Total Money Makeover Week 3: Saving Some Change

So we are on the 3rd week of Total Money Makeover, and I am proud to say I'm embracing it! My main feeling is FREEDOM! I feel free from the worry that I may be spending money that I don't actually have. Before, I would spend it and then feel guilt when I would look at the budget and realize I had mady a horrible mental-miscalculation, and no we didn't actually have that money to spend.

Something we have decided to do in our envelope system is to round up every dollar we spend and save the change. By doing this we saved $9 last week alone. If we average that number for a whole year that would be $468. A nice little chunk of change resulting from very little effort. I'm thinking we will save ours for a nice little Christmas fund :)

So how is it going??

Going better than expected actually! Not perfect, but better than we have ever done before. Week one of the envelope system is under our belt. We stayed within our $60 Dining Budget. We hope to cut that back even more. We eat out way too much, but we don't want to go cold turkey on this luxury. If we did, we might go into withdrawal one day and end up hitting every drive-thru on a binge. We know ourselves well enough to know that gradual alterations to our budget will help us make permanent lifestyle changes!

We did go over our $100 grocery budget by $8. (I had to steal $8 from the Target envelope. A huge no-no I know!) Considering groceries used to be $125 or more every week, I would say we are doing a little better. Not great, but better. I set this week's grocery budget at $92 to attempt to correct the overage.

So, the Target/CVS budget doesn't officially roll over until Sunday, but we still have $12 left to spend out of $60 in that category. When that budget does roll over you will notice a change from $60 to $40. There is no way we should be needing $60 a week for household cleaners/personal care products when I am couponing/CVSing.

Saying 'No' Hurts!

Wow! We have only been on the 'Total Money Makeover' for 5 days, and it is already changing our outlook on certain things we do. Personally, it is making me realize how haphazard I have been with money the last 10 years. This new system makes us much more accountable for our financial actions. In a weird way it is making me feel empowered.

It hurts to have to tell ourselves no, but this is exactly what we need if we ever expect to 'live like no one else.' Dave's plan is making us examine more than just money, it is making us examine our lifestyle as well. We have been wasteful people with our resources. Hopefully, our eyes will continue to be opened to ways we can change for the better.

Today, a friend invited us to a local amusement park. Old me would have jumped on the opportunity because it sounds so fun and we love being with our friends. New budget-minded me had to say no, because I know that we have vacation coming up next week, and the numbers show that I can't spare the money today.

I hated to say no, but I realize these are decisions rational, budget-minded people make everyday. Either we have the money or we don't, but one thing that is going to change is spending it now and searching for it later. That is the way we have lived in the past, and it is NOT the way to be.

Sunday Coupon Preview..No need to wait until Sunday to find out what is lurking.

A must use resource for preplanning!!

This is a great website that tells you what coupons will be available in the Sunday insert. Great way to know how many newspapers you want to buy in order to stock-up on those great deals in the weeks ahead.

http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

Rebates Rock!

There have been alot of great rebates lately, and I have finally decided to try my hand at a few. Through buying on sale and using coupons I should be able to score a few moneymakers on this deal.

I just mailed off these rebates:

$5 SC Johnson Rebate
$10 Aveeno Rebate
$8.99 Schick Rebate

I should make $11.08 profit off this deal if the rebates actually make there way back to my mailbox. I have never done this before, and I have always been a bit skeptical of rebates. So, we will wait and see if rebates, in fact, do rock. :)

So with my new system..

...comes the royal 'do-over'. So, you will notice I have changed the dates of my experiment from May 2010 to July 2010, and I've rolled back my totals to $0. Sometimes everyone needs a do-over, and luckily this is my experiment and I have the mighty power to do so :) Now that we are going to the envelope system it is time to kick some money-saving booty!!

I've learned a great amount of info on saving money the past few months, but now is the time to actually APPLY my knowledge.

