Who I am.....

I have decided I can't compete or do as well as so many other websites and blogs but I can share my money saving experiences with anyone who wants to follow me. I have been known by friends and family to make a penny squeal for mercy, so here is what I am doing. I know many have no interest in following a ton of blogs or websites, so maybe my adventures can help someone else out.

My name is Carmen Gretton, I have 3 children with my fiance Matt, DS#1 is in 2nd grade and 7 1/2 years old, DS#2 is almost 5 and is special needs, then we have our surprise DD who will be 3 in April. In addition I have my stepson who just turned 14. To complete our zoo we have 2 cats, 1 puppy (10 weeks old, an adventure in and of itself) 2 toads and 2 turtles. Plus my mother is over here anywhere from 2-5 days a week.

Thus it is a weekly challenge to run our home as cheaply as possible. Let's add on the fact that Matt has been unemployed for 18 months and our income was drastically reduced. We were lucky enought not to live paycheck to paycheck but will need to replace his income soon.

I worked for Minneapolis Public Schools for 10 years but had to give that up when I had DS#2 and his challenges. I do sell some Real Estate but work mostly with friends, family and referrals.