Money Saving

Becoming a “Budgeting Blogger:” March Purchases

by Marissa @ The Modern Austen on March 30, 2013

I’m a pretty frugal person, enjoy sharing deals and talking BOGO, and spend countless hours in the local Goodwill when I head home. But, I fail to talk about the subject often on this blog–mostly because I’m not quite sure how. That’s why, when I came across Fran’s Budgeting Blogger link up, I knew that that was a direction I wanted to take. I don’t always spend a lot monthly on clothes and accessories, but I think it’s important to keep myself accountable for what I’m buying and how much I’m allotting for these expenses.

This past month, I didn’t go shopping until the very end, but I did spend quite a bit because I got a few key staples for my closet, like spring shoes. As far as a budget goes, Franziska recommends spending about 6-8% of your monthly income on clothes. Given that I don’t always spend a lot of money on clothes each month but wanting to keep it open enough so I don’t feel guilty when I do, I’ve set myself a budget of $180. I will probably make that $150 in the future if I continue to spend less.

Budgeting Blogger_March 2013

Date Item Store Price  Price Paid
3/23/13 Striped Peplum Hem Short Sleeved Sweater LOFT 39.99 15
3/28/13 Drop Beaded Earrings* Goodwill 1 0.89
3/28/13 Pearl Necklace* Goodwill 3.99 3.39
3/28/13 NY & Co. Jean Shorts* Goodwill 3.99 3.39
3/29/13 Anne Taylor Floral pants* Goodwill 3.99 3.39
3/29/13 Hunter Green Button Down Blouse* Goodwill 3.99 3.39
3/29/13 Faceted Pastel Teardrop Bib Necklace NY & Co. 24.95 7.95
3/29/13 Grey Geometric Faceted Bib Necklace NY & Co. 22.95 7.95
3/29/13 Three Row Silver Beaded Necklace* NY & Co. 19.95 7.95
3/29/13 Double Drop Faceted Beads Earrings NY & Co. 12.95 7.95
3/29/13 Silvertone and Faceted Drop Earrings* NY & Co. 10.95 7.95
3/29/13 What’s What? Wedges Famous Footwear 39.99 33.99
3/29/13 Me Too Fianna Gold Peeptoe Flats* Famous Footwear 14.99 12.74
3/29/13 Pattern Rayon Spandex Skirt Land’s End/Sears 39.99 27.99
3/29/13 Fit 2 Clean Front Chino Crop Pants Land’s End/Sears 44 30.80
Total: 152.05

*not displayed in the picture above

Overall, I got a lot of really nice things for good prices. The Land’s End items were a bit more expensive than I would’ve liked to have spent,  but I am crazy about them and will wear them endlessly.

ALSO, I just recently started to list items on Poshmark! I sold my first item, a pair of Joyce California taupe boots, for $20, making a $16 profit. I was skeptical about the process at first, but it was so easy and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has some items to sell and doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of eBay. SO, March’s grand total actually comes to: $136.05! 

Overall, I’m really pleased with my purchases, even though I didn’t get a new pair of nude/tan flats like I had hoped. I’m also hoping to find a pair of khaki cropped pants; any recommendations?

HAPPY EASTER, everyone!

 

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The Cost of Being Frugal

by Marissa @ The Modern Austen on February 9, 2013

I realize that the title of this post is somewhat of an oxymoron, but if you’re a frugal person like I tend to be, then you probably understand that there are some compromises you make when you decide to live frugally.

My frugality is a product of my family’s choices, a decision I firmly support because it has allowed our family financial freedom and the chance to do many other things we wouldn’t have otherwise. I am proud that I find good quality items for less at Goodwill and that I don’t usually fall for impulse buys. Being frugal has also taught me to pay myself first and invest in my future.

livingfrugally

However, being frugal sometimes comes at a cost.

Here are some of the issues I face as a result:

  1. I have a closet of inexpensive items that I bought because they were cheap and in my size. I may not have spent the time to figure out how much use it would have or what value it would bring. In the beginning years of my frugality, this probably cost me more money than what I saved because I barely got any wear out of some clothes. Luckily, I have gotten a lot better at this.
  2. I can’t shop for real! Seriously, I have sticker shock for good-quality items that I know I’ll wear and use just because they are more than the $3.99 price tag I usually see. I have a hard time justifying purchases I should make, even though I know they are worth the investment. When I purchased my Canon Rebel t3i, I just about had a heart attack.
  3. I annoy my friends. I think I am a helpful shopping partner when it comes to fit and style, but I am sure that I have annoyed my friends on MULTIPLE occasions when I try to talk them out of something. Generally, a friend will pick up something up on impulse and then the words come out before I can stop them, “Do you really need that? You could wait until it’s on sale. Don’t you have two shirts like that already? I really like it, but is it worth spending $40?” While I am sure that is helpful for some people, I know that it would be frustrating to hear, so I’ve been trying my best to keep my mouth closed and allow people to spend their money as they wish.

What struggles have you faced to save a few bucks? Do the benefits outweigh the “costs?” I think so, but I do want to approach things with a more realistic and understanding attitude.

 

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My Top 6 iPhone Apps

by Marissa @ The Modern Austen on October 4, 2012

Ever since I got my iPhone this past summer, I have taken advantage of the many wonderful apps Apple offers. Besides the ever useful Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter apps, I thought I would share my top 6 apps right now. Each of these are practical for every day use, which I really like. Most of them are free or under $2!