Okay, so today is July 1st and today is the day to fill up my envelopes. No more check-card purchases on groceries, eating out, or household purchases (i.e. Target, CVS etc.). Since this is the first month I am not going to deviate from our previous budget goals very much. The main goal for the month of July is to simply not go over-budget. If we stay within these numbers we will consider this a major success. Remember, our main problem has always been not sticking to our online/Excel made budget. There was not enough accountability in that system for us. They were more like 'virtual' numbers than real. Once we accomplish this July goal of not going over I hope to be able to lower our monthly budget a little bit every month in all three categories. Within a few months I hope to see a good sum of SAVINGS being applied to our Financial Peace baby steps.

*I'm only trying the envelope system on 3 categories this month as to not be overwhelming. If it goes well I hope to slowly add envelopes until we are completely check card free. Also, I'm only withdrawing money once a week. Some people withdraw money for the whole month. I feel like that is too much temptation for me. I would be likely to pull money from week 2 if I start to run out of money mid-week 1. This way is safer for me.

Weekly Envelopes:
Groceries $100 Thursday-Thursday
Target/CVS/etc. $50 Sunday-Sunday
Dining Out $60 Thursday-Thursday

Going to the dreaded envelopes...

Okay, so I have known about Dave Ramsey for about 5 years now. We have been through the Financial Peace University once, but we have never fully committed to Dave's envelope system. And, when I say 'we' really mean 'me', because frugal hubby would have been down with it from the get go.

Honestly, the envelope system scares me. I start to think about being confined on a 'true budget' and my throat starts to close up. I always told hubby that I might go psycho if forced to put $50 in an envelope and be told that is all I have to work with on food all week (eating out and all.)

I am much more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type of girl when it comes to money. I hate to admit it, but I can be rather selfish at times and find it hard to tell myself no. I justify my selfishness in the types of purchases I make. I will tell myself, "Well I know we have spent too much eating out this month, but it is not like we are out spending hundreds on fancy cars or expensive hobbies...so I think we can afford to splurge on that pizza tonight." But, I'm starting to realize that my justification and reasoning is getting us NOWHERE fast when it comes to Dave's baby steps to financial peace.

I'm also starting to realize that this online fantasy 'budget' I have been keeping for the past 6 years is POINTLESS! Yes, it keeps us from spending a ton of money, but honestly, it doesn't keep us from going over budget at all times, and it is nowhere close to getting us on the fast track to saving money. What good does it do to know how much you have spent on groceries if you know you aren't going to stop spending even when you reach your $500 budget cap??

So, while we haven't been going in the hole every year, we also haven't been doing absolutely everything in our power to better our future financial situation. I'm finally ready to do as Dave says, "Live like no one else, so later you can LIVE like no one else!"

I think couponing and shopping the sales is an important part to this equation, but it will only help if it is done properly. I have been couponing for the past few months now, but I have allowed 'impulsive Kari' to keep couponing from really making a positive impact on our budget. I have decided the only way couponing will ever lower or monthy spending is if I put money in an envelope and know that once the money is gone it is gone! No stopping at the ATM for extra cash...it will be time to improvise! Stick with me this month as I explore this journey into the..dare I say it...ENVELOPE SYSTEM! Oh, hubby will be on cloud 9 if this actually works!

Target Cheapies

Scrubbing Bubbles Vanish Drops $2.14 each. (Buy 2)
-Use BOGO Free Coupon
-Plus, $1 off 1 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaner
=.57 cents each

STP Fuel Injector Price Cut $2.49
-Use $2 STP coupon9
=.49 cents

BIC Flex 4 Price Cut $3.99
-Use $2 coupon
=$1.99

Skintimate or Edge Shave Gel Price Cut $1.79
-Use .75 coupon
=$1.04

QTips $1.89 170 ct. Regular Price
-Use $1 coupon
=.89 cents

UP Cotton Balls $1.92
-Use $1 coupon regional circular
=.92 cents

Act II mini $1
-Use .40 coupon
=.60 cents

Nexcare 20ct $1.47
-use $1
=.47 cents

Drug stores don't always make for best deal...learning as I go.

