Most of the state of NC is in an exceptional drought, and forecasters are predicting lower than average rainfall for 2008. So what are we doing to help conserve water?
We bought two rain barrels that we will use to water our garden and potted plants this year. The town where we live sells 60-gallon rain barrels for $87 each. We were planning on buying one. Luckily, before my husband left to purchase it, I googled "rain barrels Raleigh." We found that the city of Raleigh sells recycled plastic pickle barrels that have been converted to rain barrels for $37 each. So for $13 LESS than the price of ONE from our town, we have TWO rain barrels that will hopefully cover our outdoor water needs. Last year, our water bill was $10-$20 more per month when we had to water, so the barrels should pay for themselves in about 6 months. In future years, we should save at least $90 per year on water costs.
In addition to saving water, we are reusing something that would have normally gone to the landfill. The barrels hold 55 gallons, and they come from the Mt. Olive Pickle Company in Mt. Olive, NC.
It's supposed to rain here on Friday. We are looking forward to seeing how much rain it takes to fill the barrels.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Happy Presidents' Day!
I did my part to help the economy today by spending about $70 on new towels at Kohl's. They were having a sale, and I had a 20% off coupon. I replaced the towels that my husband and I use, and I also bought new guest towels. Some of our old guest towels will celebrate their 15th birthday in August--I think we were way overdue!
I also spent $74 at the grocery store. I went over budget by $75 last month. Hopefully I'll be able to come in under budget for the next few months to make it up.
I also spent $74 at the grocery store. I went over budget by $75 last month. Hopefully I'll be able to come in under budget for the next few months to make it up.
Friday, February 8, 2008
It's a banner week! Today the Federal Tax Refund arrived!
And not a moment too soon after refinancing our mortgage this week. We'll get the refund from our old escrow account next week, and that will help bump up our savings again. Two other deposits are also coming next week, expense reimbursement and my husband's bi-weekly pay. Our savings account will be back to normal soon!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I already received my NC tax refund!
Wow! I filed my taxes on the afternoon of Feb. 1st, and my refund was deposited in our checking account last night!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Out of my "comfort zone"
I'm a very private person by nature, and I have a hard time reaching out to others. Now that I'm a 40-something, I see how much I need a support system around me. I'm trying to help and receive help from others, and it makes me nervous whenever I ask for anything. Writing this blog and sharing my thoughts is a huge deal to me, and I'm surprised at how easy it has been to find something to post.
I did several things today that were hard for me to do. I called to ask a neighbor if she can give my daughter a ride home from a meeting. I've picked up her daughter a few times, and so it's not a big deal, but it was hard for me to make the call. Another new thing for me was leaving comments on other blogs. I've never done it before, and for some reason I felt self-conscious, even though no one knows who I am. Also, I called a new neighbor to offer to bring her dinner. She had a baby several months ago, and I had offered to bring a meal when I spoke with her husband. It hadn't worked out for me to bring anything before now, and I feel like I've checked off a big item on my to-do list. I felt bad for waiting for so long, but better late than never.
I did several things today that were hard for me to do. I called to ask a neighbor if she can give my daughter a ride home from a meeting. I've picked up her daughter a few times, and so it's not a big deal, but it was hard for me to make the call. Another new thing for me was leaving comments on other blogs. I've never done it before, and for some reason I felt self-conscious, even though no one knows who I am. Also, I called a new neighbor to offer to bring her dinner. She had a baby several months ago, and I had offered to bring a meal when I spoke with her husband. It hadn't worked out for me to bring anything before now, and I feel like I've checked off a big item on my to-do list. I felt bad for waiting for so long, but better late than never.
Monday, February 4, 2008
2007 Taxes are done!
It's a new record--I filed our taxes on February 1st. That is the earliest I have ever finished! I used TurboTax this year, and it was FREE, thanks to State Farm Insurance. If you're a State Farm customer, you can use this service through their website; you have to first sign in at the State Farm website and link to TurboTax Online from there. I liked the TurboTax interface, probably because I am a long time Quicken user. Importing my husband's W-2 made the process even easier. Last year I paid $16 to e-file, and this year it was FREE!
We should receive our state and federal refunds by February 15. We are getting back about $2,400 this year, combined. Yes, I know, change the withholding. We have done that, and for regular income, we are right on target. However, my husband receives a substantial bonus each year, and the taxes deducted from that income account for the majority of our refund money. Does anyone have any ideas of how to change the W-4 so they don't overwithhold for an "extra" paycheck?
We should receive our state and federal refunds by February 15. We are getting back about $2,400 this year, combined. Yes, I know, change the withholding. We have done that, and for regular income, we are right on target. However, my husband receives a substantial bonus each year, and the taxes deducted from that income account for the majority of our refund money. Does anyone have any ideas of how to change the W-4 so they don't overwithhold for an "extra" paycheck?
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