tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38060266478441309422011-07-28T22:35:43.757-07:00James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.comBlogger591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-60784539398262358192010-04-26T06:51:00.000-07:002010-04-26T06:52:31.870-07:00

For some current info on appliance rebate programs, alternative energy, and more ways to save just spend a few minutes on EnergySaver.Gov!

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-40589686046465027942010-03-26T07:06:00.001-07:002010-03-26T07:10:10.248-07:00

Doing a For Sale By Owner in the Triac area of NC? If so than I'll host your ad for free. It's a good supplement to any other ads and free. I may start charging someday but figured the best way to build up traffic is by giving ads away. It's triad-fsbo.comGood for High Point, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, Thomasville, Lexington, Clemmons, Lewisville, King and anywhere else in the

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-82273070816342409312010-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:002010-02-18T18:54:22.419-08:00

I came upon a blog post titled 100 Extreme Ways to Save Serious Money! Some of the suggestions were a bit too extreme for this frugalist. I won't be giving up toilet paper, tip #3, or washing clothes in the shower, tip #9. I could live with the occasional Navy shower, tip #7, if well-water weren't so cheap.I've reproduced a few of my favorites suggestions from the blog post below, and added my

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-39136427173456431442010-02-05T06:47:00.000-08:002010-02-05T06:56:45.241-08:00

CNN has posted a slide show featuring ten of the most blatant consumer rip-offs. I thought I'd do my 2-cents worth by ripping off their story! None of the entries was particularly surprising: text messages, movie popcorn, hotel amenities... Given my most-recent experience, I'd say everything associated with hotels is over-prices, and it seems to be worse as you move up to better hotels. Movies,

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-66550945190363913012010-01-09T13:29:00.000-08:002010-01-09T13:31:29.710-08:00

Was listening to Money Girl Podcast this morning when she made an interesting statement: (I paraphrase) "If you find saving boring, think of it as buying... peace of mind, financial security, a better future..." An interesting, and valuable paradigm!

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-2228844760455667702009-12-14T05:13:00.000-08:002009-12-14T05:17:59.413-08:00

I have to admit it. I look down on sandwiches. Other than the fanciest hot sub, I always have an underlying feeling that a sandwich is a second-class entree. Until I eat one, and then I'm reminded of how satisfying they really are. If it's anything more than a single slice of lunch meat between a couple of slices of "King Thin" than a sandwich is usually tasty and satisfying. Throw in a ziplock

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-51506125350528242012009-12-10T13:32:00.001-08:002009-12-10T13:32:41.700-08:00

A pretty good article twittered by Mint.com!http://tinyurl.com/yfuzlyc

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-45845607304900820532009-12-07T04:18:00.000-08:002009-12-07T04:20:58.877-08:00

...But The Operation Was A Success!!!

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-46853268260205572962009-12-06T13:48:00.000-08:002009-12-06T14:04:46.338-08:00

I've always loved Christmas trees. I remember going with my mom and sisters to pick out a 'live' tree at the Christmas tree lot, and bringing it home in the back of our station wagon. I remember trimming the tree from my mothers extensive collection of tree decorations. I remember the excitement as every new present went under the tree. But my favorite memory was just looking in wonder at the

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-18807041783758345462009-12-05T16:47:00.000-08:002009-12-05T16:48:35.268-08:00

Although I do bemoan the commercialism of Christmas, I was brought up in the lifestyle and have never really made the decision to boycott the gift aspect of the holiday. I certainly have adjusted my giving downward. Not having small children helps matters immensely. My parents pretty much have everything they want, as does the rest of my immediate family. My sister and I have entered into a

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-61126467304528649922009-12-04T14:00:00.000-08:002009-12-04T14:05:31.662-08:00

I'm embarrassed to admit that I made two really bone-headed moves in the last 24 hour. One of them was actually long ago, but I just discovered it.The first was not checking the price carefully at the grocery. I'd made a special trip to pick up a few really good deals. One deal was out, but I scored a few dollars savings on the others. I looked at the frozen turkey breasts while I was there,

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-38575645313453210682009-12-02T08:23:00.000-08:002009-12-02T08:25:22.489-08:00

