I ALWAYS bring my lunch to work. I easily save over $100/mo.

Even if I don't have time to really prepare something, I will grab a couple of pieces of fruit, a chicken leg, whatever, and dash out the door, brown bag in hand.

Today was payday and my 401-K contribution comes directly out of my paycheck...It was for $1000...

I know how you are supposed to "stay the course" & "stocks are on sale", etc..but I've also heard about the "falling knife" theory.....so......in view of what has happened recently (the bad investment that lost me so much money)..I just couldn't invest it...

I put it all in Stable Value Fund..It's a mind thing I guess...I really needed to feel like that money is going to stay "whole" for a while....In fact, I may just do this until I have saved enough money to make up the loss...for some reason, that makes me feel better?..we'll see..

I don't usually spend money during the work week...I gas up my car on the weekend (about $40) & do grocery shopping every other weekend (I average about $30/week for groceries and this includes breakfast, lunch and dinner).

I find it's easier to save when I follow a routine..I used to meet friends out at least once a week for dinner & drinks & that usually wound up costing about $50 each time...Now I SAVE my money, and quite honestly, I don't miss the going out. On occasion, I still go, don't want to turn into a total recluse...but I like the "new me" (mini me).

My answering machine has served me well. I purchased it back in the early 80's & it was one of those kind that had the little bitty tapes in it...It finally bit the dust so off to Target I went to try & replace it. (Did you know they don't make them anymore?)

I also had the separate little caller id box..One of the original ones, I'm sure. It was quite a contraption with all the different wires, boxes & phone all hooked up together.

Anyways, I was able to get a new phone, with caller id AND an answering machine (all rolled into one unit) for $30.00!

Geez, talk about living in the dark ages.

Thanks to those who offered encouragement
about my recent investment disaster. It helps!

(My first entry)...Over the last couple of years I have totally re-invented myself, I have gone from being quite a spend-thrift to doing everything right...maxing out my 401-k & my Ira, short term savings, long term savings, emergency fund, sticking to a budget,etc ...

Well, within the last month or so, I made a bad investment, I lost quite a bit of money in one of my retirement accounts, not because the stock market is down, but because the stock/company went kaput! So, I cannot regain this money. It Is Gone!

I am not looking for sympathy, but rather hope by posting about it, I can just take my lumps & move on...I do not want to get in a "why bother" mood & just throw in the towel & go back to my old ways.

I'm challenging myself to keep on keepin' on.