Part of the fun of having Fun Dollars is being able to share and give to others. I am empowered to spread the love without dipping into our bank account.
For Christmas I gave all my parent's siblings (4 Uncles and one Aunt) a magnet from Shutterfly with pictures of our kids on them. I gave all the great-grandparents calendars from Shutterfly. I sent the magnets for my dad's side of the family along with the calendar for his parents to my grandparents' apartment in their assisted living home. I wanted Grandma to hand out the cards with the magnets in them to all the relatives (which also included my sister and her new husband) during the family Christmas gathering since we could not be there. When everyone opened their card, my grandma exclaimed, "I want one!" Even though she has a calendar with several pictures of the kids and our family for each month, she still wanted a small thing to put on her mini-fridge.
My grandma is too precious. She wrote me a letter after Christmas explaining what she wanted and that she would gladly pay for it. Now, just so you know, her income at the assisted living center (for her and grandpa to split) is $90 each month. I get more than twice that in Fun Dollars. I wrote her back saying that I would happily order her a magnet and not to worry about paying me for it. So I did just that. It was on sale at Shutterfly, and with shipping and tax, it came out to $8.00.
This week, I also had the rare opportunity to pay it forward. Last week, I had the hankerin' for an afternoon Coca-Cola from Circle K. As I was paying, I saw that the girl behind me had exactly the same thing, so I quietly told the cashier to put hers on with mine. It's not often that I can do that (in secret) and it felt nice to buy something for a total stranger. Even though it was carbonated high fructose corn syrup, the act still felt joyful.
And finally, I sent a birthday gift card from Bath and Body works to a friend of mine back in Illinois. I used $10 Fun Dollars and $5 from our bank account. I cleared this one ahead of time with my hubby. There are several friends that I like to send gift cards too, and he agreed that he would match (using our checking account) up to half the amount of the gifts cards if it were under $20. Since we just finished with Christmas, and two birthdays for our kids, I kept the amount to $15 and footed 10 of that. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to buy a birthday present for someone I care about with my own money.
Empowerment is what Fun Dollars is all about. Empowerment to make the decision to buy, empowerment to brighten people's day, empowerment to do things you might not otherwise do. Buying is not a bad thing, as long as it is within your rmeans. In our family we just carve out our means and stay within that.
Magnet on Shutterfly- $8.00
2 Sodas at Circle K- $2.00
Bath and Body Works Gift card- $10.00
Balance this pay cycle- $5.00
Happy Spending!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Breakfast with Friends
Over the course of the past few years, a group of moms in my community have created a very active network. They plan meet ups that range from park visits to clothing swaps, wine tastings to trail hikes. We do it all. One of the most recent meet ups was breakfast in the canyon at a historic (and newly remodeled) country store. They sell wine, beer, energy drinks, local produce, candy, pastries, as well as breakfast and lunch from their full kitchen. The new owners are actually a couple who are a part of our parenting network. So not only are we patronizing a locally owned and historic business, we are also patronizing the business of friends when we plan meet ups there.
Yesterday was an exceptionally enjoyable meet up. There were four of us moms who showed up. Since the outside patio area was under construction, it was a good thing we planned a meet up for when our oldest children were in school. All of us who came have two children, and all of our oldest ones are the same age, 4 going on 5 this year. We arrived with just our youngest in tow yesterday, which made our meet up more manageable. Usually, the patio is available, and since it's outside, the kids can run and play. (It's also fenced in, so it's pretty safe.) But since we were hanging out inside, the smaller group was ideal.
One of the other perks of going to this particular country store is that the wife who owns it is gluten intolerant. Under the old management, there were no gluten free options on the menu. Now that she is in the picture, there is a nice variety of gluten free as well as regular options. I chose to try their gluten free waffles yesterday. They were made with blue corn and came with a mixed berry compote. It was heaven! I could barely tell there was corn in the waffles, and with the berries (and whipped cream) I didn't need syrup or anything! I spent $12.00 on the waffles and a large coffee. I shared a relaxing breakfast out with some of my favorite ladies at a local (and friend-owned) business. This was Fun Dollars well spent.