Apparently Blue Cross Blue Shield has some sort of game called Resist The System. If you ask too many questions the health care professionals head explodes. I don't know if this indicates that you've won, but the following are some pretty excellent questions:The ovject is to teach patients to ask their doctors and nurses five questions when getting prescribed treatment or medication. 1. How much

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-67591336651516385222009-11-30T15:20:00.002-08:002009-11-30T15:42:21.278-08:00

My dad beat cancer. Which means that the doctor wants him to get tested with some sort of CT scan every three months for the rest of his life. Or maybe the next five years.Like most "seniors" my dad is using a combination of Medicare and private insurance. I've been through the check in procedures with Dad countless times. The information never changes, but they always want to make fresh copies

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-64920524080984029122009-11-29T19:16:00.000-08:002009-11-30T15:42:11.656-08:00

I managed to read a little more in the book The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map o True Riches, by Jeff Yeager. Why I can't' really say too much about the book just yet, it does keep reminding me of things. Such as the need to figure out where you are to help figure out how to get to where you want to go, of even if you're moving in the wrong direction! Financially speaking, that is.This reminded

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-14296205974177076832009-11-28T14:38:00.000-08:002009-11-28T14:48:15.657-08:00

Just started reading a book I bought through he mail (the Frugal way) called The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map o True Riches, by Jeff Yeager.I've only gotten through the Acknowledgements and Preface, but I was struck by a teaser at the end of the final chapter where the author claimed "You probably already have everything you could ever need or want!"I don't know about the "want" part, but when

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-45541090921368710732009-11-27T06:45:00.000-08:002009-11-28T14:38:56.625-08:00

Today, being "Black Friday" has me thinking about how so many people are searching for great savings. Sometimes it's a matter of necessity, and sometimes it's a game to get the most while spending the least. Sometimes it's a matter of working very hard, like with the coupon clippers who save every coupon, spend hours organizing, watching for sales, double-couponing, etc.While it's no fun being in

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-32535335135916996872009-11-26T16:27:00.000-08:002009-11-26T16:31:52.273-08:00

Many people will agree that Thanksgiving is the best holiday. No gifts, no cards, just getting together with friends and family to enjoy lots of special food. For the luckiest of us we're eating home-cooked food, at home, but restaurants are sometimes a good alternative.Wherever you are I hope you've enjoyed the day, and spent a few moments counting your blessings and feeling thankful. Tomorrow

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-23649218337865659902009-11-22T15:36:00.000-08:002009-11-23T20:14:29.896-08:00

I really don't understand the excitement over the price of turkey.That's not to say that I don't get caught up in it!It just isn't really that expensive., Even at $1/pound, or more, it's still less than half the price of hamburger!The most important thing is what you DO with the turkey once you get it home.Here's a list of my turkey pointers.1)Buy it by Sunday before Thanksgiving so it can start

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-47845568414769161252009-11-20T09:08:00.003-08:002009-11-22T15:34:00.236-08:00

The Frugal Movement is alive and well, but it's nothing new. It got a good push by The Tightwad Gazette, published by Amy Dacyczyn between 1991 and 1996. There's a recent interview with Amy here.How Times Have Changed!While the frugal concepts Amy wrote about are mostly still viable, the publishing world has changed. Instead of print-stamp-mail most small publishers make their work available for

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-57840051115284143802009-11-20T09:08:00.001-08:002009-11-21T17:51:32.046-08:00

Went to the renaissance festival in Huntersville, NC today. (http://www.royalfaires.com/carolina/). This is the last weekend of the season, so if you don't make it there tomorrow then you'll have to wait until it starts up again next October. If you are able to make it merchandise is likely to be heavily discounted.The renaissance festival is a huge even with hundreds of cast in medieval garb and

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-20609064955999979042009-11-19T19:13:00.000-08:002009-11-21T17:50:15.471-08:00

A will. Express your final wishes.You might think "I don't need a will 'cause I ain't got nothin', and 'sides my kids'll git it!"That might be true, but if you think about what you do have you might have more than you thought. Remember your home, automobiles, retirement accounts, tools, furnishings, land and collections. There may be one or two items you want to go to specific individuals and

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-57562241942043464612009-11-19T14:05:00.000-08:002009-11-19T19:13:24.614-08:00

