Save money, not waste money!

as well as I would like on this but I’ve done a few things so far.
I have approached a new traveler at work who lives where I live about sharing the commute, which would save both of us Gas money and probably keep me more awake during my commute.

I actually cut coupons out of the papers we get at work everyday and used them on something I always consume. Saved me a dollar so far.

I bought the store brand of contact lens cleaner, it isnt quite a nice but it is working. Saved about one dollar.

Made friends with a Doctor who now supplies me regularly with chocolate milk from the MD lounge. Saves me 1.20 a day at work. i dont know why the MD’s who make a lot of cash are entitled to free food, but its a throwback to the old days….

Makig a few decisions about food, like getting collards rather than spinach, saves about 30 cents.

It’s all spare change, but eventually it adds up. at least I hope so.

is in a bit of trouble. Perhaps I should not watch the news. I’m getting a little stressed about my financial situation, even though compared to most, my situation is very good. (I have a steady in demand job, pays ok, I almost own my car, my Mortgage is affordable, though not easy to afford.)
I’m trying very hard to save without making a lot of sacrifice, if that makes any sense. I’m not really sure I can, but possibly.
today I bought new Running shoes (Well, actually, I just got the store to hold them). I wanted a new pair of Pearl Izumi’s but I couldn’t figure paying 135 bucks for them. So, after telling the guy I just couldn’t afford the Pearl’s he showed me some Nikes which while not cheap, were much more affordable. I’m going with them and saving uh….. 55 or so dollars.
In addition, I am going to learn to file a claim with my insuance company for the care I am getting for my Eating Disorder. they only cover 20 visits at 50% but that will still help. I hate to file a claim because it may make me harder to be insurable later, but perhaps we will all have universal health care some day.
I have decided i also need to pick up just a little overtime, despite the fact that I get stressed when doing more than 3 shifts a week.
I’m going to look at a few other ways to save. I tend to get anxiety when cash is involved, it represents security to me and for me security is hard to come by. So hopefully over the next few weeks, I can regain a better financial footing. But even still, I am worried.

lately. I am not sure if it the cost of Gas or the sagging economy or the medical expenses that I now have, but my regular situation of not paying alot of attention to my bank account, buying what I need and shifting some into savings is going to have to stop for a while.
I have Several expenses, and then there is suddenly the worry about my mortgage. I can pay it and all that, but I am worried that I’ll have no accessible savings.
I did do some overtime and recieved a small bonus at work in the past two weeks. BUt I am still worried.
Stuff I need:

1. Garmin (Sudden unexpected expense, had to replace broken one)

2. Shoes (Can wait 2-3 weeks more) Will look at Zappos for less expensive options.

3. Hospital Bill. Will pay 50-60 on it.

4. Race fee Will register when I buy airline tickets.

5. Airline Saw a good rate, hope it will wait until Friday.

6. Hotel

7. decide if I need rental or if taxi/etc will be enough for a few days.

8. Sisters Birthday gift (Do a gift card,and a card card)

9. regular expenses.

going to have to do some more overtime. OT if carefully placed is not so bad.

to make a budget (again) and sort out my tax… but that means admitting how much money i have wasted over the course of the year!
...
but it must be done.
and ASAP

my aim is to have all the money for the courses i want to do next year saved up by the end of this year, so that i can save all of my money earnt throughout summer break towards my university fees…
*
hehehe have just talked to my dad. he is an accountant and will help me out :D he is going to take charge of my tax things, hoorah!, and i have arranged with him to organise a budget with me at the end of the year. i just have to manage my accounts til the end of the year. and then he will re-assess with me at the beginning of next year :)
how exciting :D

i waste so much money. usually on food, of buying coffee for people. i have a tendency to tell people ‘this ones on me’ the problem is… its more than one, and they add up!

the person who lived in my home (another travel nurse) moved out unexpectedly, when her contract was cancelled, and left this entire box of “Nutrisystem” diet food.
I’m eating it. WHile i am sure it won’t reduce my grocery bills that much, I’ve definitely made some meals out of the foods. Not too bad tasting, though since they are not refridgerated, i imagine they are chock full of preservatives.
Still, might save me about 30.00 over the long run.

The cherry pudding was darn good!

for Progress Energy’s “Balanced Bill program” In which they try to convince me to pay 90 bucks a month for 12 months, or ten percent more if bad weather happens. Now if mild weather happens, I dont get to pay ten percent less, nor do I get a refund. Gee, who pockets that money? Considering my last 4 power bills were all under 50 bucks, I think I’ll just packet my savings and let the power company figure out how to squeeze money out of someone else.

THis week. I have 12 left to put in tonight, and then I will still have 12 for the new week on Sunday.

I’m a wee bit tired and Headachey, we have had very combative, high acuity patients. (Always a bad combo.) and so I am exhausted.
but my Paycheck should be looking alright. I can put some away to my Roth IRA, some to regular savings and some is going to be ear marked for my MSF campaign.
I wouldn’t like to work this much always, but in this case, it is making sense here at the end of my contract.

a rather large refund check from a hospital last night. i had put off opening it because i thought it was a bill. rather amazing really. sedning it andmy christmas check to the bank this evening.

I have been averaging 48 hours per week, one extra 12 hour shift. (all except for race week, where I slacked.) I am starting to finally be able to put small amounts into the savings account again. Because of course, There will be 1 week in April again where I shall have no check andI will have hotel and moving expenses….

OT at the job isnt that bad, but I did love this image.