Blue corn waffles and a large coffee at Indian Gardens- $12.00
Balance this pay cycle- $24.00
Happy Spending!
Yesterday was an exceptionally enjoyable meet up. There were four of us moms who showed up. Since the outside patio area was under construction, it was a good thing we planned a meet up for when our oldest children were in school. All of us who came have two children, and all of our oldest ones are the same age, 4 going on 5 this year. We arrived with just our youngest in tow yesterday, which made our meet up more manageable. Usually, the patio is available, and since it's outside, the kids can run and play. (It's also fenced in, so it's pretty safe.) But since we were hanging out inside, the smaller group was ideal.
One of the other perks of going to this particular country store is that the wife who owns it is gluten intolerant. Under the old management, there were no gluten free options on the menu. Now that she is in the picture, there is a nice variety of gluten free as well as regular options. I chose to try their gluten free waffles yesterday. They were made with blue corn and came with a mixed berry compote. It was heaven! I could barely tell there was corn in the waffles, and with the berries (and whipped cream) I didn't need syrup or anything! I spent $12.00 on the waffles and a large coffee. I shared a relaxing breakfast out with some of my favorite ladies at a local (and friend-owned) business. This was Fun Dollars well spent.
Blue corn waffles and a large coffee at Indian Gardens- $12.00
Balance this pay cycle- $24.00
Happy Spending!
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Big Boy's Birthday
Tomorrow we are celebrating my son's 5th birthday. We bought him a bike to commemerate this step into "big kid" hood. We also have two other gifts we bought him during the Christmas season that we decided to hang on to till his birthday.
I went out today and spotted a snorkel and goggle set at the outlet store. I could not resist. He has talked about a snorkel since August. He thinks that bendy straw are snorels and I strongly cautioned him NOT to use one as such. So because we have already spent close to $100 on a bike, cake, and decorations for the party, I thought I'd spring for this present with Fun Dollars.
$8.00 for a snorkel at the outlet store
Balance this Pay cycle- $36.00
Happy Spending!
I went out today and spotted a snorkel and goggle set at the outlet store. I could not resist. He has talked about a snorkel since August. He thinks that bendy straw are snorels and I strongly cautioned him NOT to use one as such. So because we have already spent close to $100 on a bike, cake, and decorations for the party, I thought I'd spring for this present with Fun Dollars.
$8.00 for a snorkel at the outlet store
Balance this Pay cycle- $36.00
Happy Spending!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Friday Night Fun
SO, for Friday nigh fun with Fun Dollars.....
I dropped $8.00 on Bogle Chardonnay at Safeway. I usually don't like chardonnay, but, as I had it the other night with chicken, and liked it, I decided to give it a second shot to see if it really was all that...without chicken.
I was diligent with making supper tonight and created a healthy and delicious stir fry to go with my chardonnay purchase. (Let it be public knowledge that my hubby and I finished it off together before tonight's post.) This is part of what makes Fun Dollars fun :)
So, after our family meeting, a generous portion of stir fry, and the latest episode of Community, our Domino's order arrived at our doorstep. I am now down another $8.00 O' Fun.
Bogle Chardonnay- $8.00
Domino's- $8.00
Balance this pay cycle- $44.00
Happy Spending!
I dropped $8.00 on Bogle Chardonnay at Safeway. I usually don't like chardonnay, but, as I had it the other night with chicken, and liked it, I decided to give it a second shot to see if it really was all that...without chicken.
I was diligent with making supper tonight and created a healthy and delicious stir fry to go with my chardonnay purchase. (Let it be public knowledge that my hubby and I finished it off together before tonight's post.) This is part of what makes Fun Dollars fun :)
So, after our family meeting, a generous portion of stir fry, and the latest episode of Community, our Domino's order arrived at our doorstep. I am now down another $8.00 O' Fun.
