Since we are headed to Disney at the end of April, I will be hoarding funds for extra FUN! My plan is this: no more than $20/week on groceries (pretty much bread, milk, eggs, yogurt, and produce.) Since we are gone the last week of April, that means I should only spend $60 for the entire month. Since my monthly budget is $220, that leaves me with $160 for FUN.
I know me and I know that this will be a challenge. My plan is to completely avoid looking at the grocery ads to not be tempted to stock up on a big sale. I will shop one store per week only (maybe Meijer or Aldi.)
Walk with me and see how we do. There is an awful lot of pantry to eat around here! :)
Showing posts with label Cash-Only. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cash-Only. Show all posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Triple Deals at Kroger
Kroger's triple coupon sale is back!
I bought 43 items. I saved 69.86. My total spent was 28.82!!!
A few highlights:
Pampers Wipes 1.99 (-.50 MQ x3) = .49 each!
Pillsbury French Loaf 1.00 each (-.50/2 MQ X3) = .25 each!!!
Bounty Basic Paper Towel 1.09 (-.25 MQ x3) = .34!
Suave Deodorant 1.29 (-.50 MQ x3) = FREE!!!!!!
Sunny D 1.00 (-.25 MQ x3) = .25!!!
Tasters Choice Coffee Sticks 1.09 (-.50 MQ x3) = FREE!!
I may do another trip this weekend as I still have coupons cut and not filed...shame on me! ;)
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Cleaning Out!
I've been cleaning out the female kiddo's closet/dresser today. I also cleaned out (went through) the boxes of baby stuff that I've been keeping in the attic and decided to part with some more stuff that I am no longer weepy over. I have no idea where she is going to sleep tonight!!!
So far, I have:
So far, I have:
- A huge Kohl's bag to take to my friend Kelly (btw, I made a rule with myself that if I was given something, I can not resell it at a consignment sale or garage sale...I just don't feel right doing that...if someone blesses me with something, I pass it along.)
- A pile of stuff we/Grandma bought to sell in a kids sale to go towards this summer's wardrobe/Disney vacation. (I use the money from the things I sell to outfit my kids for the next season...making our clothing purchases CASH-ONLY!)
- A diaper box of baby boy clothes for my friend, Crystal, who just had her 5th child, and only, boy!
- A full moving box full of more stuff to sell...do you think we will make enough to cover the gas money for our trip? I hope so...
Next step (but another day), the son's room...he has a bigger closet and more drawer space...how did that happen? :)
Spring is on its way!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Free Purex at Wags this Week
It has been reported that Walgreens has BOGO Purex this week. If you use your BOGO MQ, you should get both for FREE and just pay tax. If you have a problem doing this (which is perfectly legal and their registers will accept this by the way...) just cancel your order, walk out with your head held high, and try another Walgreens. You also may be able to "price match" the same deal at Target or WalMart. Now is the time to STOCK UP on FREE laundry soap.
PS: If you don't use this brand of soap and can get the deal, would you condsider donating it to a local food pantry? Jesus said, "whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me."
Happy Monday!
PS: If you don't use this brand of soap and can get the deal, would you condsider donating it to a local food pantry? Jesus said, "whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me."
Happy Monday!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
A Look at the Why Behind the Journey - Modified Repost
I think that today may be a good day to remind myself why I am couponing and saving...
1. I want to honor God with my finances by tithing and GIVING on top of my tithe.
2. I want to be able to stay-at-home with my children and provide them as much of me as possible.
3. I want to pay down/off debt. Specifically, 1 credit card, 2 small auto loans, and HUGE student loans.
4. I want to be able to finance my children's education. I want to have options other than our local public schools.
5. I want to finance a family vacation. We have not traveled out of the tri-state area in over 6 years and it is time for an adventure!
Because of these goals; therefore, I will...
