This is us, not making fun of poor folk:

Linz, at this point even Obama would tell you, “No you can’t”. The idea of this competition is to modify our lifestyle to try to spend less. Basically this means that while I’m stealing soap from Motel 8’s, and siphoning gasoline from cars in parking garages, you can’t be buying designer blazers. I just want to point out to all of you who voted for Linz in our Recession Poll ’09, that you can actually change your vote (this is at you Linz’s mom); unless of course you like losing.

Economists right now are pointing toward an upturn in the economy coming slowly but surely; what does this mean to the average consumer? I’m going to use the “Caps Lock” key here just to emphasize: IT MEANS JACK S**T! I actually just held down the “Shift” key whilst typing that, I lied. Do yourselves a favor and follow my spending habits, and you will experience economic freedom—at the expense of personal hygiene, fun, losing friends, girls/guys, and health.

Spending account tabulation Week 2:

Gas: $37.50

Work Lunch: $11.52 (includes tip, yes 15%!)

Sabor a México (dinner): $16.24 (again, tip included)

Week 2 Total: $65.26

Spending on gas was unavoidable; I went quite a few places this week. Work lunch, I didn’t expect to eat anything; but it was former boss’s last day, I had a bowl of chili in her honor. Dinner at the classy Sabor a México was necessary to keep what friends I have left after starting this challenge. It ended up coming right out the same way it came in about 6 hours later (see: food poisoning from shady Mexican restaurant), so I considered not counting it in the grand total. This week marks the first time I have ever ordered just water at a dining establishment, it will not become a permanent habit.

Exhibit A:

Money saving tip of the week: With rocketing inflation, it's time to resurrect the fine art of haggling. Why not go "mano a mano" with those little credit card machines in the stores? After the register has tallied your purchases and the credit card machine screen asks, "Is $231.98 okay?" don't just press the "okay" button like a sissy, make a deal! Start your counteroffer at $17.54 and test your money-saving mettle.