Financial Goals...
...Get credit card debt completely paid off!
I was really hoping that this would be done in June. We are still waiting on our last tax return check and are using that to finish things off. We called the office that did the adjustment to our taxes which is why we're getting this late refund this morning and they said it could be up to several months before we get the check. We're closing in on 2 months right now. In the meantime I am still paying over the minimum on both cc just to keep things rolling.
...Make triple payments on house once CC debt is paid off
I thought we were gonna make this goal this month...however, with the change in my work status, our income dropped dramatically. We will be able to pay all of our bills until hubs starts his new job and/or I start a part time job (if ever I find one!) but unfortunately we won't be able to swing triple payments quite yet. I did pay an extra $100 on it last month though!
...Find new ways to make money from home.
Last month I stated that I was going to eliminate this goal. I am now reinstating it. I have more time than ever before now that I am being a homemaker (and looking for pt work too) so I will have plenty of time to look for creative ways to make money from home!
....Get savings account built up to one years expenses
All extra income is continuing to go into savings. As of right now, that's about it.
Couponing Goals...
...Accumulate as many gift cards as possible
This month I earned $15 in Amazon gift cards from Swagbucks. That's it. Better than nothing, right?
....Get back in the rebate game
This month I recieved $12.99 in rebate checks. I sent out for $57.45 in rebates as well.
June Goals Update...
...Add 10% to emergency savings (on top of the tax return that is getting dumped in soon)
This didn't happen. Due to our current situation, I was actually only able to add about 1% to our emergency savings. Buh...I'm so embarrased!
...Begin triple payments on house/SUV loan
This did not happen, see explanation above
...Start setting money aside for hubs' annual motorcycle trip over July 4th weekend
I didn't get anything set aside, but I did have enough leftover in our budget this period to take care of his expenses.
...Fine tune budget now that we are moved home and back into the swing of things
I did...and then our income level completely changed again. So again, I'm needing to do this.
...Stay under in said budget
We didn't do so hot in budgeting this month. I'm hoping to get things back on track starting in July. I've got some things changed around which will make staying on track much easier. Hopefully.
July Goals...
...Make as much of our food needs from scratch as possible.
...Find another source of income, be it from home or in form of a part time job.
...Fine tune budget for our current income situation.
...Find ways to cut costs in every aspect of our budget.
...Add 10% to emergency savings account
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
A New Mini Series
I have had a lot of questions lately about how we keep our grocery budget down to $20/week. I started to write up a post explaining what I do to keep our grocery costs down, but there is just so much that I decided it would better suit a mini series so that I can cover each area in the detail that it deserves! So as soon as the budgeting mini series comes to a close, I will begin a grocery store savings mini series!
Keep your eyes peeled!
Keep your eyes peeled!
Creating the Perfect Budget...Step 2
Now that you have your budget categories created you need to determine how much money is to be put in each category. This is going to be a step that will take some research and backtracking through some old bills. You may also want to have a calculator handy.
First off, determine the amounts that are set each time you will do your budget. For example, I always budget $20/week for groceries, $90/week in gasoline for our vehicles and I know that our internet bill is always $40 even. Once you have those already set amounts written down, here comes the hard part. Those bills that are never the same. For example, our electric bill one month may be $25 and the next month it will be $36. What I do for these types of budget categories is to take an average of what it has been over the past year (except we've only been in our house for 2 months, so I'm slowly figuring out the averages) and budget that amount each time. That way if your bill comes in under what is budgeted, there will be money left over for next month, when the bill may be higher. I will cover how to keep track of that "extra money" in next week's segment.
Make sure that all of your categories are taken care of. Any money left over after each category has been filled can then be used however you please (debt payoff, savings, etc.).
How often you budget is completely up to you. I personally budget every two weeks, which is when hubs gets paid. I find that if I try to go any longer than that then I get confused and overspending happens. So, when I splitting the money into their categories, I only work with the categories that are constants (groceries, etc.) and the bills that are due during that two week period. The other bills wait until the next two week period budget time. You can also choose to budget one week at a time, but I really only see that as working if you get paid weekly. If hubs got paid weekly I most certainly would be budgeting week by week.
But what if you and your husband are both paid biweekly and your weeks are opposite each other, so that you are getting a check each week? Hubs and I had that situation when we were living up at college, and I continued with the every two weeks budgeting. I always did the budgeting on the week that I got paid, and I just pretended that hubs' paycheck came the same week to prevent unneccesary overspending. But weekly budgeting would most certainly work in that situation too.
So this week, sit down with your newly chosen budget categories and determine how much you will be allowing each category per budget period. This would be a great time for you to also determine how often you would like to budget as well as to pare down any unneccesary spending you have been doing and cut categories that are unneccesary. Get the beginning stages of your budget ready because next week we're setting up the budget binder!
First off, determine the amounts that are set each time you will do your budget. For example, I always budget $20/week for groceries, $90/week in gasoline for our vehicles and I know that our internet bill is always $40 even. Once you have those already set amounts written down, here comes the hard part. Those bills that are never the same. For example, our electric bill one month may be $25 and the next month it will be $36. What I do for these types of budget categories is to take an average of what it has been over the past year (except we've only been in our house for 2 months, so I'm slowly figuring out the averages) and budget that amount each time. That way if your bill comes in under what is budgeted, there will be money left over for next month, when the bill may be higher. I will cover how to keep track of that "extra money" in next week's segment.
Make sure that all of your categories are taken care of. Any money left over after each category has been filled can then be used however you please (debt payoff, savings, etc.).
How often you budget is completely up to you. I personally budget every two weeks, which is when hubs gets paid. I find that if I try to go any longer than that then I get confused and overspending happens. So, when I splitting the money into their categories, I only work with the categories that are constants (groceries, etc.) and the bills that are due during that two week period. The other bills wait until the next two week period budget time. You can also choose to budget one week at a time, but I really only see that as working if you get paid weekly. If hubs got paid weekly I most certainly would be budgeting week by week.
But what if you and your husband are both paid biweekly and your weeks are opposite each other, so that you are getting a check each week? Hubs and I had that situation when we were living up at college, and I continued with the every two weeks budgeting. I always did the budgeting on the week that I got paid, and I just pretended that hubs' paycheck came the same week to prevent unneccesary overspending. But weekly budgeting would most certainly work in that situation too.
So this week, sit down with your newly chosen budget categories and determine how much you will be allowing each category per budget period. This would be a great time for you to also determine how often you would like to budget as well as to pare down any unneccesary spending you have been doing and cut categories that are unneccesary. Get the beginning stages of your budget ready because next week we're setting up the budget binder!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
This Week's Shopping
The only shopping that I did this week was WalMart....twice. Now that I am not working in a city with WAGS, CVS, Target, HyVee, etc. I don't do a lot of deal seeking anymore. I might try to make into a city once a week and hit up all the stores then, but I haven't quite decided yet if I can justify all that gas (anyplace with all those stores is at least an hour from here). So for now it's just WalMart and Fareway (which I guess I hit up this week as well...). Anyways, here's my haul.
Total OOP before coupons - $77.08
Total OOP before coupons - $77.08Total OOP after coupons - $30.18
Total Saved - 46.90 (61%)
I didn't get any phenomenal deals at Fareway this week (no pic, sorry!). Just some apples marked down to about 25c/lb, peaches marked down to 20c/lb, some toilet paper for 19c/4 pack, chicken hindquarters for 59c/lb and some bologna marked down to 99c. I also got our weekly staples (milk, eggs, etc.).
Friday, June 26, 2009
Ways to Save (to Stay Cool)
It's hot. But really, it's only been unbearably hot one day this week. Which is good, as we haven't turned on our AC yet this summer (I take that back. We turned it on for 12 measly hours when the outside temp. spiked over 100* and I thought I would die from heat!) and our electric bill is thanking us! This, is cretainly, not something that I advocate if you have children, husbands who work in the heat all day (and want a cool home to come to) or if you are pregnant. All you others...give it a shot! You may be surprised at how cool your home really will stay and you can give your electric bill a break! Here's how I stay cool...
...Keep the windows open. It may seem silly to have the windows wide open inviting all of that heat indoors, but really the opposite happens. I make sure that all of my windows are open, so that way the breeze has a chance to move through the house. This really helps things feel less stuffy and more bearable.
...Fans, fans, fans! We actually only have two fans (neither of which are ceiling) and keep one upstairs and one downstairs. I keep the downstairs one in a window and it helps to keep the air moving. I usually only have to turn this fan on from about 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm when things really seem to be warm. If you have a ceiling fan, I highly recommend you keep it running. It will help the air in your rooms to stay moving and you will feel the benefits. You may also be worried that the cost of running fans is going to conjure up just as large of a bill as your ac would. Au contraire! I've done a little research and found that central ac units cost around 2500 kilowatts per hour to run while a fan only costs 75 kilowatts per hour...so really it would take A LOT of fans in order to catch up with your ac unit (something like 33....).
...Keep the shades closed. I have found this is something I only have to do in the afternoon to keep out the sweltering afternoon rays. And I only shut the shades on the west and south facing windows. You have no idea how much this really helps! There is a significant temperature difference between when the shades get left open and when they are shut! And if you aren't a fan of sitting in the dark (I use this time to catch a little nap or do some reading or homework) then head to an east facing room to relax.
