December Frugalistas 2020

[mommyoffive]

7 hours ago, popmom said:

just popping in to say Merry Christmas! Also, I am not worthy of this thread at all this month. 😉 Especially since all 4 kids are home and eating me out of house and home. But I feel blessed to have them all here together since we aren't gathering with extended family due to COVID. 

I'll get with the program in January! Goals!

Awww so glad you get to have the 4 kids at home.  Merry Christmas!  And you can totally hang out here even if you are not being frugal.  I am totally not being frugal, just trying to keep track of things. 

[mommyoffive]

2 hours ago, Soror said:

I was awake thinking about money and medical stuff. 

Worried about ds. We are going to get him a Celiac's test, hopefully we can get him in next week but if blood test is positive that is a referral to a specialist and an endoscopy. Same thing I had with dd last year, $1500-$2000 easily. And that is not even half of the suck. Him having to give up all the food and if that happens my menu will be back to strictly gf, which is more money.

And my ultrasound is next week, if anything shows up that will be in the new year too. I should have went to the dr weeks ago when I originally had issues.

Sending some hugs.  I am sorry you are worried about things.  I get like that too and it effects my sleep.   I really hate that we live in a country where we have to worry about things like that.  When you have an illness you worry about how much it is going to cost if you go to the doctor or ER.   You didn't go in right away because you either were busy taking care of others or thought you would feel better if you just gave it some time.  

Sending good thoughts your way.

[mommyoffive]

We love when Walgreens offers coupons, discounts, and promo codes that mean huge savings on photo gifts – and even free or cheap photo prints just in time for the holidays!

Through, December 25th, you can score a FREE 8×10 Photo Print when you use the promo code STAR8X10 at checkout – limit one.

[mommyoffive]

McDonald’s always offers deals and coupons on their app! Today, December 24th only, they are offering a FREE 2-pack or 3-pack of Chocolate Chip Cookies with no minimum purchase required!

To redeem, you will need to select the offer in the McDonald’s App (any time of the day), and show the offer to the cashier or apply it in the app if ordering for pickup. Please note that this offer cannot be combined with any other coupon.

[mommyoffive]

From CNN

The House of Representatives on Thursday failed to advance a measure that would increase direct payments to Americans under a certain income level to $2,000 -- up from the $600 level passed earlier this week -- bringing lawmakers back to square one as they search for a way to appease President Donald Trump's demands.

House Democrats tried to quickly pass the bill by a unanimous consent request Thursday morning, but Republicans rejected the move, leaving the future of the $900 billion stimulus package -- and whether any changes will be added to it -- in doubt. That stimulus package was attached to a spending bill for the entire federal government, and a deadline for government funding expires Monday at midnight.

Democrats vowed that their effort isn't over, promising to move to pass a bill to increase the stimulus checks to $2,000 with a full up-or-down vote on the House floor December 28.

"On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000. To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need," Pelosi said in a statement.

[hjffkj]

1 hour ago, mommyoffive said:

From CNN

The House of Representatives on Thursday failed to advance a measure that would increase direct payments to Americans under a certain income level to $2,000 -- up from the $600 level passed earlier this week -- bringing lawmakers back to square one as they search for a way to appease President Donald Trump's demands.

House Democrats tried to quickly pass the bill by a unanimous consent request Thursday morning, but Republicans rejected the move, leaving the future of the $900 billion stimulus package -- and whether any changes will be added to it -- in doubt. That stimulus package was attached to a spending bill for the entire federal government, and a deadline for government funding expires Monday at midnight.

Democrats vowed that their effort isn't over, promising to move to pass a bill to increase the stimulus checks to $2,000 with a full up-or-down vote on the House floor December 28.

"On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000. To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need," Pelosi said in a statement.

what a cluster F*!  I wish the republicans would just say how about $1200 checks again, sign that amendment and then pass the damn thing.  I bet Trump would sign that amount so he could play the hero that got the American people more.

[historically accurate]

MIL is staying for dinner tomorrow, so I had to do some last minute rearranging since she has celiac. I figured as long as I was rethinking meals, I'd work with only what I had on hand. 

We are having ham ($8), carrots & peas (5 servings each from school lunches), potatoes (from a food pantry box - these really needed to be used up), jello ($1?), and cornbread casserole (she can't eat it because I used a Jiffy mix, but I used up some corn from the school lunches and sour cream from a food pantry box in it). So about $10-12 dollars in ingredients total I'd say. That's not bad for Christmas dinner for 7. We're having 6 people here, and I'll deliver one to my brother later in the day.  

My aunt and neighbor sent cookies - 1 is gluten free, so super yay! 