1. Add NO debt, period, by living a cash-only lifestyle.
2. Learn patience and the blessing of waiting.
3. Coupon, rebate, shop sales only for our groceries/toiletries.
4. NOT be brand or store loyal.
5. Garage sale, consignment shop, accept hand-me-downs greatfully.
6. Trust that God will provide for my needs and be content with what He provides.
***Our Updates - 1 car loan to be paid off in Mar/Apr!!! (Money from that car loan will go towards 2nd car loan to make it "snowball" faster.) A trip to FL is currently being planned for the first week of May!!! Schooling decisions to come in April... We had a cash-only, debt-free Christmas! Garage sale season is right around the corner! :)
I am blessed!
1. I want to honor God with my finances by tithing and GIVING on top of my tithe.
2. I want to be able to stay-at-home with my children and provide them as much of me as possible.
3. I want to pay down/off debt. Specifically, 1 credit card, 2 small auto loans, and HUGE student loans.
4. I want to be able to finance my children's education. I want to have options other than our local public schools.
5. I want to finance a family vacation. We have not traveled out of the tri-state area in over 6 years and it is time for an adventure!
Because of these goals; therefore, I will...
1. Add NO debt, period, by living a cash-only lifestyle.
2. Learn patience and the blessing of waiting.
3. Coupon, rebate, shop sales only for our groceries/toiletries.
4. NOT be brand or store loyal.
5. Garage sale, consignment shop, accept hand-me-downs greatfully.
6. Trust that God will provide for my needs and be content with what He provides.
***Our Updates - 1 car loan to be paid off in Mar/Apr!!! (Money from that car loan will go towards 2nd car loan to make it "snowball" faster.) A trip to FL is currently being planned for the first week of May!!! Schooling decisions to come in April... We had a cash-only, debt-free Christmas! Garage sale season is right around the corner! :)
I am blessed!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
CVS - You have to see it to believe it!!!
Here is my amazing CVS trip today - you will just have to follow along to appreciate this one!!!
TRANS 1:
2 Ragu 1.67 each
*Used .60/2 MQ
1 Skippy Peanut Butter 1.66
*Used .40 MQ
2 Lipton tea bags 2/$5.00
*Used .60 MQ
*Used .40 MQ
*****Paid 8.00 total, but earned 3.00 ecbs = 5.00
1 Colgate Kids Toothpaste 2.99
*Used .50 MQ
*****Paid 2.49, but earned 2.00 ecb = .49
2 Valentines with pencils (Toy Story and Princess and Frog) 2.99 each
*BOGO - 2.99
1 Peanut M&M 2.50
1 Plain M&M 2.50
*Used 1.00/2 MQ
*****Paid 4.00 OOP
1 Dove Mens Body Wash 5.49
*Used 1.25 MQ
*****Paid 4.25, but earned 5.49 ecb = MONEYMAKER!
Scanned my green bag tag - don't forget this great reward!
Used old ecbs of 12.00, 2.00, 6.00
Paid 2.43 OOP for 11 items!!!!!
Earned back: 10.49 ecb
TRANS 2:
1 Dove Mens Body Wash 5.49
Used 5.49 ecbs from previous trandaction.
Paid .39 OOP!!!
Earned back: 5.49 ecb
SUMMARY:
Walking out of the store, I paid $2.82 for 12 items (that we catually will use and needed) and I have $12.49 in ecbs to use next week. Can you say profit, baby? Cha-Ching!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Top Ten Ways to Save NOW on Your Grocery Budget
The grocery budget is one of the most flexible lines in your family's monthly budget. Utilites don't change much, car payments and mortgage are consistent, and gasoline is a requirement...but are the ho-ho's that you want to buy? NO! Grocery shopping is the one place where you can get flexible and creative. If you are struggling with your check-out totals, if you are bug-eyed when you get to your car, if you are embarrasssed to tell your spouse what you spent...then this is the post for you, my friends!
So, in traditional, Hope-Filled Home style, here are my...