...Don't cook or bake. This one is hard for me. I love to cook and bake...and during the day is just when is convenient for me to do it. So I try to do all cooking and baking in the early morning before things get too toasty. But worry not, our summer meals are filled with deliciousness as we do a lot more grilling and using the crockpot doesn't heat up the kitchen too terribly bad (especially if you plug it in out in the garage, which I don't, but have considered). Anything left that needs done in the oven and on the stove (bread, jam, bagels, and the like) all get done in the morning or on a day when the temperature isn't predicted to get too high (or on a day when it's rainy...they are always cooler).
...Hydrate! It is important to stay hydrated all of the time...but especially when your body is experiencing warmer temps! So be sure to keep that glass of water filled and that you are getting your 8 a day!
Like I said above, I don't advocate trying to go AC free when you have children or elders living with you, when you or anyone in your household is pregnant or if your husband isn't on board with it. For those of you who can't go AC free, perhaps try keeping your AC temp up a bit from normal...it can definetely help lower your bill a bit :) I also don't recommend keeping the AC turned off on unbearably hot days. I plan to turn ours on during the afternoon of any day that is forecasted to hit above 90*. This is my plan mostly for my own safety...and only running the air once in a great while as opposed to every day will still keep our bill low.
On another side note, those of you with pets should know that I have a cat who I have been keeping a very close eye on during this experiment and he seems to be doing fine. Just make sure your pet's water bowls are full as keeping them hydrated will help keep them cool. I also did some research into whether or not it was healthy for house pets to be exposed to no AC. I was answered with a resounding YES and the statement "Animals lived without AC for 100's of years....they can still do it now". Well alrighty then....
To see other great ways to save money during this tough economic time (and once it ends!) check out Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom!
...Keep the windows open. It may seem silly to have the windows wide open inviting all of that heat indoors, but really the opposite happens. I make sure that all of my windows are open, so that way the breeze has a chance to move through the house. This really helps things feel less stuffy and more bearable.
...Fans, fans, fans! We actually only have two fans (neither of which are ceiling) and keep one upstairs and one downstairs. I keep the downstairs one in a window and it helps to keep the air moving. I usually only have to turn this fan on from about 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm when things really seem to be warm. If you have a ceiling fan, I highly recommend you keep it running. It will help the air in your rooms to stay moving and you will feel the benefits. You may also be worried that the cost of running fans is going to conjure up just as large of a bill as your ac would. Au contraire! I've done a little research and found that central ac units cost around 2500 kilowatts per hour to run while a fan only costs 75 kilowatts per hour...so really it would take A LOT of fans in order to catch up with your ac unit (something like 33....).
...Keep the shades closed. I have found this is something I only have to do in the afternoon to keep out the sweltering afternoon rays. And I only shut the shades on the west and south facing windows. You have no idea how much this really helps! There is a significant temperature difference between when the shades get left open and when they are shut! And if you aren't a fan of sitting in the dark (I use this time to catch a little nap or do some reading or homework) then head to an east facing room to relax.
...Don't cook or bake. This one is hard for me. I love to cook and bake...and during the day is just when is convenient for me to do it. So I try to do all cooking and baking in the early morning before things get too toasty. But worry not, our summer meals are filled with deliciousness as we do a lot more grilling and using the crockpot doesn't heat up the kitchen too terribly bad (especially if you plug it in out in the garage, which I don't, but have considered). Anything left that needs done in the oven and on the stove (bread, jam, bagels, and the like) all get done in the morning or on a day when the temperature isn't predicted to get too high (or on a day when it's rainy...they are always cooler).
...Hydrate! It is important to stay hydrated all of the time...but especially when your body is experiencing warmer temps! So be sure to keep that glass of water filled and that you are getting your 8 a day!
Like I said above, I don't advocate trying to go AC free when you have children or elders living with you, when you or anyone in your household is pregnant or if your husband isn't on board with it. For those of you who can't go AC free, perhaps try keeping your AC temp up a bit from normal...it can definetely help lower your bill a bit :) I also don't recommend keeping the AC turned off on unbearably hot days. I plan to turn ours on during the afternoon of any day that is forecasted to hit above 90*. This is my plan mostly for my own safety...and only running the air once in a great while as opposed to every day will still keep our bill low.
On another side note, those of you with pets should know that I have a cat who I have been keeping a very close eye on during this experiment and he seems to be doing fine. Just make sure your pet's water bowls are full as keeping them hydrated will help keep them cool. I also did some research into whether or not it was healthy for house pets to be exposed to no AC. I was answered with a resounding YES and the statement "Animals lived without AC for 100's of years....they can still do it now". Well alrighty then....
To see other great ways to save money during this tough economic time (and once it ends!) check out Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
When One Door Closes....
...I've been slowly realizing that another always opens. We've all heard that cliche anyways, right? So why didn't I pay any mind to it?
It all started about a month ago when I got hired for the bank job an hour away. Thats right, a one hour commute...one way. I told myself it would be no big deal, I commuted 45 minutes one way my first year of college...so I could do it now too, right? Wrong. I felt guilty every. single. day. about being gone for 12+ hours. I felt guilty that my husband had to put up with my terrible mood swings because I was so tired and stressed. I felt terrible that once I got home from work I had to make a decision between homework, cleaning the house or spending time with my husband (who, by the way, most of the time won out. My poor house. and grades.)
It got to the point where I was crying every morning before I went into work because I didn't want to go. It was then that I knew something had to change. I wanted to give my two weeks notice. Even though I had only been working there for two weeks (-ish) at the time, I wanted out. I wanted my life and my sanity back. With my husband's blessing, I finally gave my notice. I instantly felt relieved, but also slightly guilty for placing all of the "breadwinning" responsibilities onto hubs' shoulders. He told me he didn't mind a bit and he just wanted to see me happy. Bless his heart. So, the job search began again. There's not much available in the area that we live, and I want to keep my drive to a 20 minute one way maximum, which made things even rougher in this economy. I wasn't worried though. I had spent time praying over it, and had a peace about the whole situation that just let me keep on living my life even though I knew our budget was going to take a major slam.
However, The Lord showed us to the door he opened upon the closing of the me working door. Lately, hubs has been very dissatisfied with his job as well...he has been getting scheduled all nights and weekends. Which he understands can happen to anyone when they are new to the workforce like he is, however men and women who have been working in this job for 8-9 years are still working nights and weekends. It's just something that is required of everyone. And that is something that did not rest easy with hubs. A friend alerted him to a position within the company that he works for which hubs might be interested. After a few phone calls, an interview was lined up for this morning. It went well, and hubs was more or less offered the job.
The only downside? He'll have to work on the road for the first year. Which means that from Monday morning through Friday night he will be living out of a camper with a friend who works at the same location and Friday night through Monday morning he'll be home with me. After that first year, he will get to transfer into the location that is only 30 minutes from our home and will work first shift always. And the wage at both locations is over twice what he is making now. The answer to this dilemma seemed simple...he had to take it. It's a field that he's worked in before, the wage is amazing and he'll be able to bunk with friends while away. We decided almost instantly that he needs to take this position.
So how does this open a door you ask? Well, hubs will now be making more than twice what he was before, and it will be in a job that he already knows he enjoys, which will help him to be more stress free and happy. As for me, I will no longer feel the pressure to get a job right away. Actually, it has been agreed that I will just find a part time job working 2-3 shifts during the week and spend the rest of the time being a homemaker. And doing some ministry work. You see, I have been wanting to open a food pantry type place in our hometown for some time now. There is only one small pantry, and they limit your trips to one small one per month. This is an idea that dawned on me way back last winter before we moved home. But once we got moved home and I started working, that idea was pushed to the back burner. Until now. It seems like The Lord is definetely pointing me into this direction between my quitting my job and hubs getting offered a job making enough to support us both well.
So what am I trying to say with this long winded post? Keep your hearts open. Never feel that a door is closed and that is that. Always look for the next open door to enter. Things may be rocky at first, but once you get everything figured out and settled into your situation, it will all work out. And don't forget, pray about it! The Lord will always bless you as long as you believe and have faith!
It all started about a month ago when I got hired for the bank job an hour away. Thats right, a one hour commute...one way. I told myself it would be no big deal, I commuted 45 minutes one way my first year of college...so I could do it now too, right? Wrong. I felt guilty every. single. day. about being gone for 12+ hours. I felt guilty that my husband had to put up with my terrible mood swings because I was so tired and stressed. I felt terrible that once I got home from work I had to make a decision between homework, cleaning the house or spending time with my husband (who, by the way, most of the time won out. My poor house. and grades.)
It got to the point where I was crying every morning before I went into work because I didn't want to go. It was then that I knew something had to change. I wanted to give my two weeks notice. Even though I had only been working there for two weeks (-ish) at the time, I wanted out. I wanted my life and my sanity back. With my husband's blessing, I finally gave my notice. I instantly felt relieved, but also slightly guilty for placing all of the "breadwinning" responsibilities onto hubs' shoulders. He told me he didn't mind a bit and he just wanted to see me happy. Bless his heart. So, the job search began again. There's not much available in the area that we live, and I want to keep my drive to a 20 minute one way maximum, which made things even rougher in this economy. I wasn't worried though. I had spent time praying over it, and had a peace about the whole situation that just let me keep on living my life even though I knew our budget was going to take a major slam.
