budgetsRsexy

I wonder if target chose red shirts because it doesn't show blood stains. You don't want the crowds knowing they've drawn first blood, it will just get them more riled up [emoji12]

I'm a webcasts rookie and would love to join in. I'm not the most technologically adept so if someone could explain how to listen/tune in I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance for the help.

When I first moved out on my own (2004) I asked for some simple tools on my Christmas list that year (screw drivers and a hammer). When Grandpa overheard my mom reviewing the list with grandma he insisted that he be the one to shop for the tools. "Only craftsman for my granddaughters." I think it was the first time he ever took interest in taking part in buying Christmas presents. He took such pride in it and I made sure to put a tool on my list every year from then on because it made me feel special too. I miss my grandpa and in a way I'm going to miss Sears too.

Card game called Sushi Go. Totally appropriate for kids but still fun/entertaining for adults too. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J57VU44/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1508202546&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sushi+go&dpPl=1&dpID=51Zo4matHaL&ref=plSrch

So far we have replaced a few light switches with TPlink ones which we can control with our dot, through our iPhones and manually. We also have a few of their outlet adapters for the TV and we like them all. We had a Canary security camera at one point but realized it just wasn't for us. I didn't like that it will catch those moments where you inevitability have to run down to the laundry room for some article of clothing that you forgot to bring up to the bedroom.

Kanyon71 you just ruined my DH's day but totally made mine. My husband was thrilled when I had to choose between football and Hallmark knowing that I would pick football. He cant stand Hallmark movies (unimaginative, cheesy, predictable and stereotypical are just a few of the words he has used to describe them) and was glad to be rid of it. I'm totally looking into Feeln tonight.

I have caught myself humming Christmas music on several occasions already but I try to wait until November 1st before I really listen to it. I really like Halloween and the fall and don't want to blur things together to much I guess?

I have my 2 coworkers gifts done (did that at the after Christmas sales - muffin cups, mixing spoons and blank holiday themed recipe cards for my pumpkin muffins that they have had before and seem to like) and both dogs are done (nice toys I came across on clearance). Essentially I have completed only 5% of my shopping so far

We recently cut the cable cord and switched to a streaming service. The service we ended up with doesn't carry the Hallmark channel. I had to pick between football or Hallmark and it was one heck of a tough choice for me. I love their holiday movies [emoji20]

So far my list is looking like 11 family, 4 pets amongst the family, 1 friend (the rest just do a pot luck get together with no presents), 3 big bosses, 8 direct superiors and 2 coworkers. I sure hope I'm not forgetting anyone

Wow, there goes the last one in my entire city area. Guess that crosses off one Black Friday stop.

Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends are usually really good for furniture sales. If you wait until Black Friday just keep in mind that the furniture might not get delivered in time for the holidays.

Ok, so since my last post I have added a tab for coworkers and boss gifts, a sheet to keep track of store BF hours, a sheet for coupon/shipping codes for online shopping and a pocket page for any coupons for in store shopping. Once the postal service puts out their recommended shipping deadlines I'll add that to the binder too, thanks HanShotFirst.

I just noticed that there are 5 Friday's in the month of September and December this year. If that means you get an "extra" paycheck those months then maybe people can set aside those funds to help pay for the holidays. Just a thought.

Thanks for the input so far guys! I started putting together a small binder so I can be more organized and have all the different lists that are usually strewn about my house, purse and car all in one location so nothing gets overlooked, lost or forgotten. So far I have color coded tabs for each person and behind that printouts where I can brainstorm gift ideas and other pages for tracking purchases (as well as total budget) and a pocket page to keep receipts in. I like the idea of keeping track of household items that need to be replaced or upgraded too. I'll have to create a new tab for that in the binder. Thanks tifflan83! Any other ideas on what should get added to the binder?

I ended up not buying a single darn thing [emoji15] Nothing that really interested me popped up. My wallet/budget is happy but part of me wonders if maybe I'm sick or have a fever. Something just doesn't feel right about this scenario [emoji6]

It's an interesting concept but I think they would do better with training/testing their employees to make sure they are familiar with what's in the ads and where they are going to be located in the store. Or giving refreshers on store policies like price matching, layaway or refunds maybe? It seems like some of these more basic things could be better addressed and more cheaply than using virtual reality simulators. Anyway, until the simulation can jostle you around like a thick crowd will I feel like it's taking it too easy on you [emoji12]

It looks like I will have a reason to go out BF shopping this year (last year my family tried out a no gift Christmas but things are changing this year and I will have presents to shop for). I'm excited about this but at the same time it makes me nervous as I have been told that the fall can be a very busy time of year for my new job position. I would hate for BF to somehow sneak up on me and find myself unprepared for the big day. How do you prepare for BF? Is there anything I can do before the ads even leak? Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks for sharing the link riven3d! From the list it looks like my area is losing the last Kmart on the east side of town which means we only have one left in the entire area. Store closings are going to impact the lines at the remaining store on Thanksgiving and BF. Depending on what's in their ads this year I might have to change up my normal order of stops

Just checking in to see how everyone is doing with their budgeting plans. Are you sticking to your monthly goals or have you gotten off track? There's roughly 7 months until BF so you still have time to get back on track!

I'm in the process of purging a lot of items from our home and along the way have found some items that I will try to sell rather than just donate. If I'm smart I will set any earnings aside for the holidays (though going through all my possessions makes me think maybe we should cut back even further on our gift budget just so we don't bring more stuff into our home!).

I feel like an overwhelming theme for the people in my life has been that they wish they had saved more for the holidays. Some didn't start early enough so their finances took a big hit in December (or January when the credit card bills came due) and others couldn't manage to follow their budget. Personally I underestimated how many events we would attend and the cost for bringing dishes to pass and/or hostess gifts. I'm going to rework my budget now that I can review all my receipts and credit card bill. What about you? Do you wish you had started saving sooner? Did you run into holiday expenses you forgot to budget for? Are you going to do anything differently or does your system still work for you (in which case please share!)?

Is it just me or is anyone else feeling a little lost with what to do with their time now? It's almost like I'm having a little withdrawal or something [emoji6]

So far I have spent $58 and have collected enough toys to make 40 kitties and 15 puppies happy. I'm going to feel like Santa when I drop this off at the shelter[emoji6]

Does anyone else go out today for the Christmas clearance? Where do you go and what are you shopping for? I always hit Target and the pet stores for their holiday dog and cat toys that get marked down. I then make a trip to several local animal shelters and donate it all where I know it's needed most. I had to promise my husband that I will not get more wrapping paper or gift bags because we already have so much. And I think I'll look for items that I can use in my Easter baskets but that's about it this year. What about you?