I have been feeling very stressed out & anxious about all of the gloomy news concerning the economy, not to mention all of the money I have recently lost in the stock market (I know I am not alone here). So I headed off to the mall.

It's a good thing I did not agree to a 'no new clothes' or 'no impulse purchases' challenge. Well, on the clearance rack I saw a shirt I have loved since I saw it, but no way would I pay $49 for it...it was marked down to $6, so of course, I snapped it up. Also bought another shirt for work for $5 (regular $22). So while I did save some money, I guess I really didn't because I bought stuff I didn't really need.

I went to the grocery store last weekend & spent $91, I will try to make that last 4 weeks, if I can. In fact, I'm sure I can...it's just a question of whether or not I will do it. However, I really hate grocery shopping, so chances are good that I will make this food last.

On the savings front, last week I did put $1250 into my 401-K, I put $1000 into my IRA, and $800 into my new HSA!

Last night, I could hardly sleep. I knew Target would have their Christmas stuff 75-80% off. My plan was to get to the store right when it opened & stock up for next year. But wait...I already have plenty of Christmas stuff purchased at the clearance sales from years past. How many bows, wrap, & tags does one person really need? I probably have enough stuff already to last me 3-4 years...and yet, I have a powerful urge to go get more!

I checked my tracking sheet from last year & see that I spent 13.00...ok...This is really hard for me.....so I took $13 out of my purse & put it in an envelope.

Maybe I have started the $20 challenge?