Bogle Chardonnay- $8.00
Domino's- $8.00
Balance this pay cycle- $44.00
Happy Spending!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
A Rare Treat
Yesterday I had the chance to go shopping with only one kiddo. To be honest, I don't really "shop" that much. When I do, I go to the outlet stores. I have a hard time spending money on clothes. I don't know why. I even majored in fashion merchandising, so you'd think I'd be like a fashionista, but I'm not. I'm far too practical with my purchases. I analyze my wardrobe, "Does this go with what already exists in my closet? Does it flatter my figure? Am I comfortable spending this amount on this piece of clothing?" On and on and on...
I decided that since I was out and about running errands yesterday (cashing a pay check and getting fun dollars as part of that) I would check out a new store that just opened up next to Staples. Urban Gypsies used to be located next to the movie theater and was too cramped for me to shop with a stroller. This new location has ample room. I was surprised that their prices were better than I remembered from the last time I went in. I ended up getting something from the "vintage" rack. I would hardly call it vintage, but the price was right and it fit my curves just right. Also, it has a V-neck so I can nurse with this top on as well. I spent $8.00 on the top.
After that I treated myself to an iced caramel mocha for $3.00
My shopping experience made me realize that I need to branch out and step outside my comfort zone. So I am going to think differently with how and where I spend my fun dollars. There is a new cafe in town I want to check out, an upscale consignment store I want to shop in, and a new tea store that has piqued my curiosity. Enough with the Burger King and Wendy's, these fun dollars are going somewhere local!
Top at Urban Gypsies- $8.00
Caramel Mocha at Starbucks-$3.00
Balance this pay cycle- $60.00
I decided that since I was out and about running errands yesterday (cashing a pay check and getting fun dollars as part of that) I would check out a new store that just opened up next to Staples. Urban Gypsies used to be located next to the movie theater and was too cramped for me to shop with a stroller. This new location has ample room. I was surprised that their prices were better than I remembered from the last time I went in. I ended up getting something from the "vintage" rack. I would hardly call it vintage, but the price was right and it fit my curves just right. Also, it has a V-neck so I can nurse with this top on as well. I spent $8.00 on the top.
After that I treated myself to an iced caramel mocha for $3.00
My shopping experience made me realize that I need to branch out and step outside my comfort zone. So I am going to think differently with how and where I spend my fun dollars. There is a new cafe in town I want to check out, an upscale consignment store I want to shop in, and a new tea store that has piqued my curiosity. Enough with the Burger King and Wendy's, these fun dollars are going somewhere local!
Top at Urban Gypsies- $8.00
Caramel Mocha at Starbucks-$3.00
Balance this pay cycle- $60.00
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
New Week, New Dollars
Starting on Sunday, Corey and I each received our next installment of Fun Dollars. Even though the banks were not open, we still get them on Sunday. It's the beginning of the week. What we do is track what we spend (if there are any purchases made) before we actually cash his paycheck. We just deduct that amount from what we get back in cash when we do make it to the bank on a pay week. This is our newest amendment to the Fun Dollars system.
I spent my remaining Fun Dollar from the last pay cycle at Family Dollar. We were getting decorations for our son's birthday party and I saw a small crossword book. Nerdy, I know, but I do enjoy the easy crosswords. It's my "zone out" thing. I don't do Candy Crush.
On Sunday evening, Corey and I were both famished after an evening lecture that spanned the dinner hour. I offered to spring for a Brooklyn style Domino's pizza. That set me back $8.00. Everything was half price, so I thought I'd treat us all to some pizza.
I also owed my Mary Kay lady $11.00 for some makeup. So, before we even cashed the paycheck, I was already down $19.00. Add to that a MLK Day lunch out with the family in Flagstaff, and I was now down another $10.00. I did en joy the lunch, and it was a much better expenditure of money than going to Burger King.