Just got DD's covid test back on her medical chart portal - negative, but still don't know what's going on with her toes. 

I paid for DD's second semester German class. I kept waiting to get a bill, but didn't. Um, that's because I only signed her up for a semester back in May. Oops. At least I could sign her up now. 

I have 8 slots open for VIPKid tomorrow. So far no takers, but VIPKid is paying me $8 just for having the slots open. I have to be up to put the ham in the crockpot anyway at 4 am-ish. Hoping for some money from there tomorrow. 

Wishing you all a happy & healthy holiday!

[saraha]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁!!!

[mommyoffive]

2 hours ago, saraha said:

Merry Christmas 🎄🎁!!!

Merry Christmas to you too!

[mommyoffive]

6 hours ago, hjffkj said:

what a cluster F*!  I wish the republicans would just say how about $1200 checks again, sign that amendment and then pass the damn thing.  I bet Trump would sign that amount so he could play the hero that got the American people more.

I know right?  Compromise anyone? 

[mommyoffive]

2 hours ago, historically accurate said:

MIL is staying for dinner tomorrow, so I had to do some last minute rearranging since she has celiac. I figured as long as I was rethinking meals, I'd work with only what I had on hand. 

We are having ham ($8), carrots & peas (5 servings each from school lunches), potatoes (from a food pantry box - these really needed to be used up), jello ($1?), and cornbread casserole (she can't eat it because I used a Jiffy mix, but I used up some corn from the school lunches and sour cream from a food pantry box in it). So about $10-12 dollars in ingredients total I'd say. That's not bad for Christmas dinner for 7. We're having 6 people here, and I'll deliver one to my brother later in the day.  

My aunt and neighbor sent cookies - 1 is gluten free, so super yay! 

Just got DD's covid test back on her medical chart portal - negative, but still don't know what's going on with her toes. 

I paid for DD's second semester German class. I kept waiting to get a bill, but didn't. Um, that's because I only signed her up for a semester back in May. Oops. At least I could sign her up now. 

I have 8 slots open for VIPKid tomorrow. So far no takers, but VIPKid is paying me $8 just for having the slots open. I have to be up to put the ham in the crockpot anyway at 4 am-ish. Hoping for some money from there tomorrow. 

Wishing you all a happy & healthy holiday!

WAy to be so frugal using up all the leftovers!

This dd with the toes, is this the 2nd negative test?   Is that even possible to have covid if she has had 2 negative tests?  I know the tests are not always accurate, but with several tests is that pretty certain she doesn't have it then? I wish you guys could have some concrete answers. 

Yeah for getting paid for not teaching any classes.  That is pretty cool.  Do you do a lot of teaching for VipKid? 

[Soror]

10 hours ago, historically accurate said:

MIL is staying for dinner tomorrow, so I had to do some last minute rearranging since she has celiac. I figured as long as I was rethinking meals, I'd work with only what I had on hand. 

We are having ham ($8), carrots & peas (5 servings each from school lunches), potatoes (from a food pantry box - these really needed to be used up), jello ($1?), and cornbread casserole (she can't eat it because I used a Jiffy mix, but I used up some corn from the school lunches and sour cream from a food pantry box in it). So about $10-12 dollars in ingredients total I'd say. That's not bad for Christmas dinner for 7. We're having 6 people here, and I'll deliver one to my brother later in the day.  

My aunt and neighbor sent cookies - 1 is gluten free, so super yay! 

Just got DD's covid test back on her medical chart portal - negative, but still don't know what's going on with her toes. 

I paid for DD's second semester German class. I kept waiting to get a bill, but didn't. Um, that's because I only signed her up for a semester back in May. Oops. At least I could sign her up now. 

I have 8 slots open for VIPKid tomorrow. So far no takers, but VIPKid is paying me $8 just for having the slots open. I have to be up to put the ham in the crockpot anyway at 4 am-ish. Hoping for some money from there tomorrow. 

Wishing you all a happy & healthy holiday!

Way to stretch that food. I'd be curious to see if the same dd has antibodies later. I know there is a fair amount of false negatives.

I did not open slots for Christmas, it is my first day off since Oct 4! I did consider opening slots on Gogokid, they had a $20 incentive for Christmas and they probably wouldn't fill as I've not taught any there but dh was adamant that I take off and I was ready for a day.

I made lasagna last night for our Christmas Eve meal and have leftovers for dinner today. We are eating lunch with my parents and brother's family but won't be seeing anyone else. MIL is dropping off presents.