So, I needed powder and eyeliner desperately. CVS had B1G1 half-off so I figured that would make a good deal. I had $1 off coupons for both products as well. So, I left feeling pretty good only spending $4.12 for each. That was until I went to Target and realized that regular price those same products are only $4.97 each, less my (2) $1 off coupons=$3.97 each. And, that is before a sale. So, I could have gotten these items much cheaper at Target by holding my coupons for a sale.

So, I have learned cosmetics might not be the best buy at the drugstore unless those items are BOGO Free and you are able to use a BOGO free coupon!!!

CVS Trip 6/29/10

Awesome Aveeno Deal
Buy $25 worth of participating Aveeno products and get a $10 ECB (limit 1)

My Scenario:
Buy 4 Aveeno Nourish+ Shampoo, Conditioner or Styler — $6.49 ea
Use (4) Aveeno Nourish $1 Coupons
Pay $21.96 and get $10 ECB
Then submit for the $10 Aveeno mail in rebate
Total: 1.96 for all four (.49 each)

Bounty Basic 8 Roll -$5.97
Use $2 Bounty coupon printing in store
Use $.25 coupon insert
=$3.72

Stayfree 16 ct pads -$3.99 BOGO SALE
Buy 4=$7.98
Use 2 BOGO Any Stayfree product coupon
=FREE for all 4!

Total OOP for transactions after ECB's & Mail-in $10 Rebate=$5.68 before tax

My Transaction #2

Buy $20 worth of Schick or Playtex Feminine Care Products and get $10.00 ECB (limit 1)
Buy 2 Schick Hydro 3 Razor — $8.99 ea
Buy 1 Edge Shave Cream (7 oz) — $2.99 ea
Use (2) $4 from 6/13 SS (hydro)
Use (1) 75c from 6/27 SS (edge)
Pay $12.22 and get $10 ECB
Total: .74 c. each
Plus you can submit for a rebate for one of the Schick Hydro Razors. Which will make it a nice money maker.

Buy Tums 150 ct., $3.79 Limit 1
Use $1 off Tums Product, 24 ct.+
Get $1 ECB
=1.79

=OOP after ECB's= $4.01

Kroger Summer of Savings

Enter and spin everyday until September 11, 2010 for a chance to win valuable coupons and prizes.


http://www.softcoin.com/Sites/Kroger_SummerOfSavings/Page/HomePage/Retailer/Kroger

Free Sample Orville Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

https://secure.startsampling.com/sm/101189/captureAddress.iphtml?item=101189&source=kroger&ss_id=

Full List of June Online Coupons from Coupons.com, Redplum, and Smartsource

Southern Savers has the full list of coupons from their site. To save ink...only print off coupons that are high value, hard to find, or things you know you will really use. Other than that wait and see if an awesome deal pops up on an item before you print the matching coupon. Just speaking from my first month experience. I got a little printer happy, and then ended up throwing away a large number of coupons I had printed (and my ink and paper money with it.)

http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/06/couponscom-june-full-list/

http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/06/smartsourcecom-june-full-coupon-list/

http://coupons.redplum.com/SouthernSavers/

Warren County Public Library Summer Reading Program

Kick-off of the summer reading program is June 7th at 1:30pm at Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary. The Wulfe Brothers will be performing.

Visit http://www.bgpl.org/summerreading.html to download the list of summer activities.

Free Summer Movies at Great Escape Theater

http://www.greatescapetheatres.com/Theater.html?zip=&theaterid=4&theaterstate=0

Bowling Green 12
323 Great Escape Dr.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270)782-3112

SUMMER KIDS SHOWS 2010
Sponsored by: Fazoli's, Dairy Queen, & Chick-Fil-A

Alvin & The Chipmunks:Squeakuel - June 1,2,3
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs - June 8,9,10
Monsters vs. Aliens - June 15,16,17
Cloudy With A Chance OF Meatballs - June 22,23,24
Planet 51 - June 29,30, July 1
Paul Blart: Mall Cop - July 6,7,8
Night At The Museum 2 - July 13,14,15
Hotel For Dogs - July 20,21,22

Target Trip Week of 5/23=Savings of 73.4%

I love shopping Target and CVS...I only wish I felt that much love for Kroger. I am starting to feel that awesome savings don't exist there. So, thank goodness for Target & CVS that's all I have to say.

