This move is going to be a true test of my budgeting skills. Fortunately, now that we are homeless, I don't have to pay a mortgage, utilities, cable or home phone. I do have other concerns, like how long we will have to stay in a hotel. The hotel that we are in is almost like an all inclusive. Everything is free like breakfast, laundry, entertainment, movies, etc. It's just like home, and I don't even have to clean! I am completely spoiled and I don't know how to enjoy it. I am trying to take advantage of as much of the amenities as possible so that I don't have to spend on anything. Our room has a kitchen too, so we don't have to eat out. The one thing that is driving me nuts is that I can't really stockpile while I'm here. BUT, I can use all of their shampoo and supplies and keep my stockpile full. (That just came to me while I was sitting here writing, yay!). 

Anyway, it has been a roller coaster ride. The house that we were going to buy totally fell through and we are back at square one. Obviously, we can't stay in a hotel forever, so I am hoping that my parent's will take us in on Monday. (That is if my dad's blood pressure can handle us). It would really ease my mind if I knew that we could stay somewhere for free. At least I could buy all of the groceries because I am amazing at getting the most possible food for the least possible price. On top of it all, with the economy the way that it is...we fear that my husband could loose his job. So, we have a tough decision to make. Do we keep the cash and rent to keep us safe in case of a job loss? Or do we buy and risk foreclosing if the economy gets even uglier? Or maybe we could just move to the country, buy a cow, and start growing our own food. Decisions, decisions...

I'll write again soon.

TBQ

Moving Madness

Well,  I received a call this morning from my realtor letting me know that I have to be out of the house by MONDAY! Yes, you are reading correctly...2 days. I have two giant PODS in my front yard and am hoping that tons of people will show up to help. (hint hint). The bad news is (reason for the PODS) I am homeless. Yep, homeless. The deal fell through with the new house, so we've decided to take a staycation at a local hotel. I was able to get some pretty deep discounts for using my Entertainment Book and for paying for the whole reservation up front, instead of being charged when we get there. I think I was able to get at least one night free. I was also able to get the POD discounted with my Entertainment Book. You'd be surprised at what's in there, so be sure to check it for EVERYTHING! Anyway, I am so excited that I don't have to clean for a WEEK! Plus, I don't have to cook breakfast (free buffet), I can work out everyday, and the kids will have free entertainment all week at the swimming pool! I am really looking forward to this! I am hoping that next week my friend in Houston might take me in for free.  - I promise to cook Ange!

The good news is that we think we've found a new home. It will take a little while to negotiate and close, but I know we can be in before school starts. I also have a feeling that we are going to get a great deal because the family has built a new home and they are ready to move in, which puts us in a great position to negotiate. Woo hoo! I'll keep you posted!

CVS Trippin'

I woke up at the butt crack of dawn this morning to get up and do this deal!...even after a long Fourth of July celebration last night! I imagine that everything is gone at CVS by now. Here's what I bought:

Transaction 1:
3 boxes of CVS pencils @ $.99 each - free with ECB's
= $3.20 OutOfPocket
PLUS - this transaction gave me an extra $2 ECB for quarterly earnings

Transaction 2:
3 rolls of CVS tape @ $1.49 each - free with ECB's
- minus $2.97 ECB's from pencils
=$1.62 OOP

Transaction 3:
1 pack CVS pantyliners @ $.89 - free with ECB's
3 boxes of Post Trail Mix Crunch 3/$10 get $5 in ECB's
-minus 3 - $2 off printable coupons
- $4.47 ECB's from tape
= $.45 OOP

Transaction 4:
1 Jumbo pack Pampers @ $8.99
- $1 off Pampers coupon
- $ 7.89 in ECB's
= $.08 OOP

Total OOP: $5.35 (full retail price would have been $32.83 + tax)

THANK YOU CVS!

Trash Talk

I finally ran out of my commercial trashcan liners from Sam's. I bought a box almost a year ago and dated them 8/08 so I would know how long they lasted. I finally ran out yesterday! My husband, The King, said that if he hadn't used them in the yard they would have lasted a full year. I went to Sam's this morning to purchase a new box of the 33 gallon 32o ct commercial trashcan liners and they were $17.44, $5 more than last year. Still, you can't beat that price!

My $220 Summer

Sadly, we have been so busy that we still haven't spent anymore of our summer entertainment budget. We have however been finding free things to do. My eldest went to camp for free for a week at the Lite Center. You can't beat that!! He had a blast and learned so much. We plan on enjoying more of the freebies at the library and I have been collecting coupons for another 'blowout' week at the end of summer.

TBQ House

We sold our house on Wednesday and bought a new house on Friday, so The Budget Queen is moving! The new owners want us out in 2 weeks, so wish me luck! We have been getting free milk boxes from Super One and free papers for packing from The Independent and The Times - sorry guys for wasting your papers, but you know I love you. I am actually getting rid of more stuff than I am packing, so feel free to stop by and pick up some junk before I send it to Goodwill. (just e-mail me if you don't already know where I live). I love my new house, I can't wait for you all to see it!!

Hope you are all having a great week! See you at the coupon swap!