 

[historically accurate]

No takers from VIPKid, but I still made $8. I started back in Nov 2019, and I never really built up a base. By the time the lockdown rolled around, I hadn't taught in a couple weeks. DH took over my area for work at home so I can't use it now. DD with PTSD sleeps in the living room, so living room, kitchen, dining room is out as they are all open. I have been eyeing the laundry room as it's at the end of the house. But it has a grate in the door (weird air flow mobile home thing). Since March, I've only opened when they pay me an incentive to do so. 

DD with the COVID toes was only tested once - on Monday (the test came back yesterday). I figure if she did have it, she cleared it by now as we took her in on Nov 30 for toes. 

In a twist, MIL had a fever yesterday and an upset stomach, so she may not come today. 

Enjoy your day off, Soror! That's an impressive (and I'm sure tiring!) streak. Merry Christmas everyone!

[mommyoffive]

13 hours ago, historically accurate said:

No takers from VIPKid, but I still made $8. I started back in Nov 2019, and I never really built up a base. By the time the lockdown rolled around, I hadn't taught in a couple weeks. DH took over my area for work at home so I can't use it now. DD with PTSD sleeps in the living room, so living room, kitchen, dining room is out as they are all open. I have been eyeing the laundry room as it's at the end of the house. But it has a grate in the door (weird air flow mobile home thing). Since March, I've only opened when they pay me an incentive to do so. 

DD with the COVID toes was only tested once - on Monday (the test came back yesterday). I figure if she did have it, she cleared it by now as we took her in on Nov 30 for toes. 

In a twist, MIL had a fever yesterday and an upset stomach, so she may not come today. 

Enjoy your day off, Soror! That's an impressive (and I'm sure tiring!) streak. Merry Christmas everyone!

Merry Christmas to you too.  I hope your MIL is ok. 

Dude it is tough having everyone home and trying to find enough places for everyone to work and school.  We were tight before and wanting to move.  But this has pushed us over the edge.  Our stress levels would be so much lower if we had a home that could give everyone enough space to work, school , and dance.   We are on top of each other all day.  

[Soror]

23 hours ago, historically accurate said:

No takers from VIPKid, but I still made $8. I started back in Nov 2019, and I never really built up a base. By the time the lockdown rolled around, I hadn't taught in a couple weeks. DH took over my area for work at home so I can't use it now. DD with PTSD sleeps in the living room, so living room, kitchen, dining room is out as they are all open. I have been eyeing the laundry room as it's at the end of the house. But it has a grate in the door (weird air flow mobile home thing). Since March, I've only opened when they pay me an incentive to do so. 

DD with the COVID toes was only tested once - on Monday (the test came back yesterday). I figure if she did have it, she cleared it by now as we took her in on Nov 30 for toes. 

In a twist, MIL had a fever yesterday and an upset stomach, so she may not come today. 

Enjoy your day off, Soror! That's an impressive (and I'm sure tiring!) streak. Merry Christmas everyone!

You might check out Gogokid, they are easy to get hired and have great bonuses and incentives, way better than VIPKID. They did have $300 if you opened so many slots. It wasn't worth it for me to open so many as I usually book VIPKID but if you aren't getting booked could be some nice money. You are probably right about her no longer having the virus if that was so long ago.

_________________________

Dh is working today, a problem with some machine/robot. IDK. 

The comforter I got for Christmas is too small 😞 I bought it on sale so I'm nervous that I won't be able to find anything comparable for the return amount. It is a King and my bed is a king but it just reaches the edge one way and hangs over a few inches the other way, I tried it both ways and it is just way to small. My current comforter is at least 6x6 inches bigger. I should have checked the dimensions of it I got lured in by the great price and reviews. I hope I can just get a refund on my card as I think I'll have better luck on Amazon. Just looked and my old one from Amazon was twice as much and an oversized king (no wonder it is so much bigger). I really don't want to spend that much but I'd like a new one, hmm. Mine is white- it has some piling on it and a corner has torn. 

I've made a grocery list for more refunds. It takes some planning and comparing but I'm starting to get the hang of it. It pays to be strategic in what you are getting. Of course, it isn't worthwhile to buy something I don't use for some small rebate, I'm out money but combining things that are free (even if I don't use it) with things that already good deals gives me bonuses for even more cash back.

I downloaded Fetch too, put in a few receipts and am up to $3 Amazon gift card. I dont really 'get' it yet but seen it recommended. I scanned receipts I already had got returns on from Ibotta.