Here is my breakdown of this weeks savings. I had to break my transactions up to get maximum savings, because part of my good deal was the fact I had two target coupons for a $5 Target Gift Card when I purchased said items. So I ended up with $10 gift card to turn around and use on my 2nd transaction.

Total spent=$11.74 for $44.12 worth of product

Finish Quantumatic Reg. 9.99= Price Cut $5 -$3 manufacturer web coupon=$2
Windex All-in-One Outdoor Reg. 12.99 -$5 newpaper coupon-$5 Target GC coupon=$2.99

Fusion Razor Reg. 4.99=Clearance $4.24-$1 coupon=$3.24
Venus Embrance Reg 4.99=Clearance $4.24-$2 Coupon=$2.24
Total both razors=5.48-$5 Target GC coupon=.24 c. each razor

Cereals Reg. $3.04= $2.09 each after Price Cut and $1.50/3 Kelloggs coupon
Plus FREE Motts apple juice wyb 3 Kelloggs Cereals (a 2.04 value)

Made me Laugh...

I think I am officially going bonkers. Caught hubby off guard tonight (and got a 'you're crazy' look) for shouting out, "I'm so excited. They are sending me a free canker sore cover in the mail." Yep, I think I am taking these free samples a little too seriously LOL! Can't wait for my mailbox to start filling up with goodies...even if they are canker sore products. But, if you were me you would be excited too. Those things hurt!! Relief is much appreciated!

'Like' Athenos on Facebook...

And, get a printable B1G1 coupon on Athenos Hummus. This stuff is AWESOME! Plus, it has been known to go as low as $1 at Kroger. Would make it .50cents each. Be sure to try the Roasted Red Pepper :) Found in the deli section.

Arm & Hammer Coupons

http://www.armandhammer.com/Resources/SavingsCenter.aspx?CampaignId=PowerGel

Free 6 mos Magazine Subscription

http://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/freeoffer.asp?offer=ReadyMade-BBS.asp

How odd...

I started making my progress goals out on Saturday, and that is when I thought of starting this spreadsheet to help me learn 'buy' prices. To my surprise, this was the post on Hip2Save.com just a little while ago...

http://hip2save.com/2010/05/you-in-bloom-week-three-day-one.html

It is like they have been doing this so long that they can read a newbie's mind! Can't wait for this resource to become available on her site. Until then, I will continue with my personal spreadsheet.

Getting Started- Inventory & Spreadsheet

Progress goals for this week:

1) MAKE AN INVENTORY LIST

I am working on compiling an 'inventory' of STAPLE items my family uses on a weekly/monthly basis. I'm not focusing on the extras we buy every once in awhile, but yet the things that get us through week after week. Once these staple items hit their lowest price in the 6 to 8 week sale cycle I will know how much to stockpile to get us through until the next sale. An inventory might sound silly and overboard to some, but it makes perfect sense to me now that I am trying to save money. It is important to look at your household as a 'business' that you are trying to manage. Businesses must take inventory to survive, and I think the same principle could prove very helpful in running a smooth, money saving household.

2) CREATE PRICE LIST SPREADSHEET

I have never been a 'student' of prices. Therefore, it is hard for me starting this journey, because I honestly don't know what a good deal is. I am starting to realize you can't depend on the little yellow sale stickers at Kroger to guide you to a good deal, because they can many times be misleading. You have to take control and learn prices yourself. Therefore, I am starting a spreadsheet of 'buy-it prices' so that I will never have to question again what a good deal is. I hope to share my spreadsheet in the future to help any other newbies that might find my site.