A close friend just lost a close friend.. Of the 4-footed variety.If you live with animals then you know how great a loss it can be. I also was very fond of the recently deceased, and I was honored to have a small part in the planning for our dear friend's final journey.With animals, disposal is relatively simple. Burial can be done yourself on your own land, where local law permits. Some areas

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-32838123259684949052009-11-18T09:12:00.000-08:002009-11-18T16:20:43.821-08:00

A new study on laptop computer reliability has just published on the Squaretrade website. I recently blogged on my purchase of a HP laptop. I mentioned that I"d used a similar laptop and was very impressed at all the features for such a low price! A couple of years ago I didn't really care for HP computers, but I have a HP desktop that I've been happy with, other than a few nagging Window's Vista

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-84619190835243516902009-11-13T16:14:00.001-08:002009-11-17T16:51:51.805-08:00

Sometime we live on cruise control, not really thinking about much of anything, and merely responding to whatever happens right around us. But on a long trip it's best to plan ahead. Do I have enough gas? Have I planned a good route? When must I leave to arrive on time.Life is like that. It's easy to get into cruise control mode, and only reacting to what's happening. Of course life is a long

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-20986730813069818002009-11-13T15:51:00.000-08:002009-11-16T14:44:23.047-08:00

And the "Straight Talk" talking about (and hopefully accurately) is straighttalk.com, a "new" low-price cell provider.In a nutshell, they have two plans:-The Just Enough Plan: 1000 minutes + 1000 texts + 350 Mb of data for $30/30 days.-The Unlimited Plan: Unlimited minutes, texts and data. $45/40 days.*Of course this does not include the phone, but it doesn't include a contract either. The best

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-9075329517419134662009-11-13T15:16:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:46:07.469-08:00

Yesterday I wrote about depositing loose change in a Coinstar machine for a gift card, and last week I even admitted to purchasing a $20 gift card from Chik-filet, for myself.Personally, I always felt that a gift card was kind of the easy way out. It seems to giving a gift card implies that you don't know a person well enough to buy them a gift. (Which begs the question of why are you giving them

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-36514096570870240512009-11-13T13:54:00.000-08:002009-11-16T14:45:42.137-08:00

Maybe you've seen the Coinstar machines in your local supermarket. They're quite common in the grocery stores in my neck of the woods, as well as Walmart, some drugstores, and the occasional bank.* You can dump your loose change into a Coinstar machine which will count the change and issue a voucher which you exchange for currency, minus a hefty commission. You can also receive payment in the

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-42881030194137408532009-11-12T14:14:00.000-08:002009-11-13T16:16:34.084-08:00

It's hard to believe, but I've reached the 31st day of my "31-Day Experiment in Frugality!" During the month I've definitely done my part to support the economy. An unexpected purchase of a new laptop definitely was an expense that I wasn't quite ready for! But when I felt the need I found a great deal, and fortunately was able to take advantage of it. There's a great frugal truth that having "

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-71447079683209260132009-11-12T10:40:00.001-08:002009-11-13T08:26:57.322-08:00

Tastes Like ChickenThat's the name of tonight's episode of Survivor. But I won't be watching it, I'll leave Survivor to my trusty DVD recorder while Karin and I rock out with REO Speedwagon, STYX, and Night Ranger in Winston-Salem's Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum! Not that's a mouthful!But if you do like chicken, in particular chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A, there is a tasty

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-28712644596438881172009-11-11T15:48:00.000-08:002009-11-11T16:08:26.849-08:00

Well, here we are on day 29 of my "31 Day Experiment in Frugality." If hasn't been an earth-shattering experience. Other than being more conscientious about turning off computers, lights, and the coffee maker it's been pretty much business as usual. This is because I've been interested in what is referred to as "stewardship", managing the resources that God has entrusted me with, for fifteen or

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-64391967714628564002009-11-10T09:34:00.000-08:002009-11-10T19:50:59.849-08:00

Impulse spending is probably the cause for much of the financial hardship in the world. Buying something without careful consideration of the need, the suitability, or understanding the associated costs can easily lead to a great deal of regret. With that said...I bought a new laptop today!On impulse!But I don't think it was a bad decision.I hadn't planned on buying a laptop today. But I do

