Christmas Fund 2012 Update (half way point)

So I cashed out all my points on my survey sites. I was able to get things that we needed and gifts that I will save for Christmas. Some things I will have to transfer cash from our budget to our fund to make it all even but its still a really good amount that I have saved up. Remember I started Jan. 1, 2012. I cashed out at the end of December last year to be able to start form scratch to see what I can save. So here is the run down of what I have so far.

I cashed out for:

• a Costco membership (we canceled ours 2 years ago) $55 value
• I redeemed other points for a Pixar DVD for Nathan - $25 value
• I have a $20 check coming the mail
• $25 Lowes gift card and a $10 Chilis gift card
• $25 PayPal
• $10 PayPal
• $5 Target gift card from Target

 Each Bullet Point is what I cashed out at each of  my survey sites (except for the Target Gift card)

 Total: $175

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grand Total so far saved: $525.09 (Goal is $600)

I only need $74.91 to reach my goal. And I am hoping to make that with spare change, recycling cans, a few more things to sell on craigslist, and gift cards. Woo HOO!

PS. If you are interested in any of these sites please let me know. I get credit for recommended them to sites. Thanks.

Christmas Fund 2012

This week was such a good week I couldn't wait to post until after I cashed out my online survey points. So here is a quick update on our Christmas Fund 2012.

I sold Nathan's train table. We are constantly building trains on the floor and the table was just taking up space. So I posted it on craigslist and BAM, it sold in a couple of days. I also posted a year's worth of baby clothes and that sold the same week. Then I received a rebate in the form of a debit gift card.

So now the total:
Train table: $25
Baby clothes: $60
Rebate: $15
Spare change: $2.04

Total: $102.04

Grand Total since Jan. 1, 2012: $350.09 (goal is $600) Over half way there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Never Ending List

Being a home owner has its perks.

Building equity
Having a detached living area from others
More room
Freedom to paint and decorate as you like
A yard
More storage
A garage


But with these perks comes so much responsibility. There is no such thing as a landlord to come and fix whatever is broken.

So we have started a home list. Things that we need to save up for and get or purchase in the near future. And I thought I would share it with you. Also the list includes just things that we need to check off our to do list.

Finish the backyard

• gravel
• block wall on the back and right side
• add trees
• add a garden
• plants
• flowers
• garden lights
• walkway
• extend the porch cover 
• cut down tree on the side of our house
• get a new gate
• patio furniture However we do need new cushions for our chairs
• finish border around the grass

Outside Projects

• Finish landscaping the front yard. Or revamp it entirely.
• paint the house
• get a new roof for the front of the house

Rest of the to-do list

• Twin mattress for Nathan
• Bed Frame for Nathan (we are borrowing one until the one we want goes on sale)
• drip system timer Just found out today that we cut through our front yard drip system when we replaced some pipes so this is done. :)
• light bulbs for outside garden lights in our front yard
• cut down our front yard tree that's half dead
• get new breaks in Donna's car
• couches and new living room furniture
• new car seats
• a new microwave hanging above our stove
• a border around our kitchen window
• plate holder decor for the wall in the kitchen
• nightstand in our room
• TV for our room
• wood flooring
• new floor boards
• new door frames around some doors
• get popcorn removed from ceiling
• fix ceiling in  master bedroom from leak
• back splash tiles in kitchen
• take stuff to the dump
• move gravel from back yard to fill in gaps in the front yard
• get a new toaster oven
• paint master bathroom
• redo guest bathroom
• new ceiling light/fan for kitchen
• dining room light
• new windows and sliding door
• new front door and screen
• new inside doors
• paint inside the garage
• get evap cooler and AC serviced
• decor for above the TV
• more shelving for garage
• new keyboard
• wiper blades
• windshield wiper fluid
• get fluid sprayer fixed
• get blinker handle fixed
• plantation shutters???
• get new door handles and locks
• get new curtains/blinds for sliding door
• get new flooring in master closet 
• finish painting boys room
• get new curtains for boys room

 As you can see we have a long never ending list (because I keep adding to it) of things to do. Plus, the kitchen, even though we have put a lot of hard labor into, may just get gutted and redone as well. Lots to do and lots of money to save to get it done. Thankfully we are making a plan and timeline in hopes of getting most of it done in the next couple of years. Its always fun to cross something off!

Couponing to Christmas 2012

Well its another update on my Christmas budget. My next post about this will have my cash out on all my survey sites. But I don't know what I want to cash my points out on so I decided not to do it this post. Its about my half way point to when I start my Christmas shopping. I can't believe it. I love to Christmas shop during the Christmas season. I refuse to be one of those people that shop year round. If I buy gifts and toys on clearance during the year, I will give those as birthday gifts. I just LOVE the Christmas season. And that includes shopping when its super crowded and busy!

Ok, so here is the update from the last 3 weeks or so.

I received an Ebates check, 2 Target gift cards and a ton of spare change.

So let's do the run down.

Ebates check: $13.88
Target gift cards: $15.00
Spare change: $6.61

Total: $35.49

Grand Total Since Jan.1, 2012:  $248.05 (41% of my goal) my goal is $600.00

Now I bet you are wondering what I am going to do with all that spare change. I could roll them. I don't mind and take them to the bank. But the easier way is to take them to a Coin Star machine. But I don't cash out for money. I get a gift card to one of the many stores they have. Because they don't take a percentage out of you total when you do that. Then if its to a store I shop at I just replace the total from my regular budget. I usually get the Lowes gift card because I love home improvement stuff!!!! Thanks for reading. Next post will be my cash out rewards and total!