I just wanted to share a great site for all you readers with young children who love to color. My little girl loves to color, but coloring books can be expensive. I like this site because, first of all, it's free. Secondly, I like it because she can pick which ones she wants to color. Check it out for yourself. Just click on the picture below.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Looking for Guest Blogger
Would you like to be a guest blogger? I will provide a link to your site in the introduction and a link on the side of my page if I use your post. Please email me at mylifeasasahm at hotmail.com if you are interested.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
DO REALLY NEED CABLE?
Now that baseball is basically over and the Mets did not make it into divisional play, AGAIN, my husband announced that now we could reduce the cable to channels 2-13. This costs about $10 a month, so our cable and Internet will go from being about $100 a month to about $55. With the main channels we can still watch network television and the kids can still watch PBS. Before we cancel it, we will be taping a bunch of the kids favorite shows like Dora, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Backyardigans, etc. 
Saving $45 a month is a big deal. That's my highest credit card payment right there. I could be using that to snowball all our debt and get rid of it quicker.
We won't miss cable too much. We spend way too much time staring at the TV anyway, so it will probably be good for us. Plus a lot of shows can be seen online now. I often watch Heroes online because I somehow forget to watch it. I always watch SNL online because I don't want to watch the whole thing, just the political satire. If we start getting bored with network tv, there is always www.Hulu.com which has older movies and tv shows. Also we can run down to the grocery store and rent a movie from the RedBox for $1 a night per movie. http://www.insideredbox.com/
How much money could you save by reducing your cable or canceling it? By the way, most cable companies have some form of the reduced cable for about $10, but you have to ask them about it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Update on our house
Well we picked out the modular we wanted and got quotes for doing the land improvements. By the time we have our first closing, it will be at least December or January. So they probably will not be able to start doing land improvements until at least March depending on the weather. So, we are looking at not being able to move until at least May or June of next year. GGgggrrr! This apartment is too small for all 5 of us, but we will make do. A benefit to staying here is that our expenses are lower and we can save more money and pay off a lot of our credit cards.
We will be saving as much as we can between now and the end of the year. Of course we also have Christmas coming up, but I have most people done already and just need to buy 2 larger frames, a gift certificate and a gift for my mom. The kids are started and we are only going to spend $100 on each of them. The little ones will probably share some toys - I already bought them a Baby Vsmile to share ... it was originally $39.99 and I paid $15 for it!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The trials of building a home
So, we were given land by my husband's uncle. We were working with a builder who was going to build us a split-level home with a basement for less than $145,000. We were approved for our loan through Rural Development approximately 3 weeks ago and found out we were approved for $172,000. But because of the higher taxes where the land is, we will need to keep the price of the home under $145,000.
After working with these guys for the last month or so, on Monday they told us that they didn't want to go through the Rural Development approval process anymore. Their excuse: something about a requirement with stamped prints that would cost $750-$1000. In NY state, all plans are required to be stamped anyways. So we still don't know what their real problem was. They tried to get us to go through a regular bank for our loan. There is no way we would go with something that would be more expensive. Our payments with Rural development will be $742 a month including taxes and insurance. How could any bank give us that low of an interest rate? Seriously!
So, now we are back to looking for something else. We are currently considering some modulars that are 27' by 52'. We chose this size because we think that because these are less expensive, we will be able to have our basement. We will also be calling the one other contractor that was on the approved list for this county on Monday. We will see what happens. We also still have the choice of buying an existing home. The only problem with that is that real estate around here has not went down. People are not selling their homes and the ones that are for sale are either something we don't want, overpriced, or gets an offer really quickly.
The thing that sucks is that we have to start the whole process again. But, hopefully something will work out soon. This apartment is too small for all of us.
After working with these guys for the last month or so, on Monday they told us that they didn't want to go through the Rural Development approval process anymore. Their excuse: something about a requirement with stamped prints that would cost $750-$1000. In NY state, all plans are required to be stamped anyways. So we still don't know what their real problem was. They tried to get us to go through a regular bank for our loan. There is no way we would go with something that would be more expensive. Our payments with Rural development will be $742 a month including taxes and insurance. How could any bank give us that low of an interest rate? Seriously!