However, The Lord showed us to the door he opened upon the closing of the me working door. Lately, hubs has been very dissatisfied with his job as well...he has been getting scheduled all nights and weekends. Which he understands can happen to anyone when they are new to the workforce like he is, however men and women who have been working in this job for 8-9 years are still working nights and weekends. It's just something that is required of everyone. And that is something that did not rest easy with hubs. A friend alerted him to a position within the company that he works for which hubs might be interested. After a few phone calls, an interview was lined up for this morning. It went well, and hubs was more or less offered the job.
The only downside? He'll have to work on the road for the first year. Which means that from Monday morning through Friday night he will be living out of a camper with a friend who works at the same location and Friday night through Monday morning he'll be home with me. After that first year, he will get to transfer into the location that is only 30 minutes from our home and will work first shift always. And the wage at both locations is over twice what he is making now. The answer to this dilemma seemed simple...he had to take it. It's a field that he's worked in before, the wage is amazing and he'll be able to bunk with friends while away. We decided almost instantly that he needs to take this position.
So how does this open a door you ask? Well, hubs will now be making more than twice what he was before, and it will be in a job that he already knows he enjoys, which will help him to be more stress free and happy. As for me, I will no longer feel the pressure to get a job right away. Actually, it has been agreed that I will just find a part time job working 2-3 shifts during the week and spend the rest of the time being a homemaker. And doing some ministry work. You see, I have been wanting to open a food pantry type place in our hometown for some time now. There is only one small pantry, and they limit your trips to one small one per month. This is an idea that dawned on me way back last winter before we moved home. But once we got moved home and I started working, that idea was pushed to the back burner. Until now. It seems like The Lord is definetely pointing me into this direction between my quitting my job and hubs getting offered a job making enough to support us both well.
So what am I trying to say with this long winded post? Keep your hearts open. Never feel that a door is closed and that is that. Always look for the next open door to enter. Things may be rocky at first, but once you get everything figured out and settled into your situation, it will all work out. And don't forget, pray about it! The Lord will always bless you as long as you believe and have faith!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Getting Your Budget off on the Right Foot...
Last week, I mentioned that I am revamping our budget. Trust me, it is in desperate need of an overhaul! I sat down with it last week, and began creating. I started off by re-defining what categories we need in our budget. For those of you just starting out on your budget journey, it is vital that you sit down and determine what area's you need to have in a budget. You need to "divide up your money" if you will. This way you can put a set amount aside for each category and anything left over can be snowballed into debt or savings.
I thought that in this first step of budgeting, I would make it simple....just list out your budget categories. Here are the categories in our budget...
...Groceries (this is strictly my grocery store runs. as well as farmers markets and vegetable stands)
...HBA (this includes WAGS and WalMart runs)
...Gasoline for vehicles
...Gas for house
...Electricity Bill
...House Payment
...Personal Care (includes hair cuts, etc.)
...Insurance Payment
...Pet Supplies
...Tithe
...Cell Phone Bill
...Cable
...Internet
...Vehicle Upkeep
...Household (includes decorating, fix ups, etc.)
...Hubs' "Allowance" (he gets a set amount of money each week to "blow" however he wishes)
...My "Allowance" (same as above...but mine never gets spent anywhere other than Goodwill...by choice. So I might as well rename it the "Goodwill Fund"!)
...Gifts
...Miscellaneous
...Clothes (this category often sits empty as my "allowance" aka "Goodwill Fund" is often times spent on clothes at Goodwill)
...Date Night
You need to set categories that fit to your lifestyle. The above are just the categories that I have. I know that there are categories that could easily be cut, such as cable or cell phones...but right now it's what suits our lifestyle. We are cutting in other area's to be able to afford these luxuries. Also know that just because you have a certain category in your budget, doesn't mean that it needs filled every single pay period. The gifts, miscellaneous and clothes categories often times sit empty.
Those categories are instances where other areas of cash are able to fill in. For example, I often give gifts straight from my stockpile...which came from my HBA or food budget. Or the clothes example which was explained above. The miscellaneous category is almost always empty. I just have it in case a weird situation pops up and I don't really know where to put that bill. That very rarely happens.
I challenge you this week to sit down and determine what area's you need in your budget. Determine how much money you need for each area, and we'll pick up here next Monday!
I thought that in this first step of budgeting, I would make it simple....just list out your budget categories. Here are the categories in our budget...
...Groceries (this is strictly my grocery store runs. as well as farmers markets and vegetable stands)
...HBA (this includes WAGS and WalMart runs)
...Gasoline for vehicles
...Gas for house
...Electricity Bill
...House Payment
...Personal Care (includes hair cuts, etc.)
...Insurance Payment
...Pet Supplies
...Tithe
...Cell Phone Bill
...Cable
...Internet
...Vehicle Upkeep
...Household (includes decorating, fix ups, etc.)
...Hubs' "Allowance" (he gets a set amount of money each week to "blow" however he wishes)
...My "Allowance" (same as above...but mine never gets spent anywhere other than Goodwill...by choice. So I might as well rename it the "Goodwill Fund"!)
...Gifts
...Miscellaneous
...Clothes (this category often sits empty as my "allowance" aka "Goodwill Fund" is often times spent on clothes at Goodwill)
...Date Night
You need to set categories that fit to your lifestyle. The above are just the categories that I have. I know that there are categories that could easily be cut, such as cable or cell phones...but right now it's what suits our lifestyle. We are cutting in other area's to be able to afford these luxuries. Also know that just because you have a certain category in your budget, doesn't mean that it needs filled every single pay period. The gifts, miscellaneous and clothes categories often times sit empty.
Those categories are instances where other areas of cash are able to fill in. For example, I often give gifts straight from my stockpile...which came from my HBA or food budget. Or the clothes example which was explained above. The miscellaneous category is almost always empty. I just have it in case a weird situation pops up and I don't really know where to put that bill. That very rarely happens.
I challenge you this week to sit down and determine what area's you need in your budget. Determine how much money you need for each area, and we'll pick up here next Monday!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
My Only Shopping This Week...
I only hit one store this week...HyVee, and it was to pick up cheap sugar. I had planned on WAGS and WalMart as well, but both trips got cancelled due to some circumstances that came up this week.
Total OOP - $18.96
Total $/# - 40c (a pretty good deal around here)
I got some pretty crazy looks walking around the store with my cart loaded with 12 bags of sugar. And they weren't like "you're crazy" looks....they were "you're a theif!" looks! I didn't realize it was such a crime to buy 12 bags of sugar! Especially when I made sure that there were still plenty (as in well over 20) bags left on the shelf!
Total OOP - $18.96Total $/# - 40c (a pretty good deal around here)
I got some pretty crazy looks walking around the store with my cart loaded with 12 bags of sugar. And they weren't like "you're crazy" looks....they were "you're a theif!" looks! I didn't realize it was such a crime to buy 12 bags of sugar! Especially when I made sure that there were still plenty (as in well over 20) bags left on the shelf!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Ways to Save
Remember waaay back when (okay. more like 6 months ago or so) I used to do the Ways to Save post each Friday? Yeah...I wanna get back to doing that! So here are the "get it back up and going" 5 tips!
...Hate how quickly the dishes pile up? Eliminate some of it by using the same glass all day long! Instead of getting a new water glass each time you want a drink, keep a glass out for each family member (designate a spot for each if necessary) and use it all day. Then at the end of the day, wash them and start out with a fresh cup for the new day!
...Don't waste money on baby carrots. Instead, buy bundled "regular" carrots and cut them to size. It's the same product for less money.
...Consider an off hours electricity package. Your electric company may offer a program that charges only 1/2 for all electricity used between the hours of 9pm and 7am. This seems to be a great deal, as it would be fairly simple to toss laundry in as you're heading to bed or use the crockpot overnight instead of during the day. Call your electric company for more details.
...Always shop with a calculator! It will save you a lot of money at the register if you shop knowing what your total is with each addition to the cart. This will also help prevent getting to the register and realizing you've gone over budget and having to put something back!
...Freeze your....batteries?!?!? I haven't tried this yet, but I have heard that if you store your batteries in the freezer or refrigerator, then they will last longer! I don't know if this really works or not, but it's worth a shot right? Because we all know how fast the life gets sucked out of batteries!
For more great frugal ideas, check out Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom!
...Hate how quickly the dishes pile up? Eliminate some of it by using the same glass all day long! Instead of getting a new water glass each time you want a drink, keep a glass out for each family member (designate a spot for each if necessary) and use it all day. Then at the end of the day, wash them and start out with a fresh cup for the new day!
...Don't waste money on baby carrots. Instead, buy bundled "regular" carrots and cut them to size. It's the same product for less money.
...Consider an off hours electricity package. Your electric company may offer a program that charges only 1/2 for all electricity used between the hours of 9pm and 7am. This seems to be a great deal, as it would be fairly simple to toss laundry in as you're heading to bed or use the crockpot overnight instead of during the day. Call your electric company for more details.
...Always shop with a calculator! It will save you a lot of money at the register if you shop knowing what your total is with each addition to the cart. This will also help prevent getting to the register and realizing you've gone over budget and having to put something back!
...Freeze your....batteries?!?!? I haven't tried this yet, but I have heard that if you store your batteries in the freezer or refrigerator, then they will last longer! I don't know if this really works or not, but it's worth a shot right? Because we all know how fast the life gets sucked out of batteries!