For now, my spreadsheet includes the item name, regular price, sale price, coupons used, final price with coupons, store bought at, and date. If I find a better price in the cycle (which I know I will, considering I am just guessing on best prices) I change the info on the item. I hope after keeping this spreadsheet for a few months I will start to see a cycle to the savings.

"like" DiGiorno on Facebook

Then click on 'fool your friends' tab (there is an option to print without fooling friends too) to print a coupon for $3 off New Pizza & Breadsticks which should be on sale at Kroger this week for 5.99. Regular price $8.39.

"Like" Sara Lee Deli On Facebook...

and, they will give you a $2.00 off One package of any Sara Lee pre-sliced meat to print right away. It expires 7/12/10

Progress This Week

I'm really excited about everything I've learned this week. I've gotten alot of great deals, and I feel like I am starting to become a smarter shopper. I'm trying to use the 50-70% off method more to decide whether a sale item is really worth buying. By using this method, I'm also able to figure out when to use a coupon I have and when I should save it for a better price. I found myself putting back alot of items at the grocery this week, because once I really started doing the math the 'sale' didn't seem so great anymore. Valuable lesson learned=Saving is a waiting game sometimes. If it isn't a staple you have to have just wait.

Guide to CVSing

A very good guide I'm using to learn the art of CVSing. She explains it so much better than I ever could.

http://www.southernsavers.com/getting-started-guides/how-to-cvs/

$3 off new Finish Quantumatic

http://www.finishdishwashing.com/index.php

Totallytarget.com is reporting that some Target's have price cut to $5 (almost half off). So you could pick this bad boy up for $2 if your Target has it on sale. If not hold on to it, and you will get a good deal at some point. I was able to print two off.

$1.00 off Freschetta-Save until on sale!!

http://www.freschetta.com/pizza-coupons/default.aspx

I used both my email addresses and was able to print two. Once they go on sale it should make for a good deal.

Getting Started--Great read from couponing101.com

These 4 blog posts are great reads if you are wanting to get started on the journey of couponing. I have found them very helpful. Click the link below and scroll to the bottom and read the last post first to read the info in order.

1)Teach a (Wo)Man How to Fish….
2)Teach a (Wo)Man How to Fish….for Grocery Store Deals
3)Teach a (Wo)Man How to Fish….for Free Samples!
4)Teach a (Wo)Man How to Fish….for Printable Coupons!

http://www.couponing101.com/category/teach-a-woman-how-to-fish

Getting Started-Coupon Organization

Great link on getting your coupons organized to maximize savings!

http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/05/31-days-to-a-better-grocery-budget-finding-a-coupon-organizational-system-which-works-for-you.html

Kraft Deli Coupons

http://www.kraftbrands.com/goodmoodmission/?s=kraftpromotions#/section/save

Loving all the 'Helpful Sites'

I'm getting so many great coupons and freebies that I never would have known about just by following all the blogs listed under my 'helpful sites'. Today I signed up to have a $30 coupon book sent to me from Procter & Gamble. I also have a coupon for a full-sized bottle of Suave Professionals coming to me just by clicking 'like' on their fan page and entering my information under the 'try suave' tab.

These deals go pretty quick once they are posted on the sites I follow, but if you check the sites a few times a day you are sure to start finding deals quickly. I have only been following about two weeks and have already signed up for coupons and freebies 7 times!!!

First time CVSing= $10.24 Out of Pocket (OOP) + $7.50 leftover ECB's

LOVE CVS because they basically paid me to shop with them.

Learned a valuable lesson on my first attempt...shop early in the week!!! Sunday if possible. I waited until Tuesday, and all the deals I wanted (besides the pull-ups) were gone at the first CVS I visited. Luckily, my town has two CVS's. At the second store I found the deodorants & crest, but the best deal (Schick Hydro 3 or 5 $8.99-$5 coupon=3.99+$4 ECB) was GONE at both stores.