Top Ten Ways to Start Saving NOW at the Grocery Store
10. Love Your List - make one every time you step foot in the store. Even if you are going in for milk and bread, write it down and keep yourself accountable to it.
9. Make a Meal Plan - know IN ADVANCE what you are going to be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week that you are shopping for. Knowing what you are going to be eating makes your shopping easier, promotes less waste, and gives you no reason to hit a drive-thru.
8. Shop Sales - make your meal plan based off of what is on sale. Hamburger on sale? I see meatloaf... Good price on apples? I see apples in lunches and apple crisp for a special desert. Don't plan your list around what you want to eat, plan what you want to eat around what's on sale!
7. Clip Your Coupons - clip coupons on Sunday afternoons. 15 minutes clipping and filing can save you major moolah every week. For every coupon I clip, I am able to: buy a luxury item (Dove chocolate), pay down debt, take a trip to Disney, etc. Don't believe me? Taking only 5 .50 coupons to Meijer/Kroger saves you $5 off your bill (they double coupons at that store.) That equals $20/month or $240/year. If you took 15 coupons each visit, that would equal $720/year. I think that's enough for park tickets, don't you?
6. Stockpile for Savings - when something goes on an exceptional sale, buy more than one. Buy as many as you have coupons for. Ask your neighbors to save their coupon inserts for you for a FREE way to get extras. Some people buy extra coupons that they want on ebay, but I see no reason to spend more money to save money. Regulary, frozen vegetables end up free after sale and coupon. Buy 4 bags, or 6, or 10 and use them when you need them.
5. Lose the Loyalty - don't think that you are always getting the best deal when you shop where there are "low prices everyday." You aren't. You are getting conveiniece, but may possibly spend more money. Check out your ads and go where the best deals are. I regularly shop at 2 stores and then hit Aldi once a month to stock up on some canned goods there. I never shop somewhere "just because." I know exactly why I am going there, and it's because the have the best deals on...cheese, chicken, crackers, pasta, etc.
5 1/2. Lose the Loyalty Part 2 - don't always buy Skippy because you've always bought it. Your family may like Peter Pan better...if not, you can always hide it in cookies :) Buy what's on sale and/or what you have a coupon for. More times than not, you will be surprised.
4. Make Meatless Meals - once a week, enjoy a meatless meal for savings on your grocery bill. Have pasta with sauce, pancakes with fruit, or baked potatoes and salad. Think simple and save.
3. Use Cash Only - never ever use a credit card to buy your groceries! Do you know how much you would end up paying for them after interest? I don't even recommend using your debit card to buy groceries. Why is that? When you take cash to the grocery store and you commit to only using that cash, (ie $60) you are less likely to impulse buy and more likely to stay under budget. What happens if you get to the register and your total is $62? Put something back. Don't use your debit/credit because then you are more likely to add even more (like the candy bar, magazine, gum, or pop by the register.) Just don't do it, trust me on this!
2. Freezer Cook - spend a Saturday cooking up some of your favorite meals or casseroles and deep freeze them for a later use. Have company coming? Pull out a lasagna instead of hitting the store. Need to feed a crowd? Thaw out that chowder in the microwave and crockpot it for down-home comfort food. Forgot to make a meal plan/feel uninspired with the grocery ads? See what's already in your freezer and go from there! In 5 hours (with the help of 2 girlfriends), we put up 45 meals (15 per family.) What a helper and a timesaver that was (and so much healthier than the local drive-thru!)
1. Start Small - be encouarged! Make attainable goals. Be realistic with yourself. You don't have to go into the store and save 80% on your bill... Evey dollar counts. Every time you eat leftovers instead of pizza, every time you say no to an impulse buy, every time you find something for free - celebrate! Bring out the nice dishes and toast yourself on a job well-done. You deserve it!
So, in traditional, Hope-Filled Home style, here are my...
Top Ten Ways to Start Saving NOW at the Grocery Store
10. Love Your List - make one every time you step foot in the store. Even if you are going in for milk and bread, write it down and keep yourself accountable to it.