For more great frugal ideas, check out Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Last Week's WAGS Trip
With work and the wedding we had last week, I never did get around to posting how I made out at WAGS (not well...)
Total OOP before coupons & RR - $19.79
Total OOP after coupons & RR - $6.29
Total Savings - $13.50 (68%)
Total OOP before coupons & RR - $19.79Total OOP after coupons & RR - $6.29
Total Savings - $13.50 (68%)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
When Buying in Bulk is Worth it....
Before I discovered the world of couponing, I was seriously considering purchasing a Sam’s Club membership. I figured that the only way to save money on the groceries I buy for my family was to buy it in bulk and go shopping less. But would I really be saving money this way? I almost didn’t see how I could, because even though I would be shopping less often, I would be spending more in one trip.
Then, I discovered couponing, and the thought got pushed to the back of my mind. However, I have since been to Sam’s a few times, once with a free day pass that All You offered, the other with my mother in law who has a membership. The first time I went, when I was by myself, I wasn’t overly impressed. All I could think was “why would I spend money on this stuff, when I can get the same amount for free or mere pennies with my coupons?” And I didn’t go back until almost a year later when my mother in law told me of the great markdown deals that can be had at Sams. I didn’t find anything that trip either, except for a box of several hundred packets of pickle relish marked down to about $1.
But it was that trip that got the wheels turning in my head about when buying in bulk is worth it. There are just some things that can’t be had for free or nearly so with coupons. Things like flour, yeast, sugar and the like. I began to do my research into the idea of buying those items in bulk. If stored properly, these items can last for quite some time, so buying in bulk would be worth the money.
It was then that I found the small, Amish run, bulk foods store. It was here that I discovered that a 50 pound bag of flour can be purchased for a mere $16 and a 50 pound bag of sugar for $26.50. They also had things in bulk such as brown sugar, popping corn, whole wheat flour, wheat germ and berries and spices, which sold by the pound and rarely were over $1.50/lb. At these prices it was obvious to me that buying my baking supplies in bulk was obviously well worth it.
Another thing that I have found to be worth my time and money buying in bulk is laundry detergent. Now, before you all stone me for saying this, I want to point out that I have never seen a good deal on laundry detergent in my area. It just simply doesn’t happen. Over a year ago, my mother in law purchased me a box of Gain from Sam’s Club. I am still using said box of laundry detergent, and have over half left yet. This box will probably easily last us 2 years. I don’t know what laundry detergent runs at a bulk store, but I do know that in my mind, a box of detergent lasting longer than a week or two, never mind two whole years, is a good deal in my book.
So keep an open mind to buying in bulk. I didn’t the first year that I couponed, and look at how much money I could have been saving on groceries by simply keeping an open mind. It is definetely something that works for me!
If you have any other items that you regularly buy in bulk because you find it to be a better deal, let me know! I’m interested to see what else I might be able to save money on by buying bulk!
Then, I discovered couponing, and the thought got pushed to the back of my mind. However, I have since been to Sam’s a few times, once with a free day pass that All You offered, the other with my mother in law who has a membership. The first time I went, when I was by myself, I wasn’t overly impressed. All I could think was “why would I spend money on this stuff, when I can get the same amount for free or mere pennies with my coupons?” And I didn’t go back until almost a year later when my mother in law told me of the great markdown deals that can be had at Sams. I didn’t find anything that trip either, except for a box of several hundred packets of pickle relish marked down to about $1.
But it was that trip that got the wheels turning in my head about when buying in bulk is worth it. There are just some things that can’t be had for free or nearly so with coupons. Things like flour, yeast, sugar and the like. I began to do my research into the idea of buying those items in bulk. If stored properly, these items can last for quite some time, so buying in bulk would be worth the money.
It was then that I found the small, Amish run, bulk foods store. It was here that I discovered that a 50 pound bag of flour can be purchased for a mere $16 and a 50 pound bag of sugar for $26.50. They also had things in bulk such as brown sugar, popping corn, whole wheat flour, wheat germ and berries and spices, which sold by the pound and rarely were over $1.50/lb. At these prices it was obvious to me that buying my baking supplies in bulk was obviously well worth it.
Another thing that I have found to be worth my time and money buying in bulk is laundry detergent. Now, before you all stone me for saying this, I want to point out that I have never seen a good deal on laundry detergent in my area. It just simply doesn’t happen. Over a year ago, my mother in law purchased me a box of Gain from Sam’s Club. I am still using said box of laundry detergent, and have over half left yet. This box will probably easily last us 2 years. I don’t know what laundry detergent runs at a bulk store, but I do know that in my mind, a box of detergent lasting longer than a week or two, never mind two whole years, is a good deal in my book.
So keep an open mind to buying in bulk. I didn’t the first year that I couponed, and look at how much money I could have been saving on groceries by simply keeping an open mind. It is definetely something that works for me!
If you have any other items that you regularly buy in bulk because you find it to be a better deal, let me know! I’m interested to see what else I might be able to save money on by buying bulk!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Budgeting Basics
I've decided to implement a new budgeting system. After months upon months of always being over budget, I've finally (hopefully) found a way to solve the problem.
While reading America's Cheapest Family by Steve and Annette Economides yesterday during my lunch break, I stumbled upon the chapter dedicated to budgeting. I almost skipped over the chapter, thinking to myself that I already have a budget system that works and I don't need to read tips that I already practice.
Then, I caught myself. What was I thinking?!? We go over budget a lot. We need budgeting help! So I flipped back to the beginning of the chapter and read the whole thing before my lunch was even over. Am I ever glad I did! Steve and Annette introduced their personal way of budgeting and I have adopted it as mine. It is genius!
So, thinking about how I'm giving my old budget the 'ol heave ho, I figured it's perfect time that I introduce a mini series on budgeting! So keep your eyes peeled, we're all going to learn a new way to budget together! I would love to know what your struggles and successes are when it comes to budgeting! Leave a comment or send me an email and I will be sure to include it in this series!
While reading America's Cheapest Family by Steve and Annette Economides yesterday during my lunch break, I stumbled upon the chapter dedicated to budgeting. I almost skipped over the chapter, thinking to myself that I already have a budget system that works and I don't need to read tips that I already practice.
Then, I caught myself. What was I thinking?!? We go over budget a lot. We need budgeting help! So I flipped back to the beginning of the chapter and read the whole thing before my lunch was even over. Am I ever glad I did! Steve and Annette introduced their personal way of budgeting and I have adopted it as mine. It is genius!
So, thinking about how I'm giving my old budget the 'ol heave ho, I figured it's perfect time that I introduce a mini series on budgeting! So keep your eyes peeled, we're all going to learn a new way to budget together! I would love to know what your struggles and successes are when it comes to budgeting! Leave a comment or send me an email and I will be sure to include it in this series!
Friday, June 12, 2009
An Absence....
Good morning all! I just wanted to let you know that I will be pretty sparse the next few days...my brother in law is getting married on Saturday so we are going to be pretty busy through Sunday! I have to go straight from work tonight to the rehearsal and dinner and then all day Saturday we'll be tied up with the wedding festivities!
I hope you all have a blessed weekend and I'll see ya Sunday!
I hope you all have a blessed weekend and I'll see ya Sunday!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Have You Tried Swagbucks Yet?
If you haven't, you must! Swagbucks is a great tool to help you save/make money!
Now, I know that you have heard of Swagbucks already. The blogosphere is all abuzz about this program every day! Why, you ask? Because it is just that fabulous. End of discussion.
Swagbucks is a 100% free search engine that PAYS you to search! You won't earn each and every time you search, but you will be chosen at random to win anywhere from 1-20 bucks per search! I usually earn an average of 3 Swagbucks a day! Many days, MORE!
It is a Google (and Ask) powered search engine, so don't worry, you will get GREAT results! You can search the web for articles and websites, images, videos and news stories. I've made this my homepage and am always searching...and WINNING!
Once you've earned enough bucks, you can redeem them for great prizes...gift cards and merchandise! I've already earned enough for a $10 Subway gift card and $45 in Amazon gift cards!
The site also frequently releases codes that can be redeemed for one free swagbuck! (I try to keep up with them and post them when available!).
This site is absolutely great! I couldn't recommend it any more! I am saving up Amazon gift codes to purchase items for myself (mostly, kitchen gadgets that I lust over). Many people save them to lower their OOP on Christmas gifts.
Earning is quick and easy! So why not get paid to do something that you are already doing every. single. day? Hop on over to Swagbucks and sign up. You won't regret it and you will be well on your way to earning Swagcodes to purchase things for virtualy free!
Now, I know that you have heard of Swagbucks already. The blogosphere is all abuzz about this program every day! Why, you ask? Because it is just that fabulous. End of discussion.
Swagbucks is a 100% free search engine that PAYS you to search! You won't earn each and every time you search, but you will be chosen at random to win anywhere from 1-20 bucks per search! I usually earn an average of 3 Swagbucks a day! Many days, MORE!
It is a Google (and Ask) powered search engine, so don't worry, you will get GREAT results! You can search the web for articles and websites, images, videos and news stories. I've made this my homepage and am always searching...and WINNING!
Once you've earned enough bucks, you can redeem them for great prizes...gift cards and merchandise! I've already earned enough for a $10 Subway gift card and $45 in Amazon gift cards!
The site also frequently releases codes that can be redeemed for one free swagbuck! (I try to keep up with them and post them when available!).
