Here is one of our previous monthly budgets. It is based on a total after tax income of $1747.00 per month. The book is not showing a profit yet so we get no income from it.

A Reader asks: "What is washing soda? Is it baking soda?"

Tawra: Washing soda is not baking soda. Here is an excerpt from http://frugalliving.about.com that explains it better than I would have! ;-)

Washing soda should be in the laundry section of your grocery store. It comes in a yellow box, made by Arm & Hammer, but it's NOT baking soda. If you're interested, washing soda is Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3), baking soda is Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and borax is Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate (Na2B4O7*10H2O), all different chemical compounds.

If you can't find it locally, call this number: 1-800-524-1328. It's the Arm & Hammer number and they should be able to tell you where the closest place is that you can find it. There are places on the internet where you can order it, but shipping costs will eat up a portion of your savings, so that would be a last resort.

If you'd like to read more, refer to the Frugal living Section at About.com here.