You might be wondering how all these purchases are all even dollar amounts. One of our "rules" to Fun Dollars is that we save our change. So every 6 months, we cash in our coins that we saved from our Fun Dollar purchases and we put them in the bank. It only adds up to about $50 every 6 months or so, but hey, it's almost like free money. We can pay our Internet bill with that. Every purchase gets rounded up when I report it. The makeup was only $10.70, but when I account for it to deduct from the pending pay check, I will count it as $11.00.
So this afternoon, it's off to the bank. I will only take out $171. Corey gets $90 (he contributed $10.00 to our Olive Garden lunch out), I get $70, and our son gets $10.
I am also going to set aside $20.00 for next week's lunch out with my mama friends.
Domino's- $8.00
Olive Garden- $10.00
Mary Kay makeup- $11.00
Balance this pay cycle- $71.00
Happy Spending!
I spent my remaining Fun Dollar from the last pay cycle at Family Dollar. We were getting decorations for our son's birthday party and I saw a small crossword book. Nerdy, I know, but I do enjoy the easy crosswords. It's my "zone out" thing. I don't do Candy Crush.
On Sunday evening, Corey and I were both famished after an evening lecture that spanned the dinner hour. I offered to spring for a Brooklyn style Domino's pizza. That set me back $8.00. Everything was half price, so I thought I'd treat us all to some pizza.
I also owed my Mary Kay lady $11.00 for some makeup. So, before we even cashed the paycheck, I was already down $19.00. Add to that a MLK Day lunch out with the family in Flagstaff, and I was now down another $10.00. I did en joy the lunch, and it was a much better expenditure of money than going to Burger King.
You might be wondering how all these purchases are all even dollar amounts. One of our "rules" to Fun Dollars is that we save our change. So every 6 months, we cash in our coins that we saved from our Fun Dollar purchases and we put them in the bank. It only adds up to about $50 every 6 months or so, but hey, it's almost like free money. We can pay our Internet bill with that. Every purchase gets rounded up when I report it. The makeup was only $10.70, but when I account for it to deduct from the pending pay check, I will count it as $11.00.
So this afternoon, it's off to the bank. I will only take out $171. Corey gets $90 (he contributed $10.00 to our Olive Garden lunch out), I get $70, and our son gets $10.
I am also going to set aside $20.00 for next week's lunch out with my mama friends.
Domino's- $8.00
Olive Garden- $10.00
Mary Kay makeup- $11.00
Balance this pay cycle- $71.00
Happy Spending!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
End of Week 2
Yesterday I went on another hunt for a new coffee mug. It's still on my "I want" list, so I took my fun dollars to one of the few places to shop in town, Beall's Outlet. I get an extra 15% of on Fridays with my points card. I went back to the housewares section, and it looked like they had nothing new in since I hunted last week. Then, lo and behold, on the higher shelf, hidden in the shadows, I saw it...my new coffee mug.
As I told a friend of mine recently, I am a sucker for anything with the Eiffel Tower on it. This mug had a vintage-looking woman on it with the Eiffel Tower in the background. After my discount, I dropped a whopping $3.00 on it.
Next I headed to New Frontiers, our local "natural" market. We had friends coming over and I wanted to get a fresh catch at the meat counter. I brought home a thick cut of mahi mahi. I didn't buy the mahi with fun dollars. But I did buy dessert with m remaining fun dollars. $6.00 bought a tub of caramel machiato gellato.
coffee mug at Beall's $3.00
gellato at New Frontiers $6.00
Balance this pay cycle $1.00
Happy Spending!
As I told a friend of mine recently, I am a sucker for anything with the Eiffel Tower on it. This mug had a vintage-looking woman on it with the Eiffel Tower in the background. After my discount, I dropped a whopping $3.00 on it.
Next I headed to New Frontiers, our local "natural" market. We had friends coming over and I wanted to get a fresh catch at the meat counter. I brought home a thick cut of mahi mahi. I didn't buy the mahi with fun dollars. But I did buy dessert with m remaining fun dollars. $6.00 bought a tub of caramel machiato gellato.
coffee mug at Beall's $3.00
gellato at New Frontiers $6.00
Balance this pay cycle $1.00
Happy Spending!
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