This site is absolutely great! I couldn't recommend it any more! I am saving up Amazon gift codes to purchase items for myself (mostly, kitchen gadgets that I lust over). Many people save them to lower their OOP on Christmas gifts.
Earning is quick and easy! So why not get paid to do something that you are already doing every. single. day? Hop on over to Swagbucks and sign up. You won't regret it and you will be well on your way to earning Swagcodes to purchase things for virtualy free!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Cleaning by Day....
We all know that time is precious, so when it comes to keeping a clean house, routine is the only way to go. I've tried all kinds of routines in keeping my home tidy and happy, and have only found one that truly works for me. The Daily Room Routine. Each day I clean a different room of the house. Like really clean a different room of the house. And each day I make sure laundry stays caught up, dishes are clean and I do a "15 Minute Clean Up"What is a "Fifteen Minute Clean Up" you ask? It's the 15 minutes I spend at the end of the night as things are winding down just going through the house and putting things away. Clutter gets put in it's respective place, dirty clothes get taken to the laundry room and everything gets a general tidying up.
Wanna know my weekly cleaning routine? Here ya have it...
Monday
Kitchen Day (includes scrubbing sink & appliances, mopping floor, etc.)
Tuesday
Bathroom Day (includes cleaning toilets, scrubbing showers, sinks and tubs, mopping floors, windexing mirrors, etc.)
Wednesday
Living Room Day (includes cleaning hardwood floor, vacuuming furniture, dusting, and polishing wood)
Thursday
Bedrooms Day (includes changing/washing bedding, vacuuming carpets/cleaning hardwood floors, windexing mirrors, dusting, etc.)
Friday
Basement Day (tidying/organizing stockpile, cleaning laundry room, etc.)
Saturday
Misc. Tasks Day (taking recycling to garage in prep for Monday pickup, doing any outside chores/yardwork needing done, etc.)
Sunday
Day off. Enjoy the Sabbath!
This is how I have found it easiest to keep our home clean, fresh and orderly. If I didn't split the house up into a different room each day, then I would be left to do it all on Saturday, and what kind of relaxation is the weekend if you're cooped up inside the whole time cleaning? By spending the short time it takes to clean an individual room each night I get a whole weekend to do as I want and not have to worry about doing chores! To see more great household and frugal tips, check out Works for me Wednesday over at We are THAT Family!
Wanna know my weekly cleaning routine? Here ya have it...
Monday
Kitchen Day (includes scrubbing sink & appliances, mopping floor, etc.)
Tuesday
Bathroom Day (includes cleaning toilets, scrubbing showers, sinks and tubs, mopping floors, windexing mirrors, etc.)
Wednesday
Living Room Day (includes cleaning hardwood floor, vacuuming furniture, dusting, and polishing wood)
Thursday
Bedrooms Day (includes changing/washing bedding, vacuuming carpets/cleaning hardwood floors, windexing mirrors, dusting, etc.)
Friday
Basement Day (tidying/organizing stockpile, cleaning laundry room, etc.)
Saturday
Misc. Tasks Day (taking recycling to garage in prep for Monday pickup, doing any outside chores/yardwork needing done, etc.)
Sunday
Day off. Enjoy the Sabbath!
This is how I have found it easiest to keep our home clean, fresh and orderly. If I didn't split the house up into a different room each day, then I would be left to do it all on Saturday, and what kind of relaxation is the weekend if you're cooped up inside the whole time cleaning? By spending the short time it takes to clean an individual room each night I get a whole weekend to do as I want and not have to worry about doing chores! To see more great household and frugal tips, check out Works for me Wednesday over at We are THAT Family!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Beauty on a Budget
At one time I could only be described with two words: High Maitenance. Actually, you probably could still use those words to describe me, but just not to the extent that I used to be.
But you know what, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! As long as I have my priorities in line, I think that it is perfectly acceptable to care about your looks! Jen over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam has inspired us all to bring out our inner fashionistas with her Frugal Fashionista series and I have definetely jumped on that bandwagon! It feels great to pamper yourself...and even on a budget you can do it!
Now that I have found a way to shop without breaking the bank, I have been struggling with the whole tanning-mani/pedi-hair dying guilt. Those are all things that I really like! I like to be tan, and not pasty white! I like to have my nails done (because when they're manicured I don't bite them!)! I like to get my hair a did! But at $30 a pop for a mani, $30+ a month for tanning and $50 to get my hair darkened....I just can't financially swing it (or justify it).
So here are some of the tricks that I have taken to satisfy that inner high maitenance woman...
...Hair Dye Kits. There are always good deals on hair dye. The good stuff included. Just keep your eyes peeled, and know how many kits you will need in the next few months to stock up. Instead of spending $50 to get my hair dyed, I spend $12....and that's ONLY if I spend full price on the good at home kit. With coupon and sales its often times much cheaper!
...Jergens Natural Glow. This product has saved my sanity so far this summer. I had always been a compulsive tanner and was never pale. Until I stopped because I just couldn't afford the $50 a month that I was paying. That, and I started to get scared about cancer. So over the winter it didn't bother me a bit to be pasty....but now that it's summer I'm a little bit more self concious. So for $7 (again, that's only if I don't use a coupon!) I can get several weeks worth of believable color!
...The at home mani/pedi is a given. Nail polish can always be found on a great deal somewhere...and if not, Revlon nail polish is only $3 at WalMart. That sure beats $30 and up at the salon. Lately, actually, I have been just leaving my nails plain. Just a clear coat of nail polish and I'm off! It looks more clean cut as there is no (visible) chipping and not as much attention is drawn to them anyways.
...Work out! Not only will your physique improve, but your skin will have a glow about it from the extra circulation of the blood!
...Be sure to chug those 8 glasses! Water is another proven way to make your skin look better! The water helps to hydrate your skin and keep it taught...water helps you to keep looking healthy!
...I don't wax my brows. I tweeze at home. Aside from the initial tweezer investment (which is like, what, $5 MAX?) it costs absolutely nothing to do this, and as long as you keep it up, the time involved will be minimal.
...Give your skin/hair a day off! If you're just chillin' at home all day, don't do your hair and makeup! Not only will you be stretching another use out of makeup and hair items, but your skin will have a chance to breathe and your hair will get a much needed break from heat styling and products. You must give your skin and hair time to recover!
...Don't waste money on exfoliators! It's important to exfoiliate your whole body, it really is. Exfoliation wipes away the dead surface skin cells so your skin will look brighter and younger. But don't waste your money on expensive exfoliators because your washcloth is just rough enough to get the job done!
I'm sure that there are many more that I am forgetting, but that just proves that there are so many ways to enhance your already beautiful self without spending a fortune! Use that money elsewhere in your budget where you really need it!
But you know what, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! As long as I have my priorities in line, I think that it is perfectly acceptable to care about your looks! Jen over at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam has inspired us all to bring out our inner fashionistas with her Frugal Fashionista series and I have definetely jumped on that bandwagon! It feels great to pamper yourself...and even on a budget you can do it!
Now that I have found a way to shop without breaking the bank, I have been struggling with the whole tanning-mani/pedi-hair dying guilt. Those are all things that I really like! I like to be tan, and not pasty white! I like to have my nails done (because when they're manicured I don't bite them!)! I like to get my hair a did! But at $30 a pop for a mani, $30+ a month for tanning and $50 to get my hair darkened....I just can't financially swing it (or justify it).
So here are some of the tricks that I have taken to satisfy that inner high maitenance woman...
...Hair Dye Kits. There are always good deals on hair dye. The good stuff included. Just keep your eyes peeled, and know how many kits you will need in the next few months to stock up. Instead of spending $50 to get my hair dyed, I spend $12....and that's ONLY if I spend full price on the good at home kit. With coupon and sales its often times much cheaper!
...Jergens Natural Glow. This product has saved my sanity so far this summer. I had always been a compulsive tanner and was never pale. Until I stopped because I just couldn't afford the $50 a month that I was paying. That, and I started to get scared about cancer. So over the winter it didn't bother me a bit to be pasty....but now that it's summer I'm a little bit more self concious. So for $7 (again, that's only if I don't use a coupon!) I can get several weeks worth of believable color!
...The at home mani/pedi is a given. Nail polish can always be found on a great deal somewhere...and if not, Revlon nail polish is only $3 at WalMart. That sure beats $30 and up at the salon. Lately, actually, I have been just leaving my nails plain. Just a clear coat of nail polish and I'm off! It looks more clean cut as there is no (visible) chipping and not as much attention is drawn to them anyways.
...Work out! Not only will your physique improve, but your skin will have a glow about it from the extra circulation of the blood!
...Be sure to chug those 8 glasses! Water is another proven way to make your skin look better! The water helps to hydrate your skin and keep it taught...water helps you to keep looking healthy!
...I don't wax my brows. I tweeze at home. Aside from the initial tweezer investment (which is like, what, $5 MAX?) it costs absolutely nothing to do this, and as long as you keep it up, the time involved will be minimal.
...Give your skin/hair a day off! If you're just chillin' at home all day, don't do your hair and makeup! Not only will you be stretching another use out of makeup and hair items, but your skin will have a chance to breathe and your hair will get a much needed break from heat styling and products. You must give your skin and hair time to recover!
...Don't waste money on exfoliators! It's important to exfoiliate your whole body, it really is. Exfoliation wipes away the dead surface skin cells so your skin will look brighter and younger. But don't waste your money on expensive exfoliators because your washcloth is just rough enough to get the job done!