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-65100428582863317972009-11-09T15:12:00.000-08:002009-11-09T16:01:18.182-08:00

Once you have a few credit cards, a few investment accounts, and membership on a lot of mailing list it can be pretty easy to tell yourself that you think you know which mail needs to be opened and which can wait. Those prospectuses and quarterly reports for your mutual fund? Good fire starting material. The change in terms to your credit card? Bird cage lining.But Wait!Sometimes there's good

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-83789963562022473352009-11-08T19:07:00.000-08:002009-11-13T16:09:50.088-08:00

This morning I had to give a report to my church congregation on our recent stewardship campaign. In the early service I found myself quoting from Tevya in Fiddler On The Roof ("If money is the world's curse then may God smite me! And may I never recover") It drew the anticipated laughs.But afterwards I was inspired to share this insight on The Widow's Mite, about the woman who gave all she had

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-74423838986268427302009-11-06T09:24:00.001-08:002009-11-07T19:00:00.394-08:00

Met an prospective buyer for my big truck today. Sure would like to get some money out of that. If I do I'll probably but it towards my Discover card, which has a low interest balance that goes up to the normal rate in January.Yesterday I tried to join Angie's List, a "geography based" review site that frequently advertises, I mean underwrites, NPR programs. Angie's list helps you track down

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-77704840156403047442009-11-05T19:51:00.001-08:002009-11-06T19:13:03.528-08:00

Fax In. Fax Out.Yesterday i needed two do a two-way fax. i.e. I needed to receive a fax, sign it, and then fax it back. This should provide no great difficulty since I actually own a fax machine, and it's even sitting on top of my computer desk in the office. There is the problem of hooking it up, plugging it into my single dedicated land line. Waiting for the fax. Hoping no on e else calls when

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-5687824989763095672009-11-05T06:39:00.000-08:002009-11-05T20:03:32.771-08:00

I recently upgraded my home computer from Windows Vista to Windows 7. If you have Windows Vista and aren't completely happy then this is an upgrade worth considering. The difference aren't life-changing, but it just works better in many ways.One of the few difficulties I've had with the transition was getting my old printer working. I downloaded new drivers and applications from the manufactures

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-73315587317488956232009-11-04T06:09:00.000-08:002009-11-04T16:37:57.731-08:00

Lest you forget, the name of this blog is Frugal Mostly.The mostly part is an admission that I'm not a strict legalist when it comes to saving more or spending less. On the heels of yesterdays post on the simplicity movement I thought I'd take you on a tour of my personal vices, the things I'm personally willing to "over-spend" on, and the things that are more malleable. And if you enjoyed the

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-89749644927315210142009-11-03T07:21:00.000-08:002009-11-04T08:42:01.589-08:00

I came across an article today called "Back To Basics: Living With Voluntarily Simplicity."There was one particular line from the article that immediately stuck me where the speaker said "Essentially, I wanted to stop consuming so much. I wanted to let what I have be enough." This falls in line with the biblical teaching which I have always loved, but rarely attained, which says "Godliness with

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-3917224150388018052009-11-02T19:58:00.000-08:002009-11-03T07:21:47.015-08:00

So much on my mind, but so hard to come up with a topic tonight. It doesn't help when you put it off until near the witching hour. I did have a call on my box truck that I have for sale on Craigs list. Certainly would be nice to get some of my money back out of it and also to be able to drop it from my insurance.The cost of ownership of something you don't need can be pretty high that way. Not

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-34314777873756803112009-11-01T16:12:00.000-08:002009-11-01T19:12:06.257-08:00

A busy day, made to feel a little busier because I felt like I was running behind all day since the Daylight Savings Time switch last night. On top of the usual running back and forth to church services, and packing plants to send in tomorrow's mail, I accompanied my girlfriend Karin to check out an aquarium setup she'd seen on craigs list.If you don't know, craigs list is a classified service

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-85490384388101064082009-10-31T15:49:00.000-07:002009-11-01T18:19:55.834-08:00