So, now we are back to looking for something else. We are currently considering some modulars that are 27' by 52'. We chose this size because we think that because these are less expensive, we will be able to have our basement. We will also be calling the one other contractor that was on the approved list for this county on Monday. We will see what happens. We also still have the choice of buying an existing home. The only problem with that is that real estate around here has not went down. People are not selling their homes and the ones that are for sale are either something we don't want, overpriced, or gets an offer really quickly.
The thing that sucks is that we have to start the whole process again. But, hopefully something will work out soon. This apartment is too small for all of us.
Friday, January 4, 2008
I've been thinking about how to save more money. I would like to do a no spend month but I think that this is not feasible especially with little ones. What I will do instead is to really think about a purchase before I buy.
Ask myself these questions:
Do I really need it?
Do I have something I can use at home instead?
I'm really debating buying a laptop. I know that I could really use it for school work, especially when ds doesn't want to sleep anywhere except my arms. I am taking 2 internet classes and both rely heavily on computers. I would rather not spend the money as much as I could use one. I think for the time being we will wait. I will need Office 2007 and that will be at least $200 so it may be best that I do not buy one. Maybe after we get income taxes back. There may be some good sales then too.
I think staying home saves us quite a bit of money. We don't buy much and we don't end up spending money on food. I want to start shopping by myself (or with one kid only) beginning next week. Hopefully they will have some good sales. I've heard that there will be a lot of coupons in this week's paper - so hopefully they will be good ones.
Ask myself these questions:
Do I really need it?
Do I have something I can use at home instead?
I'm really debating buying a laptop. I know that I could really use it for school work, especially when ds doesn't want to sleep anywhere except my arms. I am taking 2 internet classes and both rely heavily on computers. I would rather not spend the money as much as I could use one. I think for the time being we will wait. I will need Office 2007 and that will be at least $200 so it may be best that I do not buy one. Maybe after we get income taxes back. There may be some good sales then too.
I think staying home saves us quite a bit of money. We don't buy much and we don't end up spending money on food. I want to start shopping by myself (or with one kid only) beginning next week. Hopefully they will have some good sales. I've heard that there will be a lot of coupons in this week's paper - so hopefully they will be good ones.
Clearane
It is now winter clearance time and I am finding awesome deals not only for the little ones but also for our 9 yr old. I know that what I buy now cheap helps us later. I got so many clothes last week for them for little money that it is almost crazy how well I did.
Here's some highlights:
pair of sandals for me 1.40
socks for me - 9 pairs total 6.00
ds (7 weeks)
size 12 mos long sleeve shirts 2.00
summer shirts 1.00
sleeper size 6-9mos 3.00
summer jumpers 2.50
winter pant set 3.00
dd (17 mos)
2 dresses (2T and 3T) 6.00 each
shorts for this summer 1.00
shirts $1-$2
ds (9 yrs)
zip up sweatshirt $7
turtleneck $2
Will be going back to Kohl's after the 14th when Raychel and Ryan find out what they are having. Buy the baby a few things cheaply.
Here's some highlights:
pair of sandals for me 1.40
socks for me - 9 pairs total 6.00
ds (7 weeks)
size 12 mos long sleeve shirts 2.00
summer shirts 1.00
sleeper size 6-9mos 3.00
summer jumpers 2.50
winter pant set 3.00
dd (17 mos)
2 dresses (2T and 3T) 6.00 each
shorts for this summer 1.00
shirts $1-$2
ds (9 yrs)
zip up sweatshirt $7
turtleneck $2
Will be going back to Kohl's after the 14th when Raychel and Ryan find out what they are having. Buy the baby a few things cheaply.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
trying to keep it all together
Been struggling lately to get things done lately. Mostly because baby doesn't like to sleep in bassinet. :( Would love to be able to get stuff done but it's just not happening. Right now he is in my arms sleeping while I'm on the laptop. I have a feeling this is going to come in very handy especially when classes begin.
Dh starts a new job tomorrow. He goes in at 7 am. Hopefully he will be able to wake up in time. I'm sure he will.