Edited December 26, 2020 by Soror

[mommyoffive]

50% off holiday stuff at Walmart

Christmas Decor Deals 2020 - Walmart.com

[mommyoffive]

50% off beauty stuff at walmart

 

beauty gift sets - Walmart.com

[mommyoffive]

Toys 50% off if you stock up for the year ahead of have birthdays

The Polar Express Train Set Only $34 on Walmart.com (Regularly $70) - Hip2Save

 

Up to 50% Off Target Clearance Toys | Disney, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, & More - Hip2Save

[Soror]

Went over budget for New Year with dh./ Most as planned except he suggested we increase car maintenance $10 monthly. Budget is planned for his pay without OT as when he is in the midst of classes he doesn't have much if any extra time or energy for it.

 

Edited December 27, 2020 by Soror

[hjffkj]

I can't wait to find time to plan the 2021 budget, it is actually one of my favorite things to do after Christmas.  I really like the process of examining how my goals for the ending year changed throughout the year as we accomplished goals and added new ones.  Then I get to evaluate how ambitious I want to be for the new year.

I'm feeling very ambitious for 2021 so goals will be set pretty high I'm guessing.

[Soror]

55 minutes ago, hjffkj said:

I can't wait to find time to plan the 2021 budget, it is actually one of my favorite things to do after Christmas.  I really like the process of examining how my goals for the ending year changed throughout the year as we accomplished goals and added new ones.  Then I get to evaluate how ambitious I want to be for the new year.

I'm feeling very ambitious for 2021 so goals will be set pretty high I'm guessing.

I love planning too, any planning really 🙂 When I wake up at night I'm often planning something in my head. 

We didn't have any big goals for last year. At the end of the last year we were in and out of doctors and hospitals for dd2, trying to figure out what was wrong with her and stressed over dh's work. Neither of which conducive to long range planning.

But we survived it all. Even got ds a car, which was not on the list (my parents had bought him an older truck but it ended up needing more work than made it worth it). We also ended up with a new roof (insurance), painted the house and shed, and did a ton of DIY projects, all of those OUP. 

And we have different medical stressors at the end of this year but dh's job is much more secure so it feels considerably more manageable and considerably less stressful. 

Our 2021 goals are:

(1) Expand EFund

(2) Fund sinking funds- of course where those end up depend on how much we need to use them- we'll just have to roll with it

(3) Roth account for me

(4) Finish funding family European Vaca by end of year or sooner

If there is more funds due to government stimulus and/or more pay/OT from dh there would be an increase in sinking funds and Efund. But the other goals are fairly ambitious (for our income) as it is, so we'll see. One also never knows what crap will come up, especially so with medical bills.

[Soror]

Dh got called into work. Good and bad of course, we've been working our way through the LoTR trilogy and got interrupted. 

I am working on food inventory, menu, and grocery lists. I plan on buying very, very little this week but am going to get a few little things for a New Years Eve celebration, I'm ready to bring on the New Year want to do some fun snacky food we don't usually have and play games. I'm making dd2 and I gf butterfinger pie. I have no idea otherwise, need to brainstorm and see what the kids want.

[mommyoffive]

I like you guys I love planning the budget.  But this year I am just not there.  Most of our plans would include travel and such and as things are we just don't have that on our list.  Everything else is just on auto so it isn't a goal it just happens.  We will again max all our retirement space, not because we need to.  I just did the figures and we are already ahead and if we stopped today we would have our income in retirement and dh could retire 10 years early.  But he doesn't want to retire early.  So we will just keep maxing, for what point I am not sure.   Our efund is way to big, so we should do something with that $.  Covid has let us stockpile so much money, even though we are spending a lot.

Honestly I can't come up with any financial goals.  The only thing would be to move and we are not seeing anything on the market that would make us do that.  We think about buying land and have looked for the last few months and not found anything we loved. 

 

Semi-annual toy sale at Target

75% Off Toys During 2020 Target Semi-Annual Toy Sale | Hip2Save

[historically accurate]

College DD wanted a dorm sized fridge since her suitemates fuss over the food in the shared fridge (apparently there was a whole thing about expired milk). I've been watching FB Marketplace. DH was also looking, but he was focusing on new. He found a new one on Walmart for less than I was seeing used. So he bought it - we do have to purchase several stickers since it has a pin-up girl on the front 🤣. DD went for it since it was less than $20, and she gets to customize it now.  It may even come before she goes back for second semester, but if not, she'll have it for Soph year.

[mommyoffive]

1 hour ago, historically accurate said:

College DD wanted a dorm sized fridge since her suitemates fuss over the food in the shared fridge (apparently there was a whole thing about expired milk). I've been watching FB Marketplace. DH was also looking, but he was focusing on new. He found a new one on Walmart for less than I was seeing used. So he bought it - we do have to purchase several stickers since it has a pin-up girl on the front 🤣. DD went for it since it was less than $20, and she gets to customize it now.  It may even come before she goes back for second semester, but if not, she'll have it for Soph year.

