Doing What I Can

My husband has officially started a new diet - or "lifestyle change." He needs a LOT of protein, veggies, and legumes. He is eating nothing white, dairy, or fruit. Needless to say, this has put an interesting spin on my $55/week grocery budget. It's just not realistic right now. As a supportive spouse who truly wants the best for my mate, I need to respect his diet choices and provide him with what he needs to feel healthy and energized.

These changes in my budget, meal plans, and shopping can leave an organized gal like me reeling! So, here are a few of the ways that I have maintained some control over our money and my time.

1. I have been shopping the sales. Ex: This week Kroger had chicken breast for $1.88 and pollock fish 10/$10. I stocked up on this inexpensive protein.

2. I have been buying vegetables by the case at Aldi's. Specifically: black beans, refried beans, mexican corn, and carrots. I just can't find anything cheaper anywhere else at this point.

3. I ordered coupons from a clipping service for products that I know he will eat: tuna, turkey sausage, protein bars, etc. I spent $5 (to get free shipping) and ordered over 70 specific coupons that I know we can use.

4. I have been taking advantage of Giant Eagle's fuel perks program. I figure if the grocery budget is going up, I am going to try to save where I can - on gas!

5. I also have been buying a lot of household staples at Walgreens and CVS. Normally I only bought health and beauty at these stores. This week at Wags, I got 4 boxes of Cream of Wheat (for the kids) for FREE after coupons. No tax even. I also used RR's (from the health and beauty specials) to lower my cost of toilet paper. I am getting what I want (health and beauty) and what I need (food and tp). Its a win - win if you ask me.

Hope these ideas help you if you are discouraged or trying to eat healthier on a budget. Remember that couponing is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Every dollar that you save, helps achieve your goals: paying down debt, saving for a big purchase, or planning a vacation. You don't need to compete with anyone. This is your wallet, your time, your family. Don't sweat the small stuff!

Have a blessed week.

Make Money on Electrasol

GO HERE to see how you can MAKE MONEY on dishwasher tablets at Walgreens this week, but, please leave a box or two for me, will ya? :)

Thanks, Thrify and Thriving for this great deal!

Wags - Saved 40.02

It Worked! IT WORKED!



I bought 6 Purex laundry detergents + 4 boxes of Kleenex and paid 5.44 OOP. I earned a $1 RR Coupon towards my next purchase. I bought 6 laundry detergents and paid TAX only using my coupons.



According to my receipt, I saved 40.02!



Here is a copy of my receipt to prove it.

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!

Walgreens Trip $4.22 OOP, Have $8.00 RR Leftover

Here was my Walgreens trip...All of these deals are good through this week!

Trans 1:

Gillette Fusion Razor 8.99

Used 2.00 MQ

Royal Jello 5/$1

Comet 2/$1

2 Kit Kats (Filler) 1.59

Used 10 RR that were going to expire 2/1.

Paid 1.28 OOP.

Earned 4.00 RR for razor.

Per receipt, saved 15.72.

Trans 2:

Blink Tears 7.99

Used 2.00 MQ

Cow Tail (Filler) .39

Used 4 RR from previous transaction.

Paid 2.94 OOP

Earned 8.00 RR for Blink

Per receipt, saved 8.00

I profited 3.78 to take these items out of the store today!

You Go, Girl!

Read HERE to see how my blogger friend, Megan, made RR at Walgreens work for her this week. She paid under $1 for milk, tomato sauce, makeup, and 2 diabetes meters and EARNED $13 for shopping! You go, girl - show us how it's done!