He will be taking somewhat of a paycut, but it will allow him to take classes towards his associates degree. Once he is trained he will be working weekends, so if need be I could always go back to work - though i don't see that happening anytime soon.
I will be working on a new budget since dh will be making less - mostly because no OT. I just need to find the time to do it.
My new years resolutions:
1. Lose weight :
- my goal is 5 pounds a week.50 pounds total.
2. Make dinner at home - allow eat out day a month
3. get organized
Dh starts a new job tomorrow. He goes in at 7 am. Hopefully he will be able to wake up in time. I'm sure he will.
He will be taking somewhat of a paycut, but it will allow him to take classes towards his associates degree. Once he is trained he will be working weekends, so if need be I could always go back to work - though i don't see that happening anytime soon.
I will be working on a new budget since dh will be making less - mostly because no OT. I just need to find the time to do it.
My new years resolutions:
1. Lose weight :
- my goal is 5 pounds a week.50 pounds total.
2. Make dinner at home - allow eat out day a month
3. get organized
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Article recapping the strike that has plagued our lives for the past half year.......
D-R workers make headlines in '07
Published: Monday, December 31, 2007 8:38 PM CSTE-mail this story Print this page
Editor's note: This is the final installment in a look back on the top seven news stories for 2007. Today's edition focuses on the strike at the Dresser-Rand Painted Post facility.BY Sarah Grossmansgrossman@the-leader.com
PAINTED POST More than half of the 415 employees who walked out of Dresser-Rand's Painted Post facility are now back to work, but the struggle between the union and the company is far from over.The effects of the 16-week strike and the subsequent process of getting union members back to the factory floor continues. And its effects are far reaching.“A work stoppage of this magnitude has a direct impact on the employee, employer, and community,” said Dan Meisner, director of Human Resources. “Nobody wins in this type of situation.”
Striking members stood outside the facility from Aug. 4 to Nov. 29 while their families stressed over bills, unsure of how long the strike would last.“When (salaries and overtime) get taken away and members are forced to live on unemployment, that will have an effect on families,” said Steve Coates, president of the Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Local 313 union. “They will pinch pennies and kids won't get everything they want and the community suffers as well because there isn't any money for anything.”As for the company, D-R estimated the work stoppage cost $20 million in the third quarter. Also, D-R pulled its application to the Hornell-Corning Steuben County Empire Zone that detailed plans for a $3 million expansion that may have led to 50 new hires.
But even though the picket signs are no longer visible, many struggles remain.“This experience has destroyed the relationship between the company and the union,” Coates said. “It will take a long time to heal.”Recently, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that eight of the union's 11 claims that D-R committed unfair labor practices were insufficient. As a result, members who have not been called back will have to wait until the company finds positions for them. Union members are given preference.
However, Meisner said some members could wait years before positions reopen. The company is currently operating close to pre-strike employment levels and continues to assess its needs on a daily basis, he said.In the mean time, the union's leadership is still seeking a more suitable contract for its members.“We plan to continue the fight and to maintain what we have and get a fair agreement,” Coates said.
Employees currently working at the plant are subject to the terms of the company's last proposed contract which is similar to one voted down by 93 percent of the union membership on Aug. 3.Negotiations will likely be renewed after the first of the year, Coates said.He also remained positive about the results the strike had on the union's membership.
“If anything, the company has made this union stronger,” he said.He explained that the company's goal was to divide and break the union. However, members did not want to throw other members “under the bus” and stuck together. In the end, only 13 of its 415 members crossed the picket line, he said.“Members who have gone back to work continue to support the others and are willing to continue to try to get a fair contract for everyone for as long as it takes,” said Glenn Painter, chief plant steward. “The Local 313 is recognized by the International as one of the most united unions.”