It was new and came with a pin up girl on it?  What the heck?  

[historically accurate]

9 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

It was new and came with a pin up girl on it?  What the heck?  

I know, right? It's a whole line of "garage fridges". 

[mommyoffive]

Just now, historically accurate said:

I know, right? It's a whole line of "garage fridges". 

Ahhh, I am sure they are quite popular.  😉

[prairiewindmomma]

1 hour ago, mommyoffive said:

I like you guys I love planning the budget.  But this year I am just not there.  Most of our plans would include travel and such and as things are we just don't have that on our list.  Everything else is just on auto so it isn't a goal it just happens.  We will again max all our retirement space, not because we need to.  I just did the figures and we are already ahead and if we stopped today we would have our income in retirement and dh could retire 10 years early.  But he doesn't want to retire early.  So we will just keep maxing, for what point I am not sure.   Our efund is way to big, so we should do something with that $.  Covid has let us stockpile so much money, even though we are spending a lot.

Honestly I can't come up with any financial goals.  The only thing would be to move and we are not seeing anything on the market that would make us do that.  We think about buying land and have looked for the last few months and not found anything we loved. 

 

Semi-annual toy sale at Target

75% Off Toys During 2020 Target Semi-Annual Toy Sale | Hip2Save

Do you have $200k set aside for each kid’s college fund? That would be my next goal if you haven’t. (We don’t have anything set aside for our younger kids. We are barely scraping tuition together for oldest currently.)

[mommyoffive]

3 minutes ago, prairiewindmomma said:

Do you have $200k set aside for each kid’s college fund? That would be my next goal if you haven’t. (We don’t have anything set aside for our younger kids. We are barely scraping tuition together for oldest currently.)

We are not intending to pay that much for their college.  We live in a city with a University that is under 8k a year.  Of course there is always a 2 year college for less than that.  If they want to do something besides that, it is on their own.  But yes we have college savings for them. 

[prairiewindmomma]

Wow! Two year college tuition here is about $125/credit hour. With fees and books and bus fare it’s been more expensive than your university. Jealous!!

[mommyoffive]

1 minute ago, prairiewindmomma said:

Wow! Two year college tuition here is about $125/credit hour. With fees and books and bus fare it’s been more expensive than your university. Jealous!!

We were not even thinking about it when we moved here.  We just liked all the diversity that a college town was offering. But now it makes it hard to leave here.   Dh works at least 2 hours away (although not during covid).  The kids are in a ballet school that is 2 plus hours away.  It makes sense to move closer to one of those (opposite directions), but then we leave the college town right as are kids are almost college age.  But both directions are other college towns, although they are a little bit more expensive.  At most 2k more a year. 

I  have looked at 2 year college and it is 4k to maybe 5k a year.  We could cash flow college too.  

[Soror]

3 hours ago, historically accurate said:

College DD wanted a dorm sized fridge since her suitemates fuss over the food in the shared fridge (apparently there was a whole thing about expired milk). I've been watching FB Marketplace. DH was also looking, but he was focusing on new. He found a new one on Walmart for less than I was seeing used. So he bought it - we do have to purchase several stickers since it has a pin-up girl on the front 🤣. DD went for it since it was less than $20, and she gets to customize it now.  It may even come before she goes back for second semester, but if not, she'll have it for Soph year.

Nice (although a little weird) find! Sometimes buying new is the better deal.

1 hour ago, mommyoffive said:

We are not intending to pay that much for their college.  We live in a city with a University that is under 8k a year.  Of course there is always a 2 year college for less than that.  If they want to do something besides that, it is on their own.  But yes we have college savings for them. 

Prices are similar here. We will be strongly encouraging dc's to go to start at the CC (especially the 2 that will be getting it for free) and then transferring, the cost of the CC is half that of the state U, unless they happen to get kick ass scholarships out of the gate it doesn't make sense to do otherwise. We always knew we had limited funds and there are no loans for retirement and one can't work forever so that has been our focus. With dh going back to school it is likely we will be able to help more than we thought we would. At the earliest I expect dh to be working until the last one finishes and expect to work myself when I'm no longer hs'ing. 

[prairiewindmomma]

The motor went out on the hot tub. 😞 It  has been loud for a couple of months, so we knew it was coming, but we just replaced the heating element, so boo. The hot tub is a medical thing for me with my RA, so the repair needs to happen. It should be around $600.
 