Here is the breakdown. Keep in mind that on the first CVS trip you will spend out of pocket cash, but if you play the game right you should have to spend very little out-of-pocket (OOP) from then on. The trick is to always make sure you roll-over ECB's (free CVS money printed at the bottom of your receipt and available to use on next transaction.) To do so just use existing ECB's to buy more products that offer ECB's. http://www.southernsavers.com/ will break down all the deals for you that offer ECB's every week.

Transaction #1=
Huggies Pull-ups=$8.99-$2 Printable Coupon http://www.pull-ups.com/na/pullups_coupons.aspx (printable once a month) = $6.99 OOP (+Earn $2 ECB's)

Transaction #2=
(2) Right Guard Total Defense 5=$2.49*2=$4.98-$3 Printable Coupon=$1.98 (+Earn $4 ECB)

1 Crest Pro Health 4.2 oz=$3.50-.75 cent (Sunday insert)= $2.75 (+ Earn $3.50 ECB)

Transaction #2 Total=$4.73-$2 ECB from Transaction #1=$2.73 OOP

Total OOP (w/tax) for both trips= $10.24

(This is great to me considering it's my first attempt, and I desperately needed pull-ups that would have cost me 9.99 anyway. So the way I look at it, I got deodorant and toothbrush + $7.50 ECB free)

ECB's print at the bottom of your receipt, and can be used immediately on the next purchase. They usually expire in a month from issue.

Target Couponing Attempt #1= $7.30 for $34.38 worth of products

I don't think I did too bad for my first Target coupon shopping trip. The problem I have right now is that I am still in transition from my old 'frivolous' way of shopping to my new 'frugal' shopping method. Therefore, I don't yet have a stockpile of items on hand to last me until the next sale cycle. So unfortunately, I am having to pay full price or 'sale' prices that aren't the greatest of deals because I need certain things immediately.

I used to make a list of what I needed at the moment, and I would then go buy those items at whatever price I had to. The result would almost always was a $100 + Target trip. Never again! The key is to always look ahead at what you will need over the next several weeks or few months. I'm excited to see my couponing start to pay off over the next few months as I begin to collect more coupons and as I have the time to wait for great deals to come around.

Here is how my shopping trip stacked up:

Total spent=31.87

Total coupons used=21.25

Total saved=29.70

BEST DEALS 5/11/10

For the above items I spent $7.30, but the value of these items regular price are $34.38. This is a savings of $27.08!

Here is the breakdown:

Kleenex Hand Towels: each box $2.99-$1 manufacturer coupon (Sunday insert)-$1 Target web coupon= .99 c. each

Nivea Wash=$3.99-$4.00 manufacturer (Sunday insert) coupon=FREE

Lysol Toilet Cleaner=Sale 1.89-$1 (web coupon)= .89 cents

Air Wick iMotion=Sale $5.99-$4 (sunday insert) coupon=$1.99

Bic Flex 4=$4.99-$3 (sunday insert) coupon=$1.99

2 Skintimate Shave Gel=$1.97 x 2= 3.94-$1.50 off 2 (si) - $1.00 (t. mailer)= .72 each

Gillette Shave Gel= $1.99-$1 coupon (si)= .99 c.

FREE Rouge Magazine Subsription

FREE Rouge Magazine Subscription

Signed up for this magazine distributed by Procter and Gamble. It has valuable P&G coupons in every issue.

More Free Samples..

Just visited walmart.com via couponing101.com to sign up for my free samples of dove, secret, old spice, and eucerin products. Follow the links under helpful sites, or go to walmart.com -click in-store specials -then click free samples. Yay!!

FREEBIE ALERT-Purex 3-in-1 sample.

Go here to get a 2 pack of Purex 3-in-1 sent to your door. And, crossing my fingers there is a coupon with the sample ;)

http://www.trypurex.com/Purex_3-in-1_Free_Sample/

Target Store Coupon Policy

Whoohoo! I never knew before now that you could combine Target coupons and Manafacturer coupons on the same item!!