 

Camera+

I just got this $.99 app last week and I am SO glad I did. My friend was posting fabulous pictures on Instagram and I asked him what he used since his filters and editing were brilliant. He recommended Camera+ and I downloaded it instantly. I don’t normally spend money on apps, but this was worth the dollar. Tomorrow, I’ll show you some of the great pictures I took at Homecoming this past weekend so you can see the results yourself! There are many extra camera features like a stabilizer, self-timer, and “burst” setting for rapid picture-taking. Also, you can crop, adjust, and add effects and borders to make your photos come to life. In fact, I preferred using my phone for photos this weekend over my regular digital camera!

 

Mint

If you are familiar with Quicken or any other personal finance software, you may have heard of Mint. It’s a website and a FREE app where you can keep track of all of your transactions and create a budget that works for you. It will alert you when you go over budget or when you have a bill due. Mint also gives tips and suggestions based on your savings goals and lifestyle. I highly recommend it for anyone with savings goals.

 

 

ShopSavvy

Ever been in the store and find something you like but want to make sure you can’t get a better price elsewhere? Or maybe you’re at Goodwill and you find an item with the original tags and you want to see what kind of deal you’re getting? Download this FREE app and you’ll never have to wonder. I find myself scanning bar codes to read reviews on various products and to compare prices. It’s not perfect, but it is certainly useful in many shopping situations.

 

 

5K Runner

I only have the free version of this right now, but I will be upgrading to the full version soon. I have always wanted to improve my running (which is nonexistent, by the way), but I had to start from the very beginning. So far I’ve only completed a week and a half, but the interval training is perfect for beginning runners and it allows you to listen to your music and run without staring at your phone wondering how long you have to go before you can walk again. A voice comes over your music when it’s time to run or walk and it gives you time to warm up and cool down. The workouts are relatively short and realistic. So far, I’ve had a nice time exploring my new neighborhood while using this app.

 

My Fitness Pal

This is probably the easier diet/food tracker out there that holds you accountable. It’s easy to plug in what you’ve eaten and how much exercise you’ve had each day and it helps you reach your individual goals. There’s also a website version online that automatically syncs with the app so you won’t miss a beat. I was really consistent with this app over the summer and I need to get started with it again!

 

 

 

Brainwaves

I absolutely love this $1.99 app. The concept behind this app is to use various types of frequencies to stimulate your brain to reach different states of mind, while playing calming music or nature sounds. Whether you believe that the wavelengths are actually soothing your brain to reach a particular mood or not, I would still recommend this app for relaxation. Even if it’s just a placebo, it works! I love to use this app when I need to take a power nap because the ambience is calming and helps me let go of whatever is on my mind so I can rest. It is recommended that you use headphones while playing this app, but I think that’s still worth it.

 

So there you have it! What are your favorite apps of the moment?

 

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FREE Printables for FB fans: Budget Tracker and Packing Checklist!

by Marissa @ The Modern Austen on July 23, 2012

If you’ve been following me for some time, you probably know that I got a job and am moving three hours away in just a few short weeks! If you’ve ever moved or got a new job, you know how stressful it can be to manage money and keep everything organized.

Well, I’m here to help! With the help of my amazing parents, we’ve put together a fantastic budget tracker that truly keeps all of my money organized so that I can save up while spending money on the things that really matter to me. I decided to turn this budget tracker into a fabulous printable that can save you time AND, well, money!

I’m ALSO sharing my packing checklist that is perfect for moving into a new apartment or home. It definitely has room to grow with the addition of your personal items and tastes, but it provides an excellent framework of essentials. I’ve even included a list of spices that I think are important to have around in the kitchen.

How can I download my free printables, you may ask?? Well, hop on over to The Modern Austen page, click on “Free Printables” and then click “Like!” If you already follow me, enjoy!

Here’s a little sneak preview:

Aren’t they cute?! I hope you take advantage of them and that they can be of assistance to you! Please let me know if they have been helpful at all or if you have any suggestions for revisions!

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My “Strange” Addiction

July 16, 2012

I have a strange addiction. Okay, maybe in the blogosphere, it’s really not so strange, but really–I have a problem.  And today, I am going to share that problem with you in hopes of reining in my obsession/habit/addiction/problem (whatever you want to label it) and also to share that there are benefits to it, too. [...]

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Flea Market Finds: St. Paul’s

June 14, 2012

As you may have gathered by now, I love nothing more than a bargain. It’s so much fun to find new treasures without breaking the bank. This was no exception at the St. Paul’s Methodist Church Flea Market a few weeks ago. Here’s what I found for $8: I found this lovely beaded necklace and [...]

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Flea Market Finds

May 28, 2012

Today, I headed over to the annual St. Ursula‘s Festival nearby with my parents. We arrived too early for any of the booths or games, but just in time for the flea market. Probably my mom’s and my FAVORITE thing to do is to find hidden treasures at yard sales, flea markets, and resale shops. [...]

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Money Saving Tip of the Day: Dryer Sheets

May 26, 2012

Cut your dryer sheets in half for twice the value. You’ll still have fresh, static-free clothes AND you’ll save a few pennies.

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The Quest for “Mild” Couponing?

May 26, 2012

Admit it. You’ve all sat down and watched TLC’s Extreme Couponing (even if you had the remote in your hand, ready to change the channel if someone should walk in and see you) and you’ve all wished you had the time/patience/resources/knowledge to save that kind of money by cutting out pieces of paper. As a [...]

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