9. Make a Meal Plan - know IN ADVANCE what you are going to be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week that you are shopping for. Knowing what you are going to be eating makes your shopping easier, promotes less waste, and gives you no reason to hit a drive-thru.
8. Shop Sales - make your meal plan based off of what is on sale. Hamburger on sale? I see meatloaf... Good price on apples? I see apples in lunches and apple crisp for a special desert. Don't plan your list around what you want to eat, plan what you want to eat around what's on sale!
7. Clip Your Coupons - clip coupons on Sunday afternoons. 15 minutes clipping and filing can save you major moolah every week. For every coupon I clip, I am able to: buy a luxury item (Dove chocolate), pay down debt, take a trip to Disney, etc. Don't believe me? Taking only 5 .50 coupons to Meijer/Kroger saves you $5 off your bill (they double coupons at that store.) That equals $20/month or $240/year. If you took 15 coupons each visit, that would equal $720/year. I think that's enough for park tickets, don't you?
6. Stockpile for Savings - when something goes on an exceptional sale, buy more than one. Buy as many as you have coupons for. Ask your neighbors to save their coupon inserts for you for a FREE way to get extras. Some people buy extra coupons that they want on ebay, but I see no reason to spend more money to save money. Regulary, frozen vegetables end up free after sale and coupon. Buy 4 bags, or 6, or 10 and use them when you need them.
5. Lose the Loyalty - don't think that you are always getting the best deal when you shop where there are "low prices everyday." You aren't. You are getting conveiniece, but may possibly spend more money. Check out your ads and go where the best deals are. I regularly shop at 2 stores and then hit Aldi once a month to stock up on some canned goods there. I never shop somewhere "just because." I know exactly why I am going there, and it's because the have the best deals on...cheese, chicken, crackers, pasta, etc.
5 1/2. Lose the Loyalty Part 2 - don't always buy Skippy because you've always bought it. Your family may like Peter Pan better...if not, you can always hide it in cookies :) Buy what's on sale and/or what you have a coupon for. More times than not, you will be surprised.
4. Make Meatless Meals - once a week, enjoy a meatless meal for savings on your grocery bill. Have pasta with sauce, pancakes with fruit, or baked potatoes and salad. Think simple and save.
3. Use Cash Only - never ever use a credit card to buy your groceries! Do you know how much you would end up paying for them after interest? I don't even recommend using your debit card to buy groceries. Why is that? When you take cash to the grocery store and you commit to only using that cash, (ie $60) you are less likely to impulse buy and more likely to stay under budget. What happens if you get to the register and your total is $62? Put something back. Don't use your debit/credit because then you are more likely to add even more (like the candy bar, magazine, gum, or pop by the register.) Just don't do it, trust me on this!
2. Freezer Cook - spend a Saturday cooking up some of your favorite meals or casseroles and deep freeze them for a later use. Have company coming? Pull out a lasagna instead of hitting the store. Need to feed a crowd? Thaw out that chowder in the microwave and crockpot it for down-home comfort food. Forgot to make a meal plan/feel uninspired with the grocery ads? See what's already in your freezer and go from there! In 5 hours (with the help of 2 girlfriends), we put up 45 meals (15 per family.) What a helper and a timesaver that was (and so much healthier than the local drive-thru!)
1. Start Small - be encouarged! Make attainable goals. Be realistic with yourself. You don't have to go into the store and save 80% on your bill... Evey dollar counts. Every time you eat leftovers instead of pizza, every time you say no to an impulse buy, every time you find something for free - celebrate! Bring out the nice dishes and toast yourself on a job well-done. You deserve it!
Sacrifice
At Christmas, my aunt was over here hunting for a tissue. "Where are your tissues," she asked? I replied, "Use tp; we don't keep tissues in the house." She was appalled. Had no idea how we "live like this." I cracked up (silently, of course) and thought to myself "since when are tissues a necessity of life?"