Target Stores Coupon Policy

Coupons are a great way to save even more when shopping with us, and it's easy to use them at our stores.

• Target accepts one manufacturer coupon and one Target coupon for the same item (unless prohibited)
• Super Target coupons can be used in any Target store if the store carries the item
• We gladly accept valid internet coupons

Because of the variety of coupons available to our guests, we do have some guidelines for how coupons can be redeemed at Target.

When accepting coupons, we use the following guidelines:

• We accept two kinds of coupons: Target-issued coupons and manufacturer-issued.
• We'll accept one Target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for the same item, unless either coupon prohibits it.
• Coupon amount may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item after other discounts or coupons are applied.
• We can't give cash back if the face value of a coupon is greater than the purchase value of the item.
• We can't accept coupons from other retailers, or coupons for products not carried in our stores.
• All valid coupons should be presented to the cashier while you're checking out.

The Wonderful Verb of CVSing!

CVS is its own breed! I am in the middle of learning all the CVS tricks of the trade, but it is already evident to me that CVS is a GOLD MINE of savings!! There are some serious CVSers out there, and we all have a thing or two or three to learn from these seasoned pros.

To get started you must register either online at http://www.cvs.com/ or visit the store to sign up for their Extra Care Rewards Card. I registered online, and it took less than a week to get my card in the mail. But, if you are ready to try your hand at saving scenarios today then definitely register in store.

Here is a blog I found dedicated to the CVS $5 Challenge.

http://kingdomfirstmom.com/category/the-cvs-5-challenge

Southernsavers.com also does a great job at breaking down CVS shopping into usable shopping scenarios. They break down the savings into transactions that maximize the number of items you get for the least amount of money. Many times you will actually walk out of the store making a profit rather than spending any money. By using their Extra Care Bucks system (which is like monopoly money) you many times come and go with no actual cash being exchanged. Here is their CVS site.

http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/05/cvs-weekly-ad-509-515/

Grocery Sales usually run on 6 week cycle

Typically any given grocery item will hit its lowest sale price every 6 to 8 weeks. 40% is an okay deal, but it will usually go even lower. You typically want to search for BOGO deals which make the items 50% off before you even add coupons. (Via southernsavers.com web video)

So, find the lowest price, and stock up on the amount your family will need over the next 6 weeks.

That is something I really need to work on. I need to make my list of staple items, and figure out the quantities we use over 6 weeks.

Kroger Coupon Policy

Best to learn the rules & play fair when it comes to couponing!! Also, good to be informed in case you get an associate that doesn't know the rules in case they don't want to honor a legitimate coupon or deal.

Here are the rules for Kroger:

TO: ALL MID-ATLANTIC STORES

ATTN: STORE MANAGERS

SUBJECT: INTERNET COUPONS – POLICY 9-G

Please following the instructions below when accepting Internet Coupons:

 We will only accept “cents off” Internet Coupons. NO “free” product Internet Coupons will be accepted.
 All coupons are to be scanned at the end of the order.
 Quantity of purchased items must be satisfied per the coupon.
 Coupon must not exceed the value of the item.
 We will only accept two (2) Internet Coupons per manufacturer product per transaction.
 We reserve the right to reject any Internet Coupon that is altered or does not scan properly. Call for Supervisor assistance as needed.

Watch for:

 Altered expiration dates
 Altered purchase limits
 Multiple coupons on the same item

Reminder:

Double Coupon Policy

 We double all Manufacturer coupons on any item up to $.50 in value unless otherwise stated on the coupon.
 Limit one (1) coupon per item.
 If a customer presents a large quantity of like items and coupons, cashier should contact Management. None sold to Dealers and quantity rights reserved

My Monetary Goal...$1,200

Okay so May 1st began my journey into 'saving a paycheck'. I know the deals I got on Monday are minor compared to expert coupon shoppers, but hey, we all have to start somewhere, right?