I'm sure that there are many more that I am forgetting, but that just proves that there are so many ways to enhance your already beautiful self without spending a fortune! Use that money elsewhere in your budget where you really need it!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Take Some Time to De-Stress!
I was working on some homework over the weekend, and in my music appreciation class, I was asked to write a short paper over what music means to me. Honestly? Music to me is relaxation, it's an escape from the insanity of life and it's stresses.
Which got me to thinking about in all of the craziness of life, we need to take time for just yourself, and I thought that I would share some of my favorite ways to escape into relaxation...
...Reading. This is my escape from work each day at lunch. I'm typically the only person in the breakroom over my lunch (I actually think I'm the only person who stays in the building over their lunch) so the room is quiet and I can take the time to really relax. I always take a book to read, and I read said book only at lunch. That way, each day I can escape back into the world of whatever book I am reading and get caught up in what's going on. My favorite books to get lost in are Nicholas Sparks, and I honestly feel rejunvenated after an hour of reading and really relaxing.
...Walking. Quickly or slow paced, walking really relaxes me. It enables me to be alone with my thoughts, or music if I walk with my IPOD. Not only is it refreshing to get lost in the world of my thoughts or music, but it is also energizing to get some exercise in!
...Taking a Bath. I'm not a bath person. I really am not. But about once a month, I will draw myself a hot bath and just lay back into it and enjoy the warmth surrounding me. I never stay in long....just long enough to relax my muscles and really get into a relaxing state. It really sets the tone for the rest of my day.
...Strangely enough, Driving. I spend an hour day getting to and from work each day (it's one hour each way) and that time is really relaxing to me. I can spend that time doing whatever I please...getting lost in my thoughts/music or praying. Having that time when I can just get lost in relaxation and not have to worry about someone interrupting my thoughts is a great way to start and end my day!
...Baking. Isn't having the warm smells of baking goods wafting through the house just an instant stress easer? It just creates such a homey feel and relaxes everyone! Especially on a chilly day!
...Listening to my cat purr. I love to lay or sit with my cat and just listen to him purr with contentment at getting to spend time with me. I always slip into contentment with him, and it is so relaxing laying and listening to him.
So no matter how little time you have, try to take a half an hour each day and spend it doing something relaxing for yourself. It will make you a better person as it will relieve stress and tension, so you will be more level headed and content!
Which got me to thinking about in all of the craziness of life, we need to take time for just yourself, and I thought that I would share some of my favorite ways to escape into relaxation...
...Reading. This is my escape from work each day at lunch. I'm typically the only person in the breakroom over my lunch (I actually think I'm the only person who stays in the building over their lunch) so the room is quiet and I can take the time to really relax. I always take a book to read, and I read said book only at lunch. That way, each day I can escape back into the world of whatever book I am reading and get caught up in what's going on. My favorite books to get lost in are Nicholas Sparks, and I honestly feel rejunvenated after an hour of reading and really relaxing.
...Walking. Quickly or slow paced, walking really relaxes me. It enables me to be alone with my thoughts, or music if I walk with my IPOD. Not only is it refreshing to get lost in the world of my thoughts or music, but it is also energizing to get some exercise in!
...Taking a Bath. I'm not a bath person. I really am not. But about once a month, I will draw myself a hot bath and just lay back into it and enjoy the warmth surrounding me. I never stay in long....just long enough to relax my muscles and really get into a relaxing state. It really sets the tone for the rest of my day.
...Strangely enough, Driving. I spend an hour day getting to and from work each day (it's one hour each way) and that time is really relaxing to me. I can spend that time doing whatever I please...getting lost in my thoughts/music or praying. Having that time when I can just get lost in relaxation and not have to worry about someone interrupting my thoughts is a great way to start and end my day!
...Baking. Isn't having the warm smells of baking goods wafting through the house just an instant stress easer? It just creates such a homey feel and relaxes everyone! Especially on a chilly day!
...Listening to my cat purr. I love to lay or sit with my cat and just listen to him purr with contentment at getting to spend time with me. I always slip into contentment with him, and it is so relaxing laying and listening to him.
So no matter how little time you have, try to take a half an hour each day and spend it doing something relaxing for yourself. It will make you a better person as it will relieve stress and tension, so you will be more level headed and content!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
30 Day Shred?
I just purchased Jillian Micheals "30 Day Shred"....as well as two of her other dvds using my Amazon gift cards earned through Swagbucks.
How are her dvd's working for all of you? I know that there are several bloggy friends out there who use this system and I was just wondering how you like it?
I suppose this was sort of an impulse buy....hubs and I were talking about how he had lost quitea bit of weight lately and I told him that I was willing to bet that I had gained quite a bit...and sure enough upon weighing myself, I had.
So, after hurridly working out I logged onto Amazon and bought 3 of her dvd's.
How are her dvd's working for all of you? I know that there are several bloggy friends out there who use this system and I was just wondering how you like it?
I suppose this was sort of an impulse buy....hubs and I were talking about how he had lost quitea bit of weight lately and I told him that I was willing to bet that I had gained quite a bit...and sure enough upon weighing myself, I had.
So, after hurridly working out I logged onto Amazon and bought 3 of her dvd's.
How do you like them?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
This Week's Shopping
Considering that it was my first week working in a big town with every store I shop at, I'm suprised that this is the only shopping I did. It's probably a good thing though, this way I know that I'm not tempted to go overboard, therefore meaning over budget.
This was obviously not as good of a deal as last weeks Ronzoni deal at HyVee, but it was a close second and I still had coupons to use up.
Total Cost before coupons - $5.90
Total Cost after coupons - 40c
Total Savings - $5.50
I wasn't going to do this deal...but right as I was walking into Target to make a return, hubs sent me a text saying that the cleaning ladies at work had cleaned out the refrigerator in the break room during his shift and thrown his lunchbox in the trash (as in the trash no longer on the premisis....so he couldn't even rescue it!)...tupperware and all! So beings that I had a gift card from the return credit, I decided to pick up more tupperware in case the incident occurs again (which it had better not!)
Total before coupons - $16.03
Total after coupons - $10.78
Total Savings - $5.25 (33%)
To see more great savings, check out Super Savings Saturday over at Money Saving Mom!
HyVee...
This was obviously not as good of a deal as last weeks Ronzoni deal at HyVee, but it was a close second and I still had coupons to use up.Total Cost before coupons - $5.90
Total Cost after coupons - 40c
Total Savings - $5.50
Target...
I wasn't going to do this deal...but right as I was walking into Target to make a return, hubs sent me a text saying that the cleaning ladies at work had cleaned out the refrigerator in the break room during his shift and thrown his lunchbox in the trash (as in the trash no longer on the premisis....so he couldn't even rescue it!)...tupperware and all! So beings that I had a gift card from the return credit, I decided to pick up more tupperware in case the incident occurs again (which it had better not!)Total before coupons - $16.03
Total after coupons - $10.78
Total Savings - $5.25 (33%)
To see more great savings, check out Super Savings Saturday over at Money Saving Mom!
My Great Goodwill Finds!
Well I started my job this week....and even though I felt that I had enough clothes to last awhile, I soon learned that I was going to be wanting more variety. I also thought that when they said that they "suit up often" that they meant a few times a week often....not every single day often. So I definetely needed more blazers and collared shirts....
It was a rainy and dreary day when I woke up this morning, so I decided it was a perfect day to make the drive to a nearby Goodwill and see what kind of goods I could find. Here's my haul...
I found two pairs of pinstrip pants, two blazers, a silky tank and a silky collared blouse, all for work. I also found a leather jacket that looks perfect for motorcycle riding with hubs. He's been wanting me to get a motorcycle jacket (I usually just wear my fleece jacket) but I could never stomach the price tags (well over $100+). So when I found this one for only $4.75, I knew I had to get it.
This is from last night, I stopped at the Goodwill near my workplace on my way home. Like last time, certain colored tags were 1/2 off, this time orange. I didn't have much faith in finding anything, but was soon proven wrong when I found three blazers and a white/black striped collared shirt. Each item was only $1.69 and even though they look boxy and shapeless, once I get them on they fit like a glove. I like my blazers to hug my curves and flow with my body, which thankfully every Goodwill blazer that I've purchased so far has.
Not clothes, but great finds none the less. I am in immediate search of a waffle iron and food processor. I didn't find either of those, but I did find these wants; an immersion hand mixer and a popcorn popper. The mixer was $2.50 and the popcorn popper was $2. I also got a shop light for hubs in the garage, which was also $2.50.
It was a rainy and dreary day when I woke up this morning, so I decided it was a perfect day to make the drive to a nearby Goodwill and see what kind of goods I could find. Here's my haul...
I found two pairs of pinstrip pants, two blazers, a silky tank and a silky collared blouse, all for work. I also found a leather jacket that looks perfect for motorcycle riding with hubs. He's been wanting me to get a motorcycle jacket (I usually just wear my fleece jacket) but I could never stomach the price tags (well over $100+). So when I found this one for only $4.75, I knew I had to get it.
This is from last night, I stopped at the Goodwill near my workplace on my way home. Like last time, certain colored tags were 1/2 off, this time orange. I didn't have much faith in finding anything, but was soon proven wrong when I found three blazers and a white/black striped collared shirt. Each item was only $1.69 and even though they look boxy and shapeless, once I get them on they fit like a glove. I like my blazers to hug my curves and flow with my body, which thankfully every Goodwill blazer that I've purchased so far has.
