Summer is over - Back to school

Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer here. Time for all the kiddos to be back in school. My mind set changes when fall comes around. I feel the need to be on more of a set schedule.

This time one of my goals is to blog more. I really have not been doing much since my life consists of looking for a job, working, and worrying about money. Part of the worry is because I have not been careful these last few months. I have been spending way more than I should. I gave the bank way to much money (yes I did bounce a few checks.) I have been eating out like I have a trust fund. Which I do not.

So time to reel myself in. I began by opening a new checking account. I do not have loyalty to a bank. My new banks gives me points (Nationalcity.com) for most of my banking. Which I can redeem for free gift cards and such. My old bank gave me 1% for shopping at a few stores. Now that I have this new account the goal is to NEVER overdraft. I have a fresh start, a clean slate. WOO HOO!

Right now I am still looking for a job. I have been spending my days at my son's school. They have an awesome computer lab and have given me full access to the computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. I have arranged my schedule at Walgreens so I only work a few nights a week. This opens my days up to go to the lab and look for jobs.

Now my next step is to get back to frugality:
1. I have a cute coca-cola lunch bag (free from my coke points) - pack a lunch and snacks for when I go to the lab during the day. After the kids eat lunch go into the lunchroom and eat my lunch. Pack something for dinner too.

2. Keep saving the points - cash in for free soda - I have about 5 or 6 coming again.

3. Start cooking - I bought a cute weber grill for $5.00 at a rummage. Use this to make meals for myself.

4. Go back to saving all my change. It really does add up.

5. Before buying any HBA make sure I don't have any left in the stockpile.

Now that I changed banks and once I complete the first of a few simple things. Like having direct deposit, paying a bill using there online bill pay. I will have 20,000 points which will be good for a $50.00 gift card to Macy's. I will use this to add something to my work clothes.

I use to be good and being frugal, so I know I just need to kick my butt back into gear and get there. One thing that helps a lot is reading and posting here.