So what is my monetary goal? Hubby would kill me if I revealed the actual paycheck amount he brings on home every month, and I realize too that would be faux pas. So, I chose a random amt of $1,200 for my goal. How did I come up with this? That is the approximate amt that I would bring home (net) in an entry-level job after tax, healthcare, and daycare. I think that is a reasonable goal, and I hope to exceed that!!!

So May 2010-May 2011 I hope to save 1,200+

My Brain is Spinning Tonight...

I am feeling that very overwhelming feeling tonight that I usually feel right before I give up on couponing. I think I want to know it all to start with. I get very disappointed, very quick, when I think I am not getting the best deal possible on something. As a newbie I am constantly second guessing my 'good deal.' I am wanting to hoard coupons for that better deal that could pop-up in the sales ads next week. I just need to work past this and stick with it. I know I will learn the best deals as I go. It is just very complicated matching online coupons & paper coupons with sales ads. Southernsavers.com is very helpful with many deals, but I realize there are a ton of other deals in store that are hard to know about unless you are actively searching for them.

Progress Today...

1) Signed up for Procter & Gamble's Everyday Solutions today. They are sending me free samples of Pantene, Pampers, and Head and Shoulders. And, also coupons for Tide. I added the link to the right. You can request samples once per quarter so make sure they are things you are really interested in.

2) Added the cellfire & coupons.com apps to my iPhone. It will make it alot easier to manage offers and coupons from these sites (especially cellfire since they are loaded directly to my Kroger card from my phone.) The same offers that are on the website are also on the app so I'm not missing out on anything. If I had a wireless printer I could print coupons.com coupons directly from my phone, but since I don't they email the coupons I have 'clipped' to my email.

Wow...could I save that much?

I read on one website that extreme couponing could save anywhere between 50-70% off of your monthly grocery bill.

So, just as a general number to go on, I decided to see exactly what my average grocery expenses have been over the last 3 months.

Our Average Grocery Expense Jan-March was $643. So let's assume over the next 12 months I would spend $7,716 if I kept spending at my current rate.

If I could save 50% on my grocery bill that would be a savings of $3,858 in a 12 month period. This would go well above my "save a paycheck" goal!

Since I have started mid-April I won't be able to have an accurate # of what couponing is saving me a month until the end of May. And, I actually expect it to take several months past that to get an accurate savings amount, because being new to this it will take me a long time to learn all the ropes.

Plus, I am not sure how extreme I am willing to go. I think you have to be very flexible on name brands, and you have to be willing to plan your meals around coupons/sales, not cravings to save this type of money. Maybe I am wrong, but I think it has to be all about the savings, not the taste buds.

Another thing, I am a pretty timid personality, and I don't like to do anything to draw attention to myself. Mild couponing has never been embarrassing to me, but causing a line to form behind me at checkout while the cashier takes off $50 worth of coupons....now that is an "embarrassment" hurdle I will have to get past.

Guess we will see if the savings are worth the time and 'embarrassment' as I go.

My New Project

Okay, so I am AMAZED by the amount of money I could have been saving the last 6 years of marriage if I would have only given in to the coupon craze!!! In fact, I am ashamed of myself. I always knew I could save money, but I always had a number of excuses for not doing so. Any of these sound familiar?....It's too confusing. I could never concentrate on that while the kids are little. The amount of money it would save would be minimal compared to the time it would take. I would end up spending money on things I would never use, so that isn't really saving.

But, I am starting to realize we could have been saving a boat load of money over the years (on things I would really use) if I would have only tried. And, I am starting to think it might not be that confusing once I get the initial system figured out and the organization down.

So, my new "job" is to SAVE MONEY! I figure I have to have a goal so my goal is to save the equivalent of a paycheck over the next 12 mos. I am a SAHM who doesn't provide a paycheck, so I figure the least I can do is to try to save one.

This blog is dedicated to my journey of learning, and a way to track my progress from saving novice to apprentice...hopefully. :)