Day 2: The Longest List Ever

I've decided to begin my project with focusing on a huge staple in monthly expenditures: groceries.

So last night and this morning, I worked my wrists and fingers into awful, cramping pain by typing up a list of about 4500 food brands. I know that a lot of brands are made by the same manufacturer, so I still have to go through the list and break it down by manufacturer, but this was a good first step.

Where to go from here? Break it down by manufacturers. Get contact information (email or address) to mail to for coupons and/or freebies--then contact them and see who sends something back!

Sorry for the short post, but I think I've done enough typing for today.

Day 1: The Beginning

Well, this is my first post. It's been just over 3 weeks since I lost my job, and with no new job-leads on the horizon, I'm finding myself strapped for cash. Thus, I've become consumed with budgeting, sales, and excellent bargains. And it is here that this blog is born.

So...

The Project: To learn to budget my monthly expenditures (with the exception of set things like rent or my internet bill) down to $50 and share my experiences with anyone who wants to know.

The Challenger: Just call me Regina...or, perhaps, crazy.

The Credentials: A 22-year-old unemployed college drop-out with absolutely no financial knowledge. None except a drive to educate myself.

Required Items: $50, coupons, weekly ads, internet, and other things that are yet to be determined.

Yeah, I'm probably nuts. I prefer to think of it as "ambitious". But, hey, I've got nothing to lose. So wish me luck and follow along!