Not clothes, but great finds none the less. I am in immediate search of a waffle iron and food processor. I didn't find either of those, but I did find these wants; an immersion hand mixer and a popcorn popper. The mixer was $2.50 and the popcorn popper was $2. I also got a shop light for hubs in the garage, which was also $2.50. I have a trip from two weeks ago that I never posted about, so keep your eyes peeled for those great finds!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Make the Most of Your Paper!
We've heard it a million times...recycle. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It's such an easy concept, really, but sometimes it seems that the creativity is really lacking. It's just so much easier to toss the paper into the recycling bin than to think of how to get another use out of it. But if you want to see how I cut my paper bill by quite a percentage, read on!
...Evelopes - It's so easy to just run to the store and pick up a box of envelopes for all of your mailing needs. However, there are quite a few ways to make that tiny box last even longer. First off, get signed up for online bill pay for as many of your bills as possible. This will eliminate that many envelopes that you need to use each month (and the ever rising postage stamp!). However, there are always those few companies that don't offer online bill pay, so be sure to pay that bill with the envelope that the company provides you. For all the rest of the envelopes, which you don't need since you're paying online...keep 'em! The company's address can easily be whited out or blocked off. And for the envelopes with windows, just tape a piece of white paper on the inside and it won't be a problem! Thanks to these essentially free envelopes, I haven't had to buy a box in ages!
Not only can you reuse your reply envelopes, but also the ones that your mail comes in. You obviously can't use them for mailing purposes, but you can use them for list making and other scratch paper needs!
...Junk Mail - Save that junk mail and use the back side of the paper for printing needs and scratch paper! You will be amazed at how long you can make a batch of paper last by doing this!
...Notebook Paper - The same rule applies to leftover notebook paper as junk mail paper. Use the blank side as your scratch paper! I'm willing to bet that your kids' school notebooks have lots of one sided paper left...put it to use!
...Brightly Colored Paper - You know what I'm talking about. Those brightly colored papers that your child brings home advertising something or the fliers that get left in your mailbox or on your door...save those! You can use the blank side to advertise yard/garage sales, use it to write an attention grabbing note or as craft paper!
...Scrapbooking Scraps - Don't toss these! Organize your scraps, big and small, however you find easy and use them in a variety of ways in your crafty projects! Use them in cards, scrapbooking pages, really the possibilites are endless!
...Butcher Paper - Don't toss this! As long as it never touched the meat it can be reused! We use it for wrapping gifts...just wrap like normal and make it cutesy with ribbon, rubber stamps, etc.
...Greeting Cards - I don't buy greeting cards. Ever. But when I recieve them, I tear off the front and keep for use in future cards! I either cut them up when I'm making the card or attach the front to some card stock to create a "new" card. Also, many greeting cards today have that paper insert which can easily be pulled out and you have a card with a blank inside that looks brand new!
Making sure that you get the most of your paper is not only frugal, but it's green too! By using paper that you already have instead of buying brand new each time, you are keeping more paper out of the landfill and more money in your wallet! Just remember, whenever you truly are done with the paper, toss it in the recycling! For more great frugal ideas, check out Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom!
...Evelopes - It's so easy to just run to the store and pick up a box of envelopes for all of your mailing needs. However, there are quite a few ways to make that tiny box last even longer. First off, get signed up for online bill pay for as many of your bills as possible. This will eliminate that many envelopes that you need to use each month (and the ever rising postage stamp!). However, there are always those few companies that don't offer online bill pay, so be sure to pay that bill with the envelope that the company provides you. For all the rest of the envelopes, which you don't need since you're paying online...keep 'em! The company's address can easily be whited out or blocked off. And for the envelopes with windows, just tape a piece of white paper on the inside and it won't be a problem! Thanks to these essentially free envelopes, I haven't had to buy a box in ages!
Not only can you reuse your reply envelopes, but also the ones that your mail comes in. You obviously can't use them for mailing purposes, but you can use them for list making and other scratch paper needs!
...Junk Mail - Save that junk mail and use the back side of the paper for printing needs and scratch paper! You will be amazed at how long you can make a batch of paper last by doing this!
...Notebook Paper - The same rule applies to leftover notebook paper as junk mail paper. Use the blank side as your scratch paper! I'm willing to bet that your kids' school notebooks have lots of one sided paper left...put it to use!
...Brightly Colored Paper - You know what I'm talking about. Those brightly colored papers that your child brings home advertising something or the fliers that get left in your mailbox or on your door...save those! You can use the blank side to advertise yard/garage sales, use it to write an attention grabbing note or as craft paper!
...Scrapbooking Scraps - Don't toss these! Organize your scraps, big and small, however you find easy and use them in a variety of ways in your crafty projects! Use them in cards, scrapbooking pages, really the possibilites are endless!
...Butcher Paper - Don't toss this! As long as it never touched the meat it can be reused! We use it for wrapping gifts...just wrap like normal and make it cutesy with ribbon, rubber stamps, etc.
...Greeting Cards - I don't buy greeting cards. Ever. But when I recieve them, I tear off the front and keep for use in future cards! I either cut them up when I'm making the card or attach the front to some card stock to create a "new" card. Also, many greeting cards today have that paper insert which can easily be pulled out and you have a card with a blank inside that looks brand new!
Making sure that you get the most of your paper is not only frugal, but it's green too! By using paper that you already have instead of buying brand new each time, you are keeping more paper out of the landfill and more money in your wallet! Just remember, whenever you truly are done with the paper, toss it in the recycling! For more great frugal ideas, check out Frugal Friday over at Life as Mom!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Beat the Summer Blues....
It's that time of year again...school's out for the summer and soon enough your kids will be bored with their new found freedom and start bombarding you with lots of "mom...I'm bored!" You could recommend the typical "you have lots to do...go find something!" but that won't suffice them for long...
So what should you really do? Have a list of "back up" activities just in case. These activities are your out of the normal activities...stuff you don't let your kids do often. Maybe you'll plan ahead for these....maybe not. However you choose to pull out the "magic" activities, they are sure to keep your kids entertained til supper!
...Host a fashion show! Have some neighborhood kids come over for a few hours and play "fashion show". Put the girls' hair up all prom like, have the boys set up a runway area and everyone dress up in their finest dress up attire. Have an audience and have each child do their best sashay up and down the runway!
...Keep items on hand for a feely table. Grab some buckets, big bowls, pans or whatever you can find and put them outside on a table. Fill each container with a different item (ideas include sand, rice, beans, dried corn, water, packing peanuts, the list is endless) and let them loose! Use sandbox toys, kitchen utensils, cookie cutters, etc. for an added imagination booster!
...Make edible play-doh! Let the kids go wild playing with this playdoh (I don't personally have a recipe....but I know they are out there), using cookie cutters and playing "bakery" since this play doh is completely edible!
...Have a scavenger hunt in your backyard! Make a list of items for kids to find (for example a twig, leaf, anything you can think of! You can even hide household items for them to find!) and let them out to find it all! Make them a map, pirate-esque, for added excitement!
...Let them make a (guided) menu for supper and let them help you make it. Have them help you set the table as fancy as you are comfortable with (maybe even break out the "good" china!) complete with candles and a centerpiece. Then when Dad gets home, have them seat him and you can all pretend you are eating at a fancy resturant!
I personally don't have children, so I of course have never had to use these ideas on a hot summer day at my house. But I did work at a daycare in high school...so these are all ideas that I (loosely) used back then when the kids would get bored. Give them a shot...and if you want more great ideas, head over to We are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday!
So what should you really do? Have a list of "back up" activities just in case. These activities are your out of the normal activities...stuff you don't let your kids do often. Maybe you'll plan ahead for these....maybe not. However you choose to pull out the "magic" activities, they are sure to keep your kids entertained til supper!
...Host a fashion show! Have some neighborhood kids come over for a few hours and play "fashion show". Put the girls' hair up all prom like, have the boys set up a runway area and everyone dress up in their finest dress up attire. Have an audience and have each child do their best sashay up and down the runway!
...Keep items on hand for a feely table. Grab some buckets, big bowls, pans or whatever you can find and put them outside on a table. Fill each container with a different item (ideas include sand, rice, beans, dried corn, water, packing peanuts, the list is endless) and let them loose! Use sandbox toys, kitchen utensils, cookie cutters, etc. for an added imagination booster!
...Make edible play-doh! Let the kids go wild playing with this playdoh (I don't personally have a recipe....but I know they are out there), using cookie cutters and playing "bakery" since this play doh is completely edible!
...Have a scavenger hunt in your backyard! Make a list of items for kids to find (for example a twig, leaf, anything you can think of! You can even hide household items for them to find!) and let them out to find it all! Make them a map, pirate-esque, for added excitement!
...Let them make a (guided) menu for supper and let them help you make it. Have them help you set the table as fancy as you are comfortable with (maybe even break out the "good" china!) complete with candles and a centerpiece. Then when Dad gets home, have them seat him and you can all pretend you are eating at a fancy resturant!
I personally don't have children, so I of course have never had to use these ideas on a hot summer day at my house. But I did work at a daycare in high school...so these are all ideas that I (loosely) used back then when the kids would get bored. Give them a shot...and if you want more great ideas, head over to We are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Wanna REALLY Get to Know Me?