I think we are going to eat mostly out of the freezer/pantry for the next couple of weeks to ease repair costs.

[hjffkj]

Trump signed the stimulus bill.  So, $600 stimulus checks it is.  We'll be getting $4200 from it. Hope this helps most of you

[mommyoffive]

3 hours ago, Soror said:

Nice (although a little weird) find! Sometimes buying new is the better deal.

Prices are similar here. We will be strongly encouraging dc's to go to start at the CC (especially the 2 that will be getting it for free) and then transferring, the cost of the CC is half that of the state U, unless they happen to get kick ass scholarships out of the gate it doesn't make sense to do otherwise. We always knew we had limited funds and there are no loans for retirement and one can't work forever so that has been our focus. With dh going back to school it is likely we will be able to help more than we thought we would. At the earliest I expect dh to be working until the last one finishes and expect to work myself when I'm no longer hs'ing. 

I was just thinking dh and I went to a private college back in the day and it was in the mid 20s for tuition.  Dumb call on our part and we tell the kids all the time go a cheaper route. 

[hjffkj]

we will 100% be encouraging the kids to go to community college for the first two years.  I do still hope to work for the local university at least part time to get free tuition for my dependents.  That is how my parents paid for college for their 7 kids.  Dad works at a community college and my mom work at the university.  So, they never paid a dime for college.  One sibling went to a different college but she won the lottery draw for a tuition remission agreement the two schools had with each other.  So, basically the local university paid the in state amount towards the place my sister wanted to go and she just had to make up the difference since she was out of state.

[mommyoffive]

2 minutes ago, hjffkj said:

we will 100% be encouraging the kids to go to community college for the first two years.  I do still hope to work for the local university at least part time to get free tuition for my dependents.  That is how my parents paid for college for their 7 kids.  Dad works at a community college and my mom work at the university.  So, they never paid a dime for college.  One sibling went to a different college but she won the lottery draw for a tuition remission agreement the two schools had with each other.  So, basically the local university paid the in state amount towards the place my sister wanted to go and she just had to make up the difference since she was out of state.

Wow, so smart of them.  I am not so sure of how common that discount is anymore.   I should look into it. 

[hjffkj]

3 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

Wow, so smart of them.  I am not so sure of how common that discount is anymore.   I should look into it. 

yeah, I have heard lots of places have gotten rid of it.  The university I went to still has it for full-time and part-time employees, two free tuitions per semester and 2 additional classes free . The community college my dad worked for still has it as well.  So, that is my plan until they get rid of that perk.  Otherwise,  we're planning on partially funding their college tuition.  If they go the 2 years at cc and 2 at undergrad we should be able to pay for all of that, assuming they continue living at home.  I won't pay for them to live on campus because we are close enough for them to not need to.

[mommyoffive]

9 minutes ago, hjffkj said:

yeah, I have heard lots of places have gotten rid of it.  The university I went to still has it for full-time and part-time employees, two free tuitions per semester and 2 additional classes free . The community college my dad worked for still has it as well.  So, that is my plan until they get rid of that perk.  Otherwise,  we're planning on partially funding their college tuition.  If they go the 2 years at cc and 2 at undergrad we should be able to pay for all of that, assuming they continue living at home.  I won't pay for them to live on campus because we are close enough for them to not need to.

Me either.  We live less than 5 mins from campus.  

[Soror]

9 hours ago, mommyoffive said:

Wow, so smart of them.  I am not so sure of how common that discount is anymore.   I should look into it. 

Very smart! I know the CC still has that as we know some people that work there. The pay is not that great but that is a good benefit, especially with many children. I'm still really uncertain what I want to do after the children graduate or finishing hs'ing. I've considered going back for OT school, pay is considerably more than for my degree, SW. Lots to consider. I don't know that I want to do SW, unless maybe I found a job that offered really great benefits and I could qualify for a pension after a reasonable time. But dh wants the option of plenty of travel time, we'll just have to see how it plays out, too many unknowns now.

[Soror]

I've still got to do the menu. I ended up doing a lot of cleaning yesterday and didn't get to it.

Need to call Kroger to see about the prescription coupon. My $50 coupon is clipped but it doesn't show I'm eligible, dh already picked up the prescription but I'm guessing there was something they were supposed to do at the pharmacy.

Have to get prescriptions, should be $10 or less I think, that should keep us good for awhile (I think/hope).

Edited December 28, 2020 by Soror

[Soror]

Looks like Trump did sign the stimulus bill.

Ours will fill our Efund to my first goal, with a bit left towards dh's college bill, which should be paid off this month. Longer goal is to have the efund 3x that amount but there are other competing goals. Sinking funds are a higher priority.

