This is one of the hardest changes that I have made since going through My Total Money Makeover.? Not eating out is probably the only thing that was harder for me to drop. I haven’t totally dropped it yet, but it is down to $50 per month.

In a recent trip to the store, we saved over $30 just by not buying the name brands.  I have always been a name brand type of guy, exactly what the companies hope for.  There are people who will tell you there is no difference between the two other than packaging.  This is probably half true. No, Wal-Mart does not manufacture the Wal-Mart brands; however, they don’t always use the name brand company either.

Cereal, milk and bread seem to be very close to the same quality if not the exact same. The fabric softener is definitely watered down, but is only $2 compared to over $7 for the same?number of Downy loads.  My clothes smell just as good, and I have?five extra dollars in my budget.? The pop-tarts…well the generics just taste funny. The corn wasn’t so hot either.

Overall, this is a great way to save money.  If I were not trying to get out of debt, I would give up a few. Now that I have tried them, there are several that I will never give up, even when I am out of debt.  This one habit change is worth $1,000 per year, if you are serious. Time to get Gazelle Intense!

There is nothing like the feeling of success.? Thankfully, this weekend was exactly that.? We had another great garage sale, this time making over $600.? Several of our eBay auctions ended Sunday night bringing in an extra $750.?

One item in particular was a great find.? While spending a couple of days at my Mom’s in Georgia on the way back from South Carolina, we stopped at a flea market.? Deep in a pile of junk, Amy found a “Relief Band” for $2.50.? Immediately recognizing it and its value, we snagged it with the full intention of selling it on Ebay.? Tonight it went for $67.? If you have the patience to look through junk, it is a great way to make some money!

Inevitably I will be talking to someone and the topic will come up of my mobilization.? If it is the first they have heard of it, they get this look upon their face as if I am dead.? They apologize that this is occurring.? It is all a very odd encounter.

First off, I signed up for this 14 years ago when I joined the Army.? I was scheduled to leave the Army (ETS) in 2002 as a lower enlisted person, and was planning on doing that until 9-11.? After that day, I made a decision that I wanted to do everything I could in the Army, and I wanted to go to Afghanistan to make a difference.

I then began the process to be commissioned as an officer, and two years later realized that goal.? Now as a first lieutenant, I am excited about being mobilized to go to Afghanistan.? It really is a realization of a dream.? I have no plans of dieing, and I will certainly miss my family; however, I will not be miserable.? The pay is really good as well, and we will be able to pay off a large portion of our debt while I am gone.

So if you see me, be excited for me.? I will definitely miss being here, but this is something that I can be proud of the rest of my life.? This is something my kids can brag about to their kids.? This is truly an opportunity of a lifetime!

Our first garage sale was such a success we are doing it again.? Saturday from?seven to eleven stop by for some great bargains.? I finally have been through everything at our house, so this one is serious.? Everything must go (it won’t fit in our apartment)!

I still have a lot more to write about, and no more time.? Hopefully tomorrow I will have some good posts!

I have a lot of things to write about now, but not much time.? I will just say that we have a few items on eBay now, with more to come.? You can find them by using this link.? They are listed under user name gentlewhisper.? Please feel free to bid, but only if you really want to buy the item.? No shill bidding, really!

Be back real soon with more!