Tissues are one of the many luxuries that I have cut in order to make our grocery budget work.*** I have also cut high price cleaners (use a lot of baking soda), air freshners (only buy when they are free or less than .50 at CVS), name brand trash bags, lunch sacks (we use reusable ones now), etc.
I have cut way back on my purchase of paper towels as well. After reading this blog; however, I am considering cutting them altogether. We could do without paper towels and help our environment in the process...
What do you sacrifice to stretch (and stick to) your budget?
***Author's note: I will admit to buying a box or two of kleenex with lotion when we have sinus infections around here, but only if they are really bad :)
Tissues are one of the many luxuries that I have cut in order to make our grocery budget work.*** I have also cut high price cleaners (use a lot of baking soda), air freshners (only buy when they are free or less than .50 at CVS), name brand trash bags, lunch sacks (we use reusable ones now), etc.
I have cut way back on my purchase of paper towels as well. After reading this blog; however, I am considering cutting them altogether. We could do without paper towels and help our environment in the process...
What do you sacrifice to stretch (and stick to) your budget?
***Author's note: I will admit to buying a box or two of kleenex with lotion when we have sinus infections around here, but only if they are really bad :)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
CVS Deals
Here are some of the great deals that I see at CVS this week:Aquafina 12-pack bottles - $2.49 each
ECBs Earned: $1.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: $1.49
Colgate Total/MaxFresh/MaxWhite - 2 for $5.00
Use $.75 off coupon from 1/3 SmartSource
ECBs Earned: $2.00 when you buy 2
Final Price: $.75 each
GE Energy Smart Lightbulbs - $2.99
Use $1.00 off coupon from 11/22 SmartSource insert
ECBs Earned: $2.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: FREE
Nivea Body Wash/Lip Care/Lotion - prices start at $3.99 each
$2.00 off lotion coupon from 1/3 RedPlum insert
$5.00 off 2 lotion coupon from 1/3 RedPlum insert
Buy 1 - Get 1 FREE lip care coupon from 1/3 RedPlum insert
ECBs Earned: $5.00 when you buy $10.00 (limit 1)
Final Price: REALLY GOOD
Oust Spray - $3.99 each
Use $3.99 off 2 (BOGO)coupon from 1/3 SmartSource insert
ECBs Earned: $3.00 (limit 6)
Final Price: MONEY MAKER
Other Things Worth Mentioning
All Detergent - $3.99 each
Use $2.00 off coupon from 12/6 or 1/3 RedPlum insert
Final Price: $1.99 each
Really Good Transaction #1 - Make $2!!!
Buy 2 Oust sprays - $7.98 ($3.99 each)
Use $3.99 off 2 coupon from 1/3 SmartSource insert
Out-of-Pocket Cost: $3.99 plus tax
ECBs Earned: $6.00
DON'T FORGET YOUR GREEN BAG TAG!!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Returns = Needs, Not Wants
Good Morning, friends! It's good to be back!!!
I don't know about you, but we have some returns to do at our house this year. So, I have made an executive decision. I am not returning toys for even more toys this year (you should see how many they got; truly ridiculous). We are returning toys for: white socks, undershirts, 2 sizes too big snowboots - next year, and maybe a pair of tennis shoes for me.
I figure, why not use the cash from duplicate toy returns to purchase what we really need? I think that it is a good plan, but I'm sure that I'll have to do it kid-less :)
I don't know about you, but we have some returns to do at our house this year. So, I have made an executive decision. I am not returning toys for even more toys this year (you should see how many they got; truly ridiculous). We are returning toys for: white socks, undershirts, 2 sizes too big snowboots - next year, and maybe a pair of tennis shoes for me.
I figure, why not use the cash from duplicate toy returns to purchase what we really need? I think that it is a good plan, but I'm sure that I'll have to do it kid-less :)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends and followers! I will be taking my Christmas break until next Sunday (12/27). I am "breaking" to enjoy time with my family, experience the wonder of Christmas, and focus on worshipping my Savior. I pray that you have a peaceful Christmas, full of joy, and memory-making and...God bless us, everyone!
