House Update

So, as some of you may know, my family and I have been in the process of building a new home. We have done some of it, but mostly it has been done by a contractor. They said that they are hoping that it will be done within 2 weeks, but I'll believe that when I see it.

We will need about $2000 at closing to cover the closing costs of switching from a building loan to a mortgage plus the extra stuff we had done on the house that we will owe the contractor. We have $2500 right now and while that is enough, I really don't want to wipe out our savings. My husband was hoping we would get enough back from taxes to help us put more in savings, but we are only getting about $300 back, mostly due to the fact that he was on unemployment at the beginning of the year.

So, we need money saved and we need it fast. When I was looking at my budget for February, we have very little that will be left over to go in savings. We have some things that we are going to put on Ebay and Craig's list to help us get some extra money (bowflex, calipers for machining, a bin of McD and BK toys from late 90s - so if anyone is interested let me know lol).

We are also on a strict budget. I just keep telling myself we're broke. There is no extra money to spend. I was going to go to a Zumba event in Elmira this weekend, but decided we need that $15 in savings, plus it would have cost us for the gas. All in all, I am better off going to Zumba at my gym because it is already paid for.

My husband's biggest issue is eating out and spending money on coffee and other crap. I know it's hard because he is going back and forth to the new house several times a week, but we have both decided to take control of this issue. So far we have eaten at home every day since last Thursday. Tonight's dinner is Chicken Paprikash (recipe from South Beach diet cookbook). Next we will work on the coffee issue. It really does all add up.

What ways do you save money or make extra money when time is running out? Let me know by leaving a comment. And for all those in the Northeast - stay warm. It's going to be cold later!! brrr. I am sooooo ready for spring already.

Free and Cheap Entertainment

Are you trying to save money, but still want entertainment? There are many ways to do entertainment on the cheap.

Get Outside

Many things that are done outside can be done cheaply. Go for a bike ride or take the whole family hiking or for a walk. Taking the kids to the park is a great way to kill a few hours without spending any money. Take along a picnic lunch and make it even more special.

The Library

We all know that the library provides books for us to borrow, but they have so much more. Many libraries have computers with Internet service for its members to use. Our public library even has a kids section with computers for them to use. This is great if you have a child who you want to limit their time online. It is also great if your child doesn't get much time online because the family computer is always occupied. Many libraries also have books on CD and DVDs that you can borrow. Although these are not brand new releases, I am sure you can find some DVDs that you haven't watched yet.

Redbox DVD Rentals

Have you ever seen those red boxes outside of grocery stores and drug stores? Next time you see one (and have a few minutes) go take a look at it. Redbox offers DVDs for $1 a night. These are relatively new releases and they have quite a good selection. I would guess that there is usually 50 or so DVD titles to choose from. Besides having the newest movies, they also have newly released kids movies. Each Monday, you can get a code for a free movie that day. You can go here, to find a code to use.

There are so many things you can do that are entertaining AND cheap. Let me know the things that you and your family do for fun that are frugal.