[Soror]

I made pulled pork last night (was supposed to be Saturday but menu is a day off due to meat not being thawed Sat). I didn't realize I only had spicy BBQ sauce so I looked up a recipe and made a quick batch. Everyone loved it. Big win, cheap and easy!

 

eta: just looking at my CC charges and Amazon used my digital credits for our HBO Max subscription. I had hoped it would but thought it wouldn't count, yippee! So, it was free and I still have $5 credits.

Edited December 28, 2020 by Soror

[historically accurate]

Now that I know what the relief check amout is, I think I have a plan. It'll pay off the furnace, the dentist, and make a dent in the hospital bill. Money that was going to the furnace is similar to what we pay for prescriptions, so I'm allocating it to the prescriptions now. I shouldn't need to use credit for those anymore. 

DH and I got some cash for Christmas; most of it is going to the hospital - DH did buy a new phone since his is ancient. Youngest DD will probably inherit his old one around her birthday - she'll be 14. I bought an egg bite pan for the Instant Pot and dollhouse wallpaper for my dollhouse I've been working on, and put the rest toward the hospital bill.

I knew the dorm fridge was too good to be true (Amazon has the same fridge for $200). Got an email from the seller through Walmart's website that it is out of stock. It said that they may be able to substitute. Well, we'd love one at that price without the pin up girl, so I emailed about accepting a "similar sized fridge even without the decal". We'll see what they find. Otherwise, we'll get a refund and we're back on the hunt. 

Our CC does not have the discount for employees/kids. That would be an awesome idea if yours does. NIU is about 45 mins/1 hour away, which is a little far for driving in the snow through the corn fields (I did it for a year and a half in my early 20s and ditched my car 2x in snow banks). Some tuition freebies in my area: if my kids were in public school, our school district pays for dual enrollment. The city next to us now has free tuition for their B average public school graduates at NIU. U of I has free tuition for lower middle income and below. DD did not get into U of I, however, because they are like #5 in the country for computer science. Too bad she didn't want to study something else. DH's work paid 100% for his AAS that he just finished.  

We're paying for DD's college through a Pell Grant, a merit scholarship from the school, grandparent 529, parent 529, and cash flowing books and travel expenses. DD started dual enrollment as a freshman, and we cash flowed the first 3 semesters when she attended part time. Then, when she went full time as a junior, we cash flowed books and used 529 money for tuition. It's a hodge podge, but it's working so far. 

[mommyoffive]

2 hours ago, Soror said:

Looks like Trump did sign the stimulus bill.

Ours will fill our Efund to my first goal, with a bit left towards dh's college bill, which should be paid off this month. Longer goal is to have the efund 3x that amount but there are other competing goals. Sinking funds are a higher priority.

Yay, glad you are accomplishing goals with the stimulus money.  Very smart and feels so good to have a few of your goals already done.   Always a smart thing to have a big efund in a pandemic. 

[mommyoffive]

35 minutes ago, historically accurate said:

Now that I know what the relief check amout is, I think I have a plan. It'll pay off the furnace, the dentist, and make a dent in the hospital bill. Money that was going to the furnace is similar to what we pay for prescriptions, so I'm allocating it to the prescriptions now. I shouldn't need to use credit for those anymore. 

DH and I got some cash for Christmas; most of it is going to the hospital - DH did buy a new phone since his is ancient. Youngest DD will probably inherit his old one around her birthday - she'll be 14. I bought an egg bite pan for the Instant Pot and dollhouse wallpaper for my dollhouse I've been working on, and put the rest toward the hospital bill.

I knew the dorm fridge was too good to be true (Amazon has the same fridge for $200). Got an email from the seller through Walmart's website that it is out of stock. It said that they may be able to substitute. Well, we'd love one at that price without the pin up girl, so I emailed about accepting a "similar sized fridge even without the decal". We'll see what they find. Otherwise, we'll get a refund and we're back on the hunt. 

Our CC does not have the discount for employees/kids. That would be an awesome idea if yours does. NIU is about 45 mins/1 hour away, which is a little far for driving in the snow through the corn fields (I did it for a year and a half in my early 20s and ditched my car 2x in snow banks). Some tuition freebies in my area: if my kids were in public school, our school district pays for dual enrollment. The city next to us now has free tuition for their B average public school graduates at NIU. U of I has free tuition for lower middle income and below. DD did not get into U of I, however, because they are like #5 in the country for computer science. Too bad she didn't want to study something else. DH's work paid 100% for his AAS that he just finished.  