***Oh, and did I forget to mention, that I will be rejoicing because we had a debt-free, cash-only Christmas! :)
***Oh, and did I forget to mention, that I will be rejoicing because we had a debt-free, cash-only Christmas! :)
Friday, December 4, 2009
CVS is HOT This Week!
Here's what I will be looking for at CVS this week!3 Day Sale
Prices only good Sunday - Tuesday
Merry Brite Santa Hat -- $3.99
ECB: $3.99 wyb 1 (limit 2)
Total: Free!
Merry Brite Mini Ornaments 12 ct -- $1.99
ECB: $1.99 wyb 1 (limit 2)
Total: Free!
Total: Free!
Essence of Beauty Bath and Body -- $4.99
ECB: $4 wyb 1 (limit 2)
Total: .99!
Week Long Sale prices good Sun – Sat
Emergen-C Immune Booster 2 pk -- $3.99
ECB: $3.99 wyb 1 (limit 1)
Total: Free!
Neosporin Lip Product -- $4.99
Coupon: $2.50 automatically taken off at the register and $3 printable
Total: Free!
Gillette Fushion, Mach 3, Series or Stain Care Shave Gel -- $1.99
Coupon: $1 from 11/29 P&G
Total: .99!
Kid Essentials -- $11.99
Buy 2 and get $10 ECB
Coupon: B1G1 printable
Total: $1 ea!
Also, all toys are buy 2, get 1 free. (excludes Zhu Zhu pets!)
For even more deals, check out Couponing to Disney!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Still Recovering
I am still recovering from Black Friday shopping...Here is the low-down:
Kohls @ 4 AM: left without buying anything b/c the line to check out was a 3 hour wait!
Target: went to score the 19.99 DVD player for the in-laws as their's wasn't working on Thanksgiving day
Toys R Us: they were out of the Princess baby that I wanted, but I did score a science kit, moon sand, and a VSmile game...plus 3 workbooks that were NOT on my list :)
Fashion Bug: went in for the 6.99 doorbuster sweaters and bought a LOT; in fact I am taking 2 things back on Thursday.
Elder Beerman: a HUGE surprise for my hubs (who s a subscriber) and a set of towels for my aunt
John Deere Store at the Mall: new hat and 2 pr socks for my JD boy! (not oin sale eiether)
CVS: robe for my mom-in-law
Meijer: couple cheapies for my hubs - most everything I had my eye on was gone by the time we got there.
Then on Saturday, I went back to Kohls, to Tractor Supply, and to WalMart. Paid a little bit more for what I needed, but it was worth it! (And, did I mentioned that I paid with CASH?) :)
I think that I am almost done with Christmas shopping. Hoping that wrapping goes as easily!
Kohls @ 4 AM: left without buying anything b/c the line to check out was a 3 hour wait!
Target: went to score the 19.99 DVD player for the in-laws as their's wasn't working on Thanksgiving day
Toys R Us: they were out of the Princess baby that I wanted, but I did score a science kit, moon sand, and a VSmile game...plus 3 workbooks that were NOT on my list :)
Fashion Bug: went in for the 6.99 doorbuster sweaters and bought a LOT; in fact I am taking 2 things back on Thursday.
Elder Beerman: a HUGE surprise for my hubs (who s a subscriber) and a set of towels for my aunt
John Deere Store at the Mall: new hat and 2 pr socks for my JD boy! (not oin sale eiether)
CVS: robe for my mom-in-law
Meijer: couple cheapies for my hubs - most everything I had my eye on was gone by the time we got there.
Then on Saturday, I went back to Kohls, to Tractor Supply, and to WalMart. Paid a little bit more for what I needed, but it was worth it! (And, did I mentioned that I paid with CASH?) :)
I think that I am almost done with Christmas shopping. Hoping that wrapping goes as easily!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
$9 Glasses!!!
