Wow, the meme is featured on Smart Spending!  I am speechless -- well almost.  Thank you for writing about the MOMA meme, this is a terrific introduction.

Donna, thanks so much for linking to my article.  It was a pretty scary moment when I'd been tagged with the MEME.  I'm still recovering.

another good way to control spending is:  I use envelopes labeled food, gas etc , put the cash in them and when it's gone it's gone!  Also a zero balance budget.  When the paycheck comes, sit down and figure all your bills.  And what you need for your envelopes.  any money left in the envelopes goes into savings from last pay.  Now budgey your money right down to the last cent.  (Include a small "mad money" envelope. Always  include planned savings- even if just $5.

9GlQMK Wow, it can be truth

I have one principle to live by and that is "There is noting you can not live without."  My favorite sentence that I kept telling my husband and son when they wanted something that we do not need was "Remember, people used to live in cave" (so all we need is spears to hunt)!  

Where or how do you narrow down the misc budget? ie. my family and I are going on vacation in April.  We would like to buy some new luggage so everyone can have a bag.  I have shopped around and found a super sale with a 20% coupon if I use my credit card, but will pay it off before we even leave the store.  Where do I put new luggage or a new cell phone after my husbands finally died after 4 years.  We are not techno geaks at all.  

trade merely upon this account, could scarce have occasion to Though the real value of a corn rent, it is to be observed, however, varies

Managing your money is not a game, it is a business.  Utilize your creativity, along with good, sound advice and tips to control your money habits.  It can be a positive self-esteem challenge to see how well you can cut expenses.  It does not have to be depressive.  I am always thankful when I am able to meet a need or a special want with money that has been accumulated by saving small amounts in a large number of areas.  Start out strict accounting for every penney until you have incorporated financially healthy, smart habits.  Remember, it is YOUR money.  Reaffirm yourself with money use choices that give you a positive financial future foundation.

Learn to COOK!  I live alone and use about 8 turkeys a year.  I love turkey fixed any way you can think of  and will often cook a 22-pounder with a quart of water and a handful of herbs in the covered roaster. Then I use the meat seasoned with different spices to prepare a dozen different meals that go into the freezer and the bones go back in the pot for broth. When I get done with a turkey, there isn't enough "good" left in the remains for the ants.  Our grandparents did this all the time.  I have seen published in a NATIONAL newspaper insert directions to "boil a chicken for an hour and THROW THE CHICKEN AWAY!!!"  How stupid! The article said the meat would be tough. So What?!?!?! Take your fine broth for your soup, and then take your "tough" chicken and 2 cups of water, 3 chipotle seasoning cubes or a 12oz. can of beer or use boullion cubes  if you must, 2 tablespoons of ketchup and a pinch of rosemary and simmer that "tough" chicken for 2 hours. Cube the meat and add a can of any pasta sauce to the remaining liquid and serve over your favorite cooked pasta. Delicious.  Cooking, as opposed to buy it from the deli or already cut up for you in the meat department, is a lost art.  We cannot lose it entirely or once the coming depression hits, and it looks like it's going to, we will be in dire straights.  Cooking is fun! And it lets you save money while you have a good time.  I have a stressful job and when I get home, cooking is my way to wind down. Try it.

I work on wastewater everyday, since i was in college, but as some things I only think about, never put them to practice at home, next year thank the Lord for that, I'll be on my way to building my own house, and I will start irridating my garden with gray water (water that comes from the washer, shower & bathroom sink) in this case, i'll start with the washer and bathroom sink water, and in the future I'll do something more sophisticated and build a 1.5 m3 to disinfect and supply my home with gray water for garden and the toilet. ITS NOT THAT COMPLICATED, ITS ACTUALLY EASY, that way YOU SAVE MONEY ON THE WATER BILL & ECO-FRIENDLY too... check it out yourself, and sometimes you get an economical discount for doing some of these things on the water bill, check with your local water authorities.