By now, I'm sure that you all know me pretty well from reading my blog for over a year (!!), but I thought that I would give you a little bit of an in depth "about me" so you can really get a feel for "the girl on the other side of the computer".
As you all know, my name is Jill and I have been married for a year to my wonderful husband, Mitch (referred to as "hubs" around here) and I had been dating since high school...so about 4 years before we got married. I work at a daycare just up the street from our home as a 2-year old teacher and I loooovvveeee it!!! Mitch graduated from college with a degree in motorcycle mechanics. He is currently working at a nationally known company a half hour from our home in motorcycle parts sales. He also "wrenches" in our garage on friends and family's motorcycles.
We are expecting our first little bundle of joy in May of 2010 and we absoluetly cannot wait to bring home the addition to our family! We also have a 4 year old white Persian Cat. We adopted him in March 2009 from an animal shelter and he was a mess! He had a UTI and earmites, as well as sad eyes that just cried for a loving owner. We brough him home and gave him lots of TLC and he is now the most energetic cat you will ever meet! He loves to chase shadows on the ground, sit on the back of the couch and watch the traffic fly by and to wake us up in the middle of the night for some attention.
I started couponing in the spring of 2008. It all started when I was working at The Buckle and spent my entire paychecks on new clothes (what can I say, I'm a shopaholic by heart!). It got so bad that to pay rent one month, I had to take my coin cup to the bank and pray that there was enough in there to finish off the rent payment. There wasn't, but Mitch ever so kindly offered his assistance. I went home that night and googled "when does Fareway do their markdowns" of course nothing came up to answer that query, but a site called MoneySavingMom did.
I leerily checked out her site, and saw that she was giving heads up on great grocery bargains and also had informative posts on saving money. I bookmarked the page and checked it regularly, but never really got my feet wet on the whole couponing thing. A month later, Mitch and I moved back to our hometown for the summer (in preparation for our wedding, and so he could take an internship) and I was left unemployed for three months as no one wanted to hire me for a mere two months (it would have been three, but I needed time off for the wedding and honeymoon). I did work temporarily at the end of the two month period in a bank, but otherwise it was a summer of unemployment.
This was when my couponing really took off. I started to buy one paper a week, and took the coupons from a few family members' papers as well. I only did WalMart deals and some Target that I found. Finally, one June night I decided to just bite the bullet and I went and did my first WAGS deal. After that, I was hooked! I went to a local coffee house each day and used their free WIFI to read up on blogs and deals that could be found and also on money saving tips. We were pretty frugal that summer and I'm happy to say that we made it on one tiny income that summer. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I'm really glad that you found my site, however you may have, and that you come back to check it out! Share the URL with your friends and family too! I only write about stuff that I personally would do and I never share info that is shady or unethical in the way of couponing and money saving. We are just all about saving money while still enjoying our life one day at a time. We are "living like no one else so that later on we can live like no one else" (in the words of Dave Ramsey).
Please leave a comment! I love hearing from my readers about how they got here, what they would like to see me cover and talk about their own personal experiences!
Have a blessed day!
As you all know, my name is Jill and I have been married for a year to my wonderful husband, Mitch (referred to as "hubs" around here) and I had been dating since high school...so about 4 years before we got married. I work at a daycare just up the street from our home as a 2-year old teacher and I loooovvveeee it!!! Mitch graduated from college with a degree in motorcycle mechanics. He is currently working at a nationally known company a half hour from our home in motorcycle parts sales. He also "wrenches" in our garage on friends and family's motorcycles.
We are expecting our first little bundle of joy in May of 2010 and we absoluetly cannot wait to bring home the addition to our family! We also have a 4 year old white Persian Cat. We adopted him in March 2009 from an animal shelter and he was a mess! He had a UTI and earmites, as well as sad eyes that just cried for a loving owner. We brough him home and gave him lots of TLC and he is now the most energetic cat you will ever meet! He loves to chase shadows on the ground, sit on the back of the couch and watch the traffic fly by and to wake us up in the middle of the night for some attention.
I started couponing in the spring of 2008. It all started when I was working at The Buckle and spent my entire paychecks on new clothes (what can I say, I'm a shopaholic by heart!). It got so bad that to pay rent one month, I had to take my coin cup to the bank and pray that there was enough in there to finish off the rent payment. There wasn't, but Mitch ever so kindly offered his assistance. I went home that night and googled "when does Fareway do their markdowns" of course nothing came up to answer that query, but a site called MoneySavingMom did.
I leerily checked out her site, and saw that she was giving heads up on great grocery bargains and also had informative posts on saving money. I bookmarked the page and checked it regularly, but never really got my feet wet on the whole couponing thing. A month later, Mitch and I moved back to our hometown for the summer (in preparation for our wedding, and so he could take an internship) and I was left unemployed for three months as no one wanted to hire me for a mere two months (it would have been three, but I needed time off for the wedding and honeymoon). I did work temporarily at the end of the two month period in a bank, but otherwise it was a summer of unemployment.
This was when my couponing really took off. I started to buy one paper a week, and took the coupons from a few family members' papers as well. I only did WalMart deals and some Target that I found. Finally, one June night I decided to just bite the bullet and I went and did my first WAGS deal. After that, I was hooked! I went to a local coffee house each day and used their free WIFI to read up on blogs and deals that could be found and also on money saving tips. We were pretty frugal that summer and I'm happy to say that we made it on one tiny income that summer. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I'm really glad that you found my site, however you may have, and that you come back to check it out! Share the URL with your friends and family too! I only write about stuff that I personally would do and I never share info that is shady or unethical in the way of couponing and money saving. We are just all about saving money while still enjoying our life one day at a time. We are "living like no one else so that later on we can live like no one else" (in the words of Dave Ramsey).
Please leave a comment! I love hearing from my readers about how they got here, what they would like to see me cover and talk about their own personal experiences!
Have a blessed day!
Monday, June 1, 2009
May Goal Update and New June Goals
Here is how we did with our goals in May...I'm pretty impressed with how we did on most of the goals considering that most of the month was consumed with moving (sooo glad that is done!) and job searching! I'm off to start my new job today, so hopefully June will be an awesome month with two higher incomes!
Financial Goals...
...Get credit card debt completely paid off!
This will be done soon! We are getting another tax return (any day now!) and it is going to be a substancial amount. We will use some of it to finish paying off consumer debt. It is going to be such a relief to have that many less payments to worry about each month!
...Make triple payments on house once CC debt is paid off
This is the plan, I'll let you know how it goes! We originally thought that the payments on our house (combo loan with SUV) were going to be triple what they ended up being. So we are just going to pretend that they are and make the triple payments. I did the math and if we can keep up with this each month our house (and SUV) can be paid off in just over three years! Another reason we want to do this is because the loan is a balloon loan, and so in three years we have to re-evaluate and most likely take on a higher interest rate. Which we don't want to do. So we're just going to eliminate that hassle right there!
...Find new ways to make money from home.
I'm going to eliminate this from my goals. With me starting back to work today, taking part time classes at night, keeping up this blog and still having time for family I'm already going to be super crunched. We are making enough extra income right now anyways between rebates and consignment checks that we don't need to worry about anything else. Plus, hubs and I are both making substancially more at our new jobs than before, so our savings will be getting that excess as well.
...Get savings account built up to one years expenses
All extra income is continuing to go into savings. As well as the excess from our new (higher) paychecks now. So, while this will hopefully speed things up a bit, we're still a long way off from a whole year in emergency savings. Currently we have about a month. So we are 8.3% of the way there. Also, the remainder of our tax return after debt is paid is going into emergency savings, which will push us up to about 2 1/2 months worth. So that will be about 20.5%. Yay!
Couponing Goals...
...Accumulate as many gift cards as possible
This month I didn't earn as many gift cards as I would have liked, but I was incredibly busy with moving and job hunting. Now that both of those are taken care of, I'm hoping that I can devote a bit more time to gift card finding. This month I got $10 to Amazon from Swagbucks and $10 to TGI Fridays from My Coke Rewards.
...Get back in the rebate game
This month I recieved $14.97 in rebate checks, as well as a coupon for FREE Gillette shampoo. I sent out for $19.98 in rebates as well.
May Goals Update...
...Stay Under Budget
We did surprisingly well in this area. Especially considering that we only had one paycheck (at the old wage, from back up at school) to last us both three weeks. We went over a little, but otherwise I'm impressed with our strictness. Now if we can just get through until I start getting paychecks and we will be back on track.
...Get garden planted
The garden out at my grandma's is in...I just need to go out this week and finish some things up. I also got my "test garden" in yesterday...I planted cucumbers, watermelon and carrots. I'm hoping that something will come up in this shady area!
...Reach 60% of savings goal #1 (there are 12 goals...one for each months worth of savings that we want to have)
We just reached this goal! I didn't think we would with the extra expenses of moving and only having one income most of the month...but we made it!
June Goals....
...Add 10% to emergency savings (on top of the tax return that is getting dumped in soon)
...Begin triple payments on house/SUV loan
...Start setting money aside for hubs' annual motorcycle trip over July 4th weekend
...Fine tune budget now that we are moved home and back into the swing of things
...Stay under in said budget
To see how others did, check out Finding Freedom Friday over at Cents to Get Debt Free and June Goal Checkup over at MoneySavingMom!
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