Please go HERE to visit my friend, John's, site and see how he purchased perscription glasses for only $9!
His site @ Johnopolis encourages DIY projects, budgeting, and great finance tips. John and his family are currently working through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. They reside in Haskins, OH.
Thanks, John, for allowing me to share your site and your savings!
His site @ Johnopolis encourages DIY projects, budgeting, and great finance tips. John and his family are currently working through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. They reside in Haskins, OH.
Thanks, John, for allowing me to share your site and your savings!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A Christmas Challenge
Are you having trouble making ends meet this year? Is the Christmas budget lean? Are you overwhelmed at the thought of "being Santa?"
Never fear, my friends, I have a challenge for you...
Can you...Would you...Could you...
*live off of your stockpile in December and use your grocery budget for gifts?
*have two meatless meals a week in December and use the leftover cash for stuffing stockings?
*make a monthly meal plan that utilizes staples from your pantry (things you already have) and slash your grocery bill?
*freezer cook in advance (this month) using items on sale in November (turkey, baking products, etc) to have ready-made meals in December?
If you are up to the challenge, think about how wonderful it will feel to have a cash-only Christmas!!!
Stay tuned to see some of the ways that I am slashing the budget for the holiday season.
Never fear, my friends, I have a challenge for you...
Can you...Would you...Could you...
*live off of your stockpile in December and use your grocery budget for gifts?
*have two meatless meals a week in December and use the leftover cash for stuffing stockings?
*make a monthly meal plan that utilizes staples from your pantry (things you already have) and slash your grocery bill?
*freezer cook in advance (this month) using items on sale in November (turkey, baking products, etc) to have ready-made meals in December?
If you are up to the challenge, think about how wonderful it will feel to have a cash-only Christmas!!!
Stay tuned to see some of the ways that I am slashing the budget for the holiday season.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Look at the Why Behind the Journey
I think that today may be a good day to remind myself why I am couponing and saving...
1. I want to honor God with my finances by tithing and GIVING on top of my tithe.
2. I want to be able to stay-at-home with my children and provide them as much of me as possible.
3. I want to pay down/off debt. Specifically, 1 credit card, 2 small auto loans, and HUGE student loans.
4. I want to be able to finance my children's education. I want to have options other than our local public schools.
5. I want to finance a family vacation. We have not traveled out of the tri-state area in over 6 years and it is time for an adventure!
Because of these goals; therefore, I will...
1. Add NO debt, period, by living a cash-only lifestyle.
2. Learn patience and the blessing of waiting.
3. Coupon, rebate, shop sales only for our groceries/toiletries.
4. NOT be brand or store loyal.
5. Garage sale, consignment shop, accept hand-me-downs greatfully.
6. Trust that God will provide for my needs and be content with what He provides.
***Why are you on this journey? Let's encourage each other today...
I close with a song that's been on my heart lately. It is by Sara Groves. Listen to it if you get a chance.
He's Always Been Faithful
Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed,
in awe of the mystery of his perfect ways
CHORUS:
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain
he did not recycle to bring me gain.
I can't remember one single regret
in serving God only and trusting his hand
CHORUS
This is my anthem, this is my song,
the theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.
CHORUS
Amen!
1. I want to honor God with my finances by tithing and GIVING on top of my tithe.
2. I want to be able to stay-at-home with my children and provide them as much of me as possible.
3. I want to pay down/off debt. Specifically, 1 credit card, 2 small auto loans, and HUGE student loans.
4. I want to be able to finance my children's education. I want to have options other than our local public schools.
5. I want to finance a family vacation. We have not traveled out of the tri-state area in over 6 years and it is time for an adventure!
Because of these goals; therefore, I will...