D-R workers make headlines in '07
Published: Monday, December 31, 2007 8:38 PM CSTE-mail this story Print this page
Editor's note: This is the final installment in a look back on the top seven news stories for 2007. Today's edition focuses on the strike at the Dresser-Rand Painted Post facility.BY Sarah Grossmansgrossman@the-leader.com
PAINTED POST More than half of the 415 employees who walked out of Dresser-Rand's Painted Post facility are now back to work, but the struggle between the union and the company is far from over.The effects of the 16-week strike and the subsequent process of getting union members back to the factory floor continues. And its effects are far reaching.“A work stoppage of this magnitude has a direct impact on the employee, employer, and community,” said Dan Meisner, director of Human Resources. “Nobody wins in this type of situation.”
Striking members stood outside the facility from Aug. 4 to Nov. 29 while their families stressed over bills, unsure of how long the strike would last.“When (salaries and overtime) get taken away and members are forced to live on unemployment, that will have an effect on families,” said Steve Coates, president of the Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Local 313 union. “They will pinch pennies and kids won't get everything they want and the community suffers as well because there isn't any money for anything.”As for the company, D-R estimated the work stoppage cost $20 million in the third quarter. Also, D-R pulled its application to the Hornell-Corning Steuben County Empire Zone that detailed plans for a $3 million expansion that may have led to 50 new hires.
But even though the picket signs are no longer visible, many struggles remain.“This experience has destroyed the relationship between the company and the union,” Coates said. “It will take a long time to heal.”Recently, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that eight of the union's 11 claims that D-R committed unfair labor practices were insufficient. As a result, members who have not been called back will have to wait until the company finds positions for them. Union members are given preference.
However, Meisner said some members could wait years before positions reopen. The company is currently operating close to pre-strike employment levels and continues to assess its needs on a daily basis, he said.In the mean time, the union's leadership is still seeking a more suitable contract for its members.“We plan to continue the fight and to maintain what we have and get a fair agreement,” Coates said.
Employees currently working at the plant are subject to the terms of the company's last proposed contract which is similar to one voted down by 93 percent of the union membership on Aug. 3.Negotiations will likely be renewed after the first of the year, Coates said.He also remained positive about the results the strike had on the union's membership.
“If anything, the company has made this union stronger,” he said.He explained that the company's goal was to divide and break the union. However, members did not want to throw other members “under the bus” and stuck together. In the end, only 13 of its 415 members crossed the picket line, he said.“Members who have gone back to work continue to support the others and are willing to continue to try to get a fair contract for everyone for as long as it takes,” said Glenn Painter, chief plant steward. “The Local 313 is recognized by the International as one of the most united unions.”
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Current happenings
Well dh is technically still on strike.... almost been 5 months!! This company still doesn't want to negotiate and it should be clear to everyone now that it wasn't about the contract - it's all about breaking the union.
Though we did get some good news - Dh just got a job making about a $1 less an hour but no overtime. He starts on Jan 2. Thank goodness because he hadn't been called back to work yet (they've been on strike since August, union proposed to work under the old contract, company denied, then the company a week later called an impasse = which means that they could call back who they wanted, when they wanted and the employees would be working under the last proposed contract - which essentially was the contract proposed in August). They took back about half the workers so far but the people in there say it is a very bad environment. (you have to ask to go PEE!!!). So he's glad to be out of there. He will be training during 1st shift for a few months and then will be working 7pm-7am Fri, Sat and Sun and getting paud for 40 hours. This is actually great becuase he will be able to take classes to get his associate degree. And if we need me to go back to work we would only need a sitter when he has classes. So, we will have about $500 bring home a week that I will now have to budget. - down from about $700 (he worked OT whenever he could) If it gets tough I will either go back to work or maybe babysit a kid or two. Also have been looking for ways to reduce our spending.
Today I decided to continue taking classes this semester too. I had been working on my associates for computer information technology and had to take the fall off to have our new little guy. I already have a bachelors in history but that's the worse major unless you're going to teach. Plus I've always like computers and feel that that's the job market I need to be in. I'm going to take 2 internet courses for now until dh gets on his normal weekend schedule. I will be deferring my school loans so this will reduce our montly payments by $140.