When I hear the term "Halloween Leftovers" I tend to think CHOCOLATE! Sadly, my trick-or-treating days are behind me, and since I've never owned a house in a particularly trick-or-treat-friendly neighborhood I am not in the habit of stocking up on candy for the neighborhood ghouls and goblins. (I'm certainly not opposed to eating half-priced Halloween candy however. Check your local stores but do

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-5372484264296218722009-10-30T19:18:00.002-07:002009-10-30T19:19:04.545-07:00

One of my all-time favorite movie scenes is the "Meet the meat" scene in The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe from the series The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy. In the scene, restauranteurs meet an animal genetically bread with the desire to be eaten and the ability to express the with. Click on the link to really get the picture.For the most part, I only buy fresh meat when it's on sale.

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-42574768641137725832009-10-30T19:18:00.001-07:002009-10-30T19:18:18.553-07:00

Here's a quick stub of a blog entry! The day just went by too fast.Banks pay almost no interest on savings accounts. Even less on checking.The big banks show their appreciation for the bailout by giving themselves big bonuses and continuing to "stick it" to customers with excessive fees and penalties. No wonder they can afford to have a branch on every corner.If you don't get free checking you

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-14947142132169178272009-10-30T19:14:00.000-07:002009-10-30T19:17:11.761-07:00

Finally the sun came back out today, and it was a beautiful afternoon. I snuck out and caught the matinee of This Is It, the Michael Jackson "documentary" composed of rehearsal material for the series of concerts he was supposed to begin shortly after his unexpected death. The movie shows that he was still as talented as he was flaw. I enjoyed seeing this on the big screen, it was like having a

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-22304036881458912082009-10-27T18:46:00.000-07:002009-10-28T15:38:00.510-07:00

Today marks halfway through my 31-day experiment. It hasn't been that enlightening, but it has been rewarding to really think about frugality, and to be able to record some of my ideas on this blog. I plan to keep it going, even after the 31st day. Might even try a few other experiments like "14 Days of No Grocery Shopping". Just watch me run out of salt on day 2! Or "30 days on a gallon of gas a

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-83155288034419952802009-10-26T05:14:00.000-07:002009-10-27T18:52:37.667-07:00

I've been bemoaning the fact that my Costco card recently expired, and that even though I enjoy shopping at Costco I really can't justify the $50 annual fee, er, membership fee."You must be a Costco member to purchase or reload Costco Cash Cards. Members and non-members may use the cash cards to shop in the warehouse or online. Costco Cash balances may be used toward membership or merchandise. "

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-70420176850988883092009-10-25T11:19:00.000-07:002009-10-25T19:18:30.472-07:00

Today was our churches "Consecration Sunday," which is the day that the church asks supporters to make a pledge of their financial and volunteer support for the coming year.There are a number of people who give no financial support to our church, and I'm sure every church has people who fall into this category. But. as frugal as I am, I would never consider skipping out of this process. It isn't

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-58602466108429322932009-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:002009-10-25T04:35:50.464-07:00

Nice day spent packing violets, followed by a spaghetti supper at church and The Guardian on DVD. Plans for a night on the town fell through, due to a scheduling "anomaly". Hopefully we can re-schedule soon.The Return of the Vampires!Way back on day 2? I mentioned the presence of Vampires in your home, those devices that are always on standby, steadily drawing small amounts of electricity from

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-53549313175091001872009-10-22T09:04:00.000-07:002009-10-24T11:58:31.562-07:00

Wow! Day 10 already! Anyone still reading?My sweety came over for supper. We enjoyed homemade vegetable-beef soup that I made the other day, and cheese toast, with Krispy Kreme carrot cake doughnuts for dessert! We also watched Molocai: The Story of Father Damien on DVD, and excellent movie and good for a frugal date!Cool ToolsI know I've been talking about food, mostly. So today I wanted to

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-89007220713052231792009-10-20T09:34:00.000-07:002009-10-23T06:17:12.693-07:00

Sorry yesterday's post is late! I was out late with my Dad. Really!One of the easiest places to save money is by cooking and eating your own food, instead of eating from a restaurant or deli. When you do have to shop you'll want to do it in the most frugal way possible. Some stores charge a lot more than others, and prices vary by brand and size. Even with a coupon name brands can sometimes cost