We're paying for DD's college through a Pell Grant, a merit scholarship from the school, grandparent 529, parent 529, and cash flowing books and travel expenses. DD started dual enrollment as a freshman, and we cash flowed the first 3 semesters when she attended part time. Then, when she went full time as a junior, we cash flowed books and used 529 money for tuition. It's a hodge podge, but it's working so far. 

Glad you figured out a plan with the stimulus  money.  That has to be a weight off your back a bit. 

Oh that stinks about the fridge.  We have had a few of those this year where we bought something and then got the order cancelled.  I hope you do end up getting another one for the price. 

Wow, that is a great deal for NIU.  Our schools do dual enrollment for free too.  My oldest is in 9th grade and we thought about doing it this year, but we thought it was smarter to not do it in the first year of high school.  Let her adjust to the higher workload.  But she is doing totally fine getting all As, so I think she would have been fine.  We will hopefully be doing that next year.   The only annoying thing is that her school doesn't let them take any classes for credit over summer.  We were going to have her do that this past summer since there wasn't a lot of other things that she could do.  It would have been great.  

[mommyoffive]

How do the stimulus payments effect your taxes?  I have read they are not taxable and that they will show up as credits.  Does that mean if you usually get a refund that your refund is will be lower? 

[Soror]

1 hour ago, historically accurate said:

Now that I know what the relief check amout is, I think I have a plan. It'll pay off the furnace, the dentist, and make a dent in the hospital bill. Money that was going to the furnace is similar to what we pay for prescriptions, so I'm allocating it to the prescriptions now. I shouldn't need to use credit for those anymore. 

DH and I got some cash for Christmas; most of it is going to the hospital - DH did buy a new phone since his is ancient. Youngest DD will probably inherit his old one around her birthday - she'll be 14. I bought an egg bite pan for the Instant Pot and dollhouse wallpaper for my dollhouse I've been working on, and put the rest toward the hospital bill.

I knew the dorm fridge was too good to be true (Amazon has the same fridge for $200). Got an email from the seller through Walmart's website that it is out of stock. It said that they may be able to substitute. Well, we'd love one at that price without the pin up girl, so I emailed about accepting a "similar sized fridge even without the decal". We'll see what they find. Otherwise, we'll get a refund and we're back on the hunt. 

Our CC does not have the discount for employees/kids. That would be an awesome idea if yours does. NIU is about 45 mins/1 hour away, which is a little far for driving in the snow through the corn fields (I did it for a year and a half in my early 20s and ditched my car 2x in snow banks). Some tuition freebies in my area: if my kids were in public school, our school district pays for dual enrollment. The city next to us now has free tuition for their B average public school graduates at NIU. U of I has free tuition for lower middle income and below. DD did not get into U of I, however, because they are like #5 in the country for computer science. Too bad she didn't want to study something else. DH's work paid 100% for his AAS that he just finished.  

We're paying for DD's college through a Pell Grant, a merit scholarship from the school, grandparent 529, parent 529, and cash flowing books and travel expenses. DD started dual enrollment as a freshman, and we cash flowed the first 3 semesters when she attended part time. Then, when she went full time as a junior, we cash flowed books and used 529 money for tuition. It's a hodge podge, but it's working so far. 

Dual enrollment at the cc is 1/3rd of the cost here, we've not got a 4 yr school in town. Ds had said he wanted to do a bunch of DE classes but now says he don't, we'll see how he feels at the end of the year. If any do DE as a homeschooler you just have to pay full cost.

36 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

Yay, glad you are accomplishing goals with the stimulus money.  Very smart and feels so good to have a few of your goals already done.   Always a smart thing to have a big efund in a pandemic. 

Yes, I just have to be patient. I make goals and want them done already. I get a little short sighted. 

_________________________

Called Kroger's Costumer Service to try and get the $50 coupon sorted and kept getting transferred. Twice to the computer which was no help, 2 times to someone who either has a really crappy phone or a bad accent or both as I couldn't hardly understand them. I asked 10 times to be transferred and she said she would just called me back, sigh.

Edited December 28, 2020 by Soror

[Soror]

OH, I think it is on there now. It shows another section under my account- Loaded Savings- $50.

Yipee

[mommyoffive]

12 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

How do the stimulus payments effect your taxes?  I have read they are not taxable and that they will show up as credits.  Does that mean if you usually get a refund that your refund is will be lower? 

The stimulus money is not considered taxable income. The check will not increase the amount you owe when you file your 2020 federal tax return and will not decrease your refund for the 2020 tax year. The IRS and your tax filings are only involved because the government needs to verify your income to issue your stimulus payment.