The baby has been sleeping better - we've been putting him in this little baby seat to sleep for now. Starting next week I will start trying to put him in the bassinet. I want to get him sleeping in it before dh goes to work. I have to say though when I do get him to sleep he does sleep quite a while. I fed him around 8pm last night and laid him down around 8:30. He slept until 3!!! I was amazed. Of course, I didn't get much extra sleep because I didn't go to bed until late. There's just so much to do, plus sometimes I just need quiet time on the computer. We will be paying off what little cc debt we aquired for Xmas (about $150 - all else was cash this year) when we get income taxes back in spring and that will help our budget tremendously. $500 a week seems so low for income in our budget but I know I was making so much less than that when it was just me and ds - about $250 a week - and did just fine. Of course now we have student loan debt, an extra cell phone line (we don't have a home phone) and other debt. Of course with 5 of us now it would be more expensive. More diapers, food, etc.
Though we did get some good news - Dh just got a job making about a $1 less an hour but no overtime. He starts on Jan 2. Thank goodness because he hadn't been called back to work yet (they've been on strike since August, union proposed to work under the old contract, company denied, then the company a week later called an impasse = which means that they could call back who they wanted, when they wanted and the employees would be working under the last proposed contract - which essentially was the contract proposed in August). They took back about half the workers so far but the people in there say it is a very bad environment. (you have to ask to go PEE!!!). So he's glad to be out of there. He will be training during 1st shift for a few months and then will be working 7pm-7am Fri, Sat and Sun and getting paud for 40 hours. This is actually great becuase he will be able to take classes to get his associate degree. And if we need me to go back to work we would only need a sitter when he has classes. So, we will have about $500 bring home a week that I will now have to budget. - down from about $700 (he worked OT whenever he could) If it gets tough I will either go back to work or maybe babysit a kid or two. Also have been looking for ways to reduce our spending.
Today I decided to continue taking classes this semester too. I had been working on my associates for computer information technology and had to take the fall off to have our new little guy. I already have a bachelors in history but that's the worse major unless you're going to teach. Plus I've always like computers and feel that that's the job market I need to be in. I'm going to take 2 internet courses for now until dh gets on his normal weekend schedule. I will be deferring my school loans so this will reduce our montly payments by $140.
The baby has been sleeping better - we've been putting him in this little baby seat to sleep for now. Starting next week I will start trying to put him in the bassinet. I want to get him sleeping in it before dh goes to work. I have to say though when I do get him to sleep he does sleep quite a while. I fed him around 8pm last night and laid him down around 8:30. He slept until 3!!! I was amazed. Of course, I didn't get much extra sleep because I didn't go to bed until late. There's just so much to do, plus sometimes I just need quiet time on the computer. We will be paying off what little cc debt we aquired for Xmas (about $150 - all else was cash this year) when we get income taxes back in spring and that will help our budget tremendously. $500 a week seems so low for income in our budget but I know I was making so much less than that when it was just me and ds - about $250 a week - and did just fine. Of course now we have student loan debt, an extra cell phone line (we don't have a home phone) and other debt. Of course with 5 of us now it would be more expensive. More diapers, food, etc.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
October budget and goals
Ok. Our savings goal for October is at least $675. We depleted our EF account and need to build that back up. I've already transferred $300 to our high-yield savings account so now we have $321 in there. I also scheduled to have $25 a week transferred no matter what. I plan on adding the rest by the end of the month.
Grocery budget for October is $70 a week. This includes household and baby products. Luckily we will be receiving WIC, at least for a little while. So that will help with food and formula. I also got 7 free cans of formula from someone through Freecycle. I would highly recommend signing up for freecycle in your area. You can list things you want to get rid of and other people do the same. So that is $280 for the month, but I will list as $300 because I have some coupons for things we use all the time that expire at the end of month, so I will be spending a little bit more right now.
Grocery budget for October is $70 a week. This includes household and baby products. Luckily we will be receiving WIC, at least for a little while. So that will help with food and formula. I also got 7 free cans of formula from someone through Freecycle. I would highly recommend signing up for freecycle in your area. You can list things you want to get rid of and other people do the same. So that is $280 for the month, but I will list as $300 because I have some coupons for things we use all the time that expire at the end of month, so I will be spending a little bit more right now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
