the car each month. I want to give ourselves some wiggle room but not put ourselves in a bad situation again.

Continue to map out each goal you want to accomplish in starting over. The more work you put into it the more will want to achieve it and make it happen.

2. Check things off as you get them. I admit it was a thrill and rush to make my first purchase trip. Now I get to actually show you what I purchased on my first trip! The hubby went back to school so getting him a book bag was one of my purchases. He had some Kohl’s gift cards from Christmas so originally I had him pick out a bag on Kohls.com. They were having a sale but even with the gift cards I was going to be spending a bit more than I was wanting. So I took the few bags selected and searched on Amazon. I found one even better than the ones selected and even cheaper with shipping included. I ended up spending $24 and some change. That left me with around $75 to spend.

Remember I had already set out to get a 12 pk of toilet paper each purchase trip so that was on my list. Just to let you know I typically round up to the nearest dollar so it takes into account of taxes. I have a solid $100 to spend each purchase/check trip so taxes are included in that amount. At the beginning I had you visualize room by room and write down what is needed in each room and get prices for each item. I started with all the dollar items.

Back to those Kohl’s gift cards we had $20 and Kohl’s also sent me an email to save $15 on a $50 purchase plus free shipping. So it took me 2 days pouring over household items on that were on my list that I can get a better deal that I had originally planned. What did I get! I got 9 Large Bath Towels originally $9.99 each and 3 Queen size Big One Pillows that were $11.99 each. Did I mention they were having a sale on Household items excluding luggage so the bag the hubby picked out did not fall in the sale (I was bummed). The pillows were on sale for $4.99 while the towels were on sale for $3.99. This made my total 50.88 plus taxes. After the $15 off and $20 in gift cards I ended up having to pay shipping but my total came to $24.30. Which made everything just over $2 a piece which was cheaper than I would have spent if I bought the items at Wal-mart for the cheapest ones.

I still had $50 to go so I bought the toilet paper $6, another item I need tons of is Snack Bags so that was another $2, spent another $10 in Washing Soda, Baking powder, course salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, Purex Laundry detergent so I can make my own Dish washing tablets and Laundry detergent tablets. I spent $12 on Beach towels from Wal-mart. We have never had beach towels but I did get these for the kiddos. I spent $10 in Wash clothes, Shampoo, Bar Soap, Body Wash, Deodorant. I then spent the remainder $8 in kitchen utensils; such as pizza cutter, spatula, ice cream scoop, measuring cup, cutting board, silverware.

I know not to exciting but I was extremely excited when my huge box from Kohls.com came in the mail because I had to clean out a second storage tub just to fit the pillows in. I need to put 2 containers on my next purchase trip because I don’t have room in my first container anymore. Did I mention I have been cleaning out all my items to see what I still have.

We didn’t get rid of totally everything. We kept our modem, cordless phone (Do not know if the work), Thermometer, personal plug in fan, glue gun, first aid kit and so on. With these household items they take up a bit of room in the container that I started with.

Check out Frugal Fresh Start Week 5 – Getting everyone on board

Last week we set out to write out all income coming in as well as monthly expenses and yearly expenses. We came to the realization that we can spare a couple dollars towards a goal. In my case we as a family are starting over and we are wanting to budget out our bare necessities to starting over. I asked you previously to go room by room and writing down everything you feel is minimal necessity for that room. Now its time to set your goals. Our goal is $100 towards a car and $100 towards household items including furniture! We started with the envelope system. We felt if the money was taken out of the bank account we are less likely to spend it.  We rarely carry cash on hand so our envelopes go into a drawer. I know that is not the wisest, but it is what works for us.

1. Setting Goals – Ok so this is probably not the wisest but it is what we are doing. Since we don’t want to rely on anyone to help us get the basic necessities we came up with a plan on purchasing items from least expensive to most expensive. My reasoning is we need toilet paper more than a bed frame. We can always sleep on an air mattress or a mattress on the floor. So in my excel document I have a tab for each room and then each purchase trip corresponding with which paycheck is used to buy those items. Of course my first tab is our incoming income and our monthly broad categories of expenses.

I started primarily with the Kitchen, you can decide where you want to start. I told you once that because I can choose my theme and still be frugal, I am doing a Zebra theme with pink accent. So you guessed right, black dinnerware, black and pink towels, oven mitts, cooking utensils. You name it I will coordinate the colors as such from items at Wal-mart and Dollar Tree so far.

Each paycheck I want to purchase 12 rolls of toilet paper because this is hard to come by really good sales. I went to Wal-mart and price checked all the toilet paper and Angel Soft seem to be the cheapest at 12 double rolls for under $6 but they are thin and a bit course. I used to buy Charmin and I like it but because I had gotten out of the couponing cycle and have different stores around me then before I do not know the cycle and the best deals out there. So here is a weak spot for me. I need to do more research and figure out when to get the best deals on toilet paper to maximize my savings and goal. My goal is to have 12 pks of 12 ct double rolls before we move out on our own. So far to date I have 1 pack that means I have at least 11 more paychecks to go that is about 5 1/2 months from now to reach my goal. I forgot to mention that out of my $100 challenge each paycheck $6 of it automatically goes to toilet paper and $20 goes towards an immediate need or piece of furniture.

