Coastal Reflections

Tax free shopping

I headed out with the masses this past weekend to take advantage of our state's tax free shopping days.  Late Saturday afternoon I was able to go to Marshall's and TJMaxx by myself (I suppose that time alone was my birthday gift, LOL).  I had no luck finding any clothes at Marshall's, but did find 3 shirts for ds1 in the next size he'll need at TJMaxx.  They are a surfing brand that he loves (so he can be like daddy when he wears them) and we'll give them to him for Christmas.  I also found a couple of things for him for Christmas there and a few things for ds2 for Christmas (book, Melissa & Doug puzzles, and a stacking set). 

Yesterday we headed out at 11am and didn't get home until almost 9pm!  We spent the day shopping in Vero Beach.  The first stop was the outlet mall there and we had no luck finding clothes for the kiddos, with the exception of a pair of swim trunks for ds1.  I did stock up on Badger Balms at the Springmaid store and got a fabulous price (they were on sale on top of being discounted) so that was a great find.  A new (to us) discount book store was there and I got a couple of things for ds1 for Christmas and a toddler Bible for ds2 for his 1st birthday.  Then we were off to the mall.  No luck at Ross.  I think that was a blessing in a way.  There were only 2 registers open (still scratching my head over that) and both lines were outrageously long.  We struck out in Sears for ds1 as well.  The poor kid needs a size slim in shorts and pants and even though he was trying on slims, every single pair slid right down and puddled on the floor around his ankles.  I wanted so badly to find something to fit him that I was willing to pay an amount I would never consider for a pair of Pirates of the Caribbean camo shorts at the Disney store.  Ds1 tried them on and guess what....... they were too big.  Aughhhhhhhhhh!  We FINALLY had luck at JCPenney.  We found ONE pair of slim jeans in his size and two pairs of camo pants - all fit him.  I truly hated giving Penny's the business.  I've boycotted them ever since they had a t-shirt for sale that was very offensive to homeschoolers, but I suppose yesterday proved desperate times call for desperate measures.  Ds1 was byond frustrated by the time we made it there and was crying in the fitting room.  Poor kid!  We stopped by Target for some socks and undies and came on home. 

I still need many more things, especially for ds1.  He just keeps growing taller, but that little skinny waist of his doesn't get any bigger.  Our tax free days go through this coming weekend so I'll have to figure out where else we can try.  Does anyone shop at Kohl's?  Do they sell slim sizes in jeans and shorts?  We have one of those somewhat nearby, but I never travel to the city where it's located so I haven't shopped there before.

Florida sales tax free days coming up soon

July 22 - July 30 are the dates for Florida's sales tax free shopping this year.  It's a great opportunity for not only Floridians to save a bit of money, but also tourists and anyone that lives close enough to drive into Florida.  You don't need to be a resident to take advantage of the savings!

Basic information can be found here and a detailed list of what's taxable and what's exempt can be found here (pdf file). 

Nutro Natural Choice dog/cat food freebie

Freedom Accounts

One of my roles here on the homestead is that of accountant (you know - bill paying, balancing the checkbook, keeping track of expenses, budgeting, preparing the taxes, etc.).  I know some believe this role should be the man's, but we decided it made much more sense for me to be the responsible party in our household since I hold an accounting degree, I enjoy the tasks, and I'm passionate about frugality. 

One thing I have set up for us that is a tremendous help is a freedom account.  I basically wrote down the expenses we have throughout the year that don't occur every month, the $ amount, and how often they are paid.  I choose to add to our freedom account every other paycheck.  Dh is paid every 2 weeks so that's 26 times a year.  Divide that by 2 and the result is 13 paychecks that are used for funding the freedom account.

Some of the categories I have in ours are...

* Insurance (examples in this category could be life insurance, cancer policies, etc.)

* Auto insurance

* Homeschool (I use this for purchasing curricula, field trips, supplies, etc.)

* Pet expenses (yearly exams, yearly licensing fees required by our county, heartworm preventative, etc. - I do not include food in this as it is a monthly expense for us)

* Christmas/Birthdays (and I allow enough that we can purchase other gifts out of this as necessary such as wedding presents, etc.)

* Vacation

* Hair cuts (wish I could do these myself and save us the expense!)

* Optical (contact lens, saline, glasses, exams, etc.)

* Clothing & Shoes

* Professional dues & licensing fees (pertaining to dh's work)

* Auto tags

and so on.  You get the idea.  If your mortgage lender does not require escrow, certainly include homeowner's insurance and property taxes in your freedom account as well. 

I have a notebook that I keep track of all of this in.  Each category has its own page and additions and expenditures are noted in a running tally.  It's so easy to set up, takes just a few minutes of time to update as needed, and provides such a feeling of peace and relief when one of these expenses comes due and the money is sitting there already waiting.

A few new to us treasures

Somehow I talked dh into going through a community yard sale while we were running errands this morning.  It's a huge neighborhood, but few homes were participating.  Nonetheless I found...

* The World of Pooh: The Complete Wiinie-the-Pooh and The House At Pooh Corner (hardcover)

* A couple of Berenstain Bears chapter books (paperback)

* How To Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur (paperback)

* Our Vacation 5x7 double matted print by Neal Matsuyama (fits 8x10 frame; still in the original protective plastic)

All that set me back $2.75 - I just love yard sales!