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-57968621014433636562009-10-20T06:05:00.000-07:002009-10-21T16:58:13.256-07:00

Turning the lights out is harder than it sounds. Not only does it require a new habit, dim lighting is depressing, especially with the onset of winter. I allow myself good light, at least in the room that I'm currently occupying.---Thinking About FoodI'm thinking a lot about food this morning! It could be because I haven't had breakfast yet. I have a big pot of vegetable soup with I made

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-72115943616872767582009-10-19T04:57:00.000-07:002009-10-21T05:21:27.031-07:00

Wow! Another frosty morning here at the Fortress of Solitude! Smells like a skunk visited the area last night, too. Fortunately the lingering smell is only detectable outside. As I enjoy my morning coffee I remind myself to turn the pot off when I get that second cup. Coffee makers are surprisingly greedy electricity hogs. If a third cup is required I'll turn to the microwave to warm it back

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-43308519573417501542009-10-19T04:56:00.000-07:002009-10-20T16:00:21.732-07:00

Despite your best intentions, some days it's just hard to save money. For instance today I met my buddy Kevin for lunch at our usual hangout, Rearn Thai, in Greensboro. This mean a 30-mile drive. Fail! It was also my turn to pick up the tab. $18.60. Fail. And of course it goes without saying that we ate in a restaurant. Fail!!! Oh, and did I mention that tomorrow I'll be getting my haircut, just

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-63215499841703552292009-10-18T17:52:00.000-07:002009-10-21T05:25:10.451-07:00

It was a super, if cold Sunday. I'd like to say that even my church is getting behind Frugal Mostly, but that would be an exaggeration. The guest speaker today did talk about ways to save money as he spoke on stewardship. And stewardship is where it all begin with me.Many years ago I listened to a series of sermons by Charles Stanley on the topic of stewardship. The basic idea is that everything

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-88810930781140106542009-10-17T07:03:00.000-07:002009-10-20T15:58:48.025-07:00

9am. Saturday's usually include making the trip to my girlfriends where I help her pack flowers (she has a full-time business selling flowers, mostly African Violets and Begonias, on eBay), followed by dinner. Tonight's dinner is a birthday celebration / Pig Pickin' we're invited to at her girlfriends.2pm. Well, between futzing around the house, washing dishes 3 times, making iced tea,

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-59080841964831335852009-10-16T06:02:00.001-07:002009-10-20T15:58:26.541-07:00

I hear the heat come on and the first thing I think is "there goes the electricity!" immediately followed by "I'm glad the heat's coming on.", so I guess the frugal mindset it working.The AnniversaryOur 9 month anniversary.Fortunately, we enjoy dining in, we both cook. I have a well-stocked pantry and freezer, while she has 2 live-in eating machines. :-D Tonight we dine at my house. I went "

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-70852672360310998712009-10-15T06:41:00.000-07:002009-10-17T07:05:16.702-07:00

Brrrrr! Temps dipped down well into the 40's last night! Mother Nature must be putting my frugality to the test. I give in and nudge the thermostat up from 60 to the point where it just cuts on. Hopefully this will be enough, along with jeans and a sweatshirt, to keep me comfortable. Today's forecast is for a high of 53. Nothing worse than paying to heat up a house in the morning and then

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-61054166169422566762009-10-14T05:50:00.000-07:002009-10-16T10:52:10.072-07:00

It's 5:30 as I write, and I'm nearing my first official day of my 31-day exercise in frugal living. Other than the house being a little darker than normal nothing much changed. I did turn the computer off when I left the house, and now I'm down in Lexington for dinner at my girlfriends. Hey, nothing says frugal like a free meal! I did bring some much needed components for a coconut cake she's

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3806026647844130942.post-65003600628536189202009-10-13T19:46:00.000-07:002009-10-13T20:07:36.080-07:00

Tomorrow the month of frugal living begins in earnest. I actually formulated the idea over the last day or so, created the blog, and acquired the domain name. I spent $7 already, so I'm honor bound to push ahead with it.The Plan1) Live as economically as I reasonably can for the next 31 days.2) Write daily posts about my efforts, and post tips on managing costs and spending.The ReasonI recently

James Messickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04607051809689768629noreply@blogger.com3