In case you are wondering I am not buying brand new furniture. Reminder I am being frugal and spending the least I can but getting my needs met at the same time. Whatever your goal is make sure to stick to it but be reasonable, realistic and very flexible. Adjustment will happen.

2. Labeling Storage Containers. Once you start buying your items make sure to buy a Storage Container each time. I have 1 storage container as right now since I have only made 1 purchase trip. Right now all the items I have bought is in 1 container because it all fits. The items so far that I have purchased are all small.

Once I make a second purchase trip I will need to buy another storage container and will need to label it. I am doing a combination of Kitchen items and Bedroom items so when I make my next purchase trip I will label one container Bedrooms and the other Kitchen. I will separate my items accordingly and to the best I can because I do have other items that will need to go into Laundry Room and Bathroom but until I start acquiring more Storage Containers I will make due for now.

Remember I am only purchasing the very basic needs for each room right now so everything I get for each room should fit in a container. I hope this will make unpacking in our new place much easier than any of our other times of moving. I hope it will feel nice to have a container labeled and if we have any helpers to move in they can see the label and know exactly which room it will need to go in.

3. Figuring out storage. We don’t have much room where we are right now so our bedroom is where we are storing our storage containers but as we start getting furniture we will need a place to store. I really don’t like the idea of renting a storage space because I feel that money can go towards our future home or to household items or even the car we hope to purchase in the coming weeks. Luckily for us a few friends have offered to lend us their attic to another friends basement while we are collecting our household items. This is a huge relief but I also don’t want to become a burden therefore I am working as hard as I can to get a basic necessities quickly so we can start working on saving first months rent and deposit.

Check out Frugal Fresh Start Week 4

In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, managing finances effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re aiming to build a nest egg, pay off debt, or simply stretch your dollars further, turning to reliable information for guidance is essential. Fortunately, there are many blogging experts eager to share their insights and strategies for saving and budgeting in 2024. To help you navigate this wealth of information, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 money saving budgeting blogs for the year ahead. From practical tips to expert advice, these blogs cover everything you need to achieve financial success in 2024 and beyond.

Top 9 Money Saving Budgeting Blogs

1. Frugalwoods

Frugalwoods is a go-to resource for those seeking a minimalist and frugal approach to finance. Run by Liz and Nate, this blog offers practical tips on cutting expenses, saving aggressively, and achieving financial independence. With a focus on mindful spending and intentional living, Frugalwoods provides actionable advice that anyone can implement to improve their financial situation.

2. The Penny Hoarder

The Penny Hoarder is dedicated to helping readers make and save money in creative ways. From side hustle ideas to couponing tips, this blog covers a wide range of topics aimed at boosting your income and cutting costs. With a mix of personal finance stories and practical advice, The Penny Hoarder is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their financial health.

3. Mr. Money Mustache

Mr. Money Mustache, authored by the enigmatic Mr. Money Mustache himself, promotes a philosophy of financial independence through frugality and smart investing. With a focus on early retirement and living a fulfilling life without excessive spending, this blog challenges conventional notions of consumerism and encourages readers to rethink their relationship with money.

4. The Simple Dollar

The Simple Dollar offers straightforward advice on personal finance, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. With a team of experts contributing to the blog, readers can expect well-researched articles and practical tips for improving their financial situation.

5. Budgets Are Sexy

Budgets Are Sexy takes a fun and irreverent approach to personal finance, making topics like budgeting and saving more engaging and accessible. Run by blogger J. Money, this blog encourages readers to embrace their financial goals with enthusiasm and creativity.

6. Making Sense of Cents

Making Sense of Cents, authored by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, offers a mix of personal finance advice, lifestyle tips, and income-generating ideas. With a focus on earning more, saving more, and living a balanced life, this blog inspires readers to take control of their finances and pursue their dreams.

7. NerdWallet

NerdWallet is a comprehensive financial resource that offers tools, calculators, and expert advice to help readers make informed decisions about their money. From credit cards to mortgages to investing, this blog covers a wide range of topics aimed at improving financial literacy and empowering readers to achieve their goals.

8. The Finance Girl

The Finance Girl, run by Natalie Bacon, provides actionable advice on budgeting, investing, and building wealth. With a background in finance and law, Natalie offers a unique perspective on personal finance and shares her journey to financial independence with readers.

9. Wise Bread

Wise Bread is a community of bloggers dedicated to helping readers live large on a small budget. With articles covering everything from frugal living tips to money-saving hacks, this blog offers practical advice for stretching your dollars further and achieving financial freedom.

Bonus Money Saving Budgeting Blog

10. Millennial Money

Millennial Money, founded by Grant Sabatier, offers practical advice and inspiration for millennials looking to achieve financial independence. From side hustles to investing to entrepreneurship, this blog covers a wide range of topics aimed at helping young adults take control of their finances and design a life they love.

In 2024, achieving financial freedom is within reach thanks to the amount of information available on money saving budgeting blogs. Whether you’re a frugal minimalist, a side hustle enthusiast, or a savvy investor, there’s a blog out there to help you achieve your financial goals.