1. Add NO debt, period, by living a cash-only lifestyle.
2. Learn patience and the blessing of waiting.
3. Coupon, rebate, shop sales only for our groceries/toiletries.
4. NOT be brand or store loyal.
5. Garage sale, consignment shop, accept hand-me-downs greatfully.
6. Trust that God will provide for my needs and be content with what He provides.
***Why are you on this journey? Let's encourage each other today...
I close with a song that's been on my heart lately. It is by Sara Groves. Listen to it if you get a chance.
He's Always Been Faithful
Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed,
in awe of the mystery of his perfect ways
CHORUS:
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain
he did not recycle to bring me gain.
I can't remember one single regret
in serving God only and trusting his hand
CHORUS
This is my anthem, this is my song,
the theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.
CHORUS
Amen!
Monday, November 16, 2009
2 FREE Card Games at KROGER with Cpn
Go here to see how you can get 2 FREE card games for Christmas at Kroger this week. Thanks, Saving and Giving!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Start Working on that Stockpile!
Here are some great deals on staples from Target this week. If you have the extra cash in your budget, this would be a great week to work on your pantry stockpile!
Betty Crocker Potatoes .79
Use $1/2 from 10/4 SS
Final Price: .29
Heinz Gravy .79
Use $1/2 from 11/1 SS
Final Price: .29
Del Monte Canned Veggies .45
Use $1/8 from 11/15 RP
Final Price: .32 each!
Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese $1.19
Use $1/3 from 11/15 RP
Final Price: .86 each
Swanson Chicken Broth 14oz cans .49
Use $1/6 from 11/8 SS
Final Price: .32 each
Campbell’s Soups .49
Use $1/8 from 11/8 SS
Final Price: .24 each
Betty Crocker Potatoes .79
Use $1/2 from 10/4 SS
Final Price: .29
Heinz Gravy .79
Use $1/2 from 11/1 SS
Final Price: .29
Del Monte Canned Veggies .45
Use $1/8 from 11/15 RP
Final Price: .32 each!
Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese $1.19
Use $1/3 from 11/15 RP
Final Price: .86 each
Swanson Chicken Broth 14oz cans .49
Use $1/6 from 11/8 SS
Final Price: .32 each
Campbell’s Soups .49
Use $1/8 from 11/8 SS
Final Price: .24 each
CVS Hot Deals!
Here's what I will be looking for at CVS this week!
Suave Body Wash or Hair Care 3/$6
Use .50/1 MQ (3 times)
Get $2 ECB
Final Price: $2.50 for all 3
Scope Outlast Mouthwash or Crest Scope with Whitening Toothpaste $3.49
Get $2 ECB
Use $1/1 MQ
Final price: .49
Buy Cover Girl Simply Ageless Foundation and Blush and get $10 ECB
Use Buy a Foundation, Get a Face Product free MQ
Also, use $1/1 MQ
Ageless Foundation $13 + Ageless Blush $10 = $23
Use $4/20 CVS coupon
Get $10 ECB
Final Price: $2 OVERAGE!
Duracell 4pk $2.99
Get $1 ECB
Use $1/1 MQ
Final Price: .99
Spend $12 in Glade Products and get $4 ECB back.
Includes:Sense and Spray $6- use $4/1 MQ
Lasting Impressions $6
Sense and Spray Refill $3- use $1/1 MQ
Plug Ins Refill $3
Glade Essential Oils Candle $3
Scented Oil Candles or Refill $3- use free refill when you buy candle MQ, and use Buy 2 refills, get 1 free MQ
{Deal idea}Buy 2 Sense and Spray at $6 each
Use (2) $4/1 coupons
Pay $4 and get $4 ECB back = FREE!
Trident Layers Gum $1
Use Buy One Get One Free MQ
Pay .50/each
My Little Pony Deal - Cash Only Christmas
Go HERE to see how you can combine the My LIttle Pony coupon with a Toys R Us sale of Buy 2, Get 1 free to get a great deal on ponies for Christmas!
Thanks, Couponing to Disney!
Thanks, Couponing to Disney!
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