By entering a certain Dept store (Bealls) by a certain time (first 200 shoppers after 8:00am Sat)my wife and I received one $5 and one $10 off coupon. Since we bought (on sale) Christmas gifts on our list and then saved $15, I was pleased with the effort. We also got free gift wrapping to boot.

My wife loves (and I despise) the Friday after Thanksgiving sales. She usually has a very successful shopping time and somehow seems to enjoy it.

0) My blog name is Spendless. NOT to be confused with Stressless (which I often get confused when I see said entries and I can't recall writing them because I didn't......whatever?)

1) I was born and raised in Memphis (20 plus years) and never once visited Graceland...and probably never will.

2) I was extremely sensitive as a child. I cried at least once a day in school grades one thru four. Not sure why, but finally out grew it.

3) I had a crew cut or flat top haircut thru sixth grade (maybe why I cried so much...ha).

4) I always received above average grades without a great deal of effort throughout H.S.

5) An exception to #4 was /French class...I passed with a C -

6) I did not serve in the military. In my 18th year the military became all voluntary. I now regret not having served. Many opportuities to grow up and mature as an adult were lost.

7) I was voted Mr. (insert High School name here) in my Senior year of High School. I was somewhat shy, and certainly not outgoing or charming; but I was a "genuine friend to all". Perhaps that influenced the selection process, hmmmm. I never quite understood how that one worked out.

8) I completed a double Associate's degree from a Technical school, but did not pursue my BS or beyond. That is a decision that I regret to this day.

9) I married at the age of 24. I became a step-dad to a wonderful daughter. She accepted me as Dad from day 1 and we have a wonderful relationship to this day. She is the mother of my two grandkids.

10) Within year one of marriage, my wife gave birth to "our" first child. She was the most compliant child I have ever known. She is currently pregnant with her first child (my third grand child).

11) Daughter's three and four are currently in their junior / senior years of college. Neither is currently married nor engaged.

12) My wife is a perfect compliment for me. I see her life mirrored in my four daughters and am exceptionally proud of that.

13) I am a Quality Engineer for a Defense Contractor.

14) Although not currently active, my hobbies have included puppetry and ventriloquism.

15) I raised my family in a church setting and we follow the teachings of God (the father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).

16) I lived 20 years in the Dallas Tx metroplex. Got to enjoy the era of the 90's of the Dallas Cowboys and the Triplets (Troy, Emmitt, and Michael) for those sport minded readers.

17) Have lived 6 plus years in the Tampa Bay area of Florida and know way more about hurricanes than I ever thought I would.

18) I adjust rather easily to changes in my life. I tend to enjoy life for the moment, realizing it's brevity.

19) I am behind the eight ball in regards to my financial planning for the future, but i'm working at it.

20) I enjoy reading these blogs...both for the financial gleanings as well as the "tolerance level" for acceptance within this DIVERSE group.

I got to spend some relaxing time with my wife at the beach and later in the pool.

I got caught up on some needed yardwork, including fertilizer for the yard. It is supposed to rain tonight....yeah.

My daughter (home from college) starts a summer job at Target this week. I love the sound of that!

My wife has an interview on Monday for a new job. She is hoping for a job change that is less demanding on her physically...so we are hoping for the best.

All in all...a relaxing weekend. Hard to come by, and much appreciated. Hope all have a financially sound week!

I've been negligent in posting to my blog. So many of you are much more disciplined in this regard.

I am, however, reading them daily. I am watching closely.....and learning from each of you. So, thanks for your dedication. We all benefit....even the lurkers!

Great to see the new bloggers that have joined recently.

It's always easier to travel your finacial journey with a friend(s).

Looking forward to learning from each of you. Always fun to read of others successes and trials and errors.

Welcome one and all.

Had to make a dash into the grocery store to buy some chicken breasts and a few side items for a family cookout. I was surprised to find that the chicken I needed was BOGO free. Since I was already buying the item and I got another free, I'll consider it as a savings.

Mad dashes usually end up costing me money. By keeping my blinders on and only buying my intended purchase, I consider myself one up on the grocery store!!

My adult daughter called and said she's on her way to visit (to FL from TX)! Yeah.
A friend had a fly for free plane pass that was to expire if not used, and offered to her if she could use it.
Normally, the timing for her and us would have been challenging...but this was perfect.
Friend was blessed with opportunity to share with my daughter, who in turn blesssed us with her visit. And it was all for free!

Tues (Mar 14)
Used BYGO coupon for dinner with wife.
saved $8.50...put into VMJ (virtual money jar.)

Wed (Mar 15)
Contributed monies saved from Weight loss goal $4.55...put into VMJ.

Savings = 8.50 + 4.55 ($13.05)

When it comes to finances, I am just an Average Joe (American Style).

I make a decent salary but spend money carelessly (or at least without discipline).

My reason for starting this Blog is to document some personal goals that I am setting for myself and to use this forum as an accountability group to maintain discipline and stay on course.

Goal #1 is to payoff credit card debt by end of December 2006 (I will provide amounts owed in future entries).

Goal # 2 is to lose 20 lbs by end of June 2006 (I will provide starting weight in future entry).

Goal # 3 is to utilize my dental plan at work (i.e., free check ups, cleanings, etc. for this calendar year 2006).

Since many "Average Joe's" have the need for similar Goals, I am committed to graduating from the "Average Joe Club" by end of year 2006.