I read different people's blog sites and see a lot of the $20 challenge boxes. I do see that there are many different reasons why people put money into that account. Could anyone please explain to me if there are "rules" to this, or maybe explain their method of doing it? I would like to challenge myself to save a bit more than the 10% I put away on payday. I also send whatever is left in my account at the end of that pay period into my FNBO direct account.
Any info would be appreciated.

As for the basketball fan in me, I want to say: The Orlando Magic won last night! Yaaaaaayyyyy!!!!!

Have a great one!

It's been raining and thunderstorming down here for the past week now. Very ugly outside, but it gives me a chance to stay inside and NOT hit the stores!

Thank you for those who left a kind note on my last post. My friend made it through surgery, and has one more today. He is truly a lucky and blessed guy- to be hit by 4 rifle rounds at close range, and live to tell it. It has put me in a funk however. I have been thinking hard about my life and putting my priorities in check. Life happens fast, but we need to take the time to enjoy what really matters- family and friends. I had been beating myself up over going over budget this month, and not feeling like I am saving a bunch, but what would have happened if I was the one shot? Money comes and goes, and it can be replaced, but a life can not. So, I am not going to beat myself up over a bad month of budgeting. I'll tackle it full speed next month!

I had a great workout this morning, even though I was solo. I usually work out with 2 of my male friends, but I've noticed that I work out harder when I'm solo. Hmmm...

Well, I am about to watch Terminator Salvation on my laptop. How so, you may ask? I have a computer intelligent friend who sends me movies from some movie forum that he subscribes to. I wanted to check it out at the movies, but if I can watch it for free at home, and its not bootleg- spphhh, I'm all for it. Nothing like laying on the couch on a rainy day while watching a good movie.

Thanks for reading my thoughts. Have a blessed day all

For some odd reason I am in a spending mood. I think I am relapsing. Help me
OK, so I complained last week about buying that new watch when I didn't need it- now I want to go back to the watch store and buy this other watch that I liked as well. I'm fighting it big time, and I think I will make it through. I just needed to vent.

-I've been good and bad this pay period with the money. I usually go to the salon every 2-3 weeks for a deep conditioning treatment, and every other month I get a full $80 wash, condition, and perm. I know its a lot of $, but I have very thick hair that can't be tamed unless a stylist does it. I can't do it justice. This time, I opted to wash it and flat iron it myself. It's ok, but I am far from excited about it. It's not as straight as when stylist does it, but I'll live with it for another week.

-I also have blown the entire budget for this pay period. I don't know where the money went. I plan to spend a certain amount after all of the fixed bulls are paid. Whatever extra is left in the account come next pay check, gets thrown into savings. Well, I find myself with $3 spend money left, and having to grab money from the "leftover cash" until next Friday, which is payday. I am so dissapointed in myself, and I need to step it up big time.

Sorry for the long note, I just needed to let it out. Hope everyone has a nice Memorial weekend.

Just finished watching, "Kobe doin' work". It was a good presentation. Kobe's a great ball player...on a financial note, I haven't contacted Walmart yet to see if my medication is on a list, but I will get to it tomorrow. I spent $12.84 at Publix today, but it came out of my grocery envelope, so I'm doing well with the budget.

For the past 6 months I've been using the envelope system. I like it, but I don't I think I'm going to start using my credit cards to pay for the most of my budgeted items, and then pay off the card in full. That way I can keep building my credit score up (hopefully it goes up).

I had to file a dispute claim with bank of America today. I bought an item off of ebay last month, and never got the item. The $$ transaction went through, but the seller ignored my emails to him. I was pissed, but B.o.A advised that they would send me a form to fill out inorder to start the claim, and hopefully I'll get my money back. It's only a whoppin total of &5.98, but it was mine- and I want it back! We'll see how the claim goes. Good night all

Happy Mother's day to all mommies out there!

Thank you all for the nice welcome to the blog fam. I am excited to begin sharing some of my financial stats in hopes of getting advice.

Well, today has been a lazy day. I called my mother and aunts wishing them a great mother's day. Now I'm watching the NBA playoffs right now. My name (Sporty Saver) pretty much explains who I am. I am an athletic female who would much rather be outside doing something active than watching a movie. Basketball is my favorite sport!

Quick question to all of those with escrow accounts: When it comes to paying the car insurance, renter's insurance, etc, how did you guys start the ball in saving for those big one time payments? I always pay for car insurance month to month, but was told I could get a big saving if I just pay those off in full. I would love to do that but kind of get discouraged thinking how my savings would dwindle until I saved it back up. Any thoughts are appreciated

On another note, I am trying to figure out how to add all of the cool side stuff. When I do, I'll add more to my page Adios!