31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #4 - Make a List and Stick to it

 

Yesterday we discussed making a menu plan to save money.  In order to make an effective menu plan, you first have to access what's in your cupboards, fridge, and freezer(s).  This way you know what you have to work with.  Think about what meals you can make based on what you already have.  For example, say you have meatballs and marinara sauce but you need pasta.  Put pasta on your shopping list, and you have one night's dinner already planned.  Remember to add items to make your breakfasts and lunches for the week.  Make a trip through your house to make sure you don't forget to add things like laundry soap or sponges to your list as well.  But the most important part of making a list, is sticking to it!  If you make a list and then don't follow it, that is not going to save you money.  Double check your list before you leave for the store to make sure everything you need is on it, then go buy only those things.  Since you know the list contains your needs, then everything beyond the list is a want.  Wants can add up, so make sure to keep them in check.  To lighten the blow, maybe pick one 'want' to splurge on each week if you have room in your budget.  Next time you go to the store, put all the items on your list in the large part of the cart, and the other items not on your list in the smaller 'seat' section.  Before you check out, re-evaluate everything in the want/seat section -- is it something you truly need (like a box of tissues for the bathroom that you just forgot to add to the note), or a want that can be left at the store to save money?  This exercise definitely helps to put things in perspective, especially if you add up the items that you put back.  This one tip could easily save you $20 week, and that is a lot over the course of a year.  So, tip #4 -- make a shopping list, and then stick to it to save money!

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Menu Plan Monday: 10/03/2016

This past weekend, we had an excellent time at a little steam and gas show in western Maryland.  We sat up in the flea market, made a little money, Howard had a blast seeing the tractors, saw mill, and playing on their play ground; so it was an all-around great weekend!  It was also our last vacation for the year - boo.  But there will be plenty of museum and holiday activities coming up to keep us busy.  Since we are back to business as usual, and I'm back to work, it's time to get the slow-cooker back to work as well.  Here's how our menu is shaping up this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, Eggs, Cream of Wheat, and/or Oatmeal for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Tomato and Bacon or PBJ Sandwiches, Leftovers, Chips, Veggie Dippers with Ranch, Soup, and/or Fruit for Joe and I.  Howard will have Turkey Sausage links, Cheese Slices, Mac and Cheese cups, Blueberry Pancakes, French Toast, and/or PB Waffles, and Fruit.
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Cheese-steak Subs
• Monday - Take-out
• Tuesday - Mac and Cheese, Hot dogs, Salad
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Pork and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, and Steamed Broccoli
• Thursday - Leftovers with Steamed Green Beans
• Friday - Sandwiches
  
• Saturday - Pizza, and Salad
  

For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #3 - Make a Menu Plan

Making a menu plan can save you money - gasp, I know, crazy, right?  But really it can.  By making a menu for the week or month, what you are really doing is making a plan.  When you have a plan in place, it is harder to justify picking up a pizza or making a run to the border for tacos.  You know ahead of time what ingredients you have, the ones you need from the store - which you have already picked up, and whether or not you need to thaw meat.  When all the of planning is already done, you don't want to sabatoge that hard work with eating out, because then not only does your money go down the drain, but so does all the time you spent planning.  And time is money, or so the saying goes.  There would probably also be some guilt involved - money wasted, time wasted, good food wasted.  Are you seeing a pattern?  So, save yourself some money (and guilt), don't be wasteful, and make a menu plan. 

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

 

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #2 - Use Cash

Yesterday we talked about setting a budget; today I'm going to tell you that your budget should be done in cash.  The reason for this is really simple, if you only have $50 cash to spend on say a new pair of shoes, then you can only spend that $50 because you don't have any more.  If you use a credit card, it's very easy to justify an extra 10 or 20 dollars, and if you do that frequently, it can really add up.  Yes, you will need to shop around, and wait for a sale, and probably use a coupon, but it's worth it.  That is money saved and still in your pocket!  

Using a cash-based budget also allows you to see your money adding up.  It builds excitement.  It also makes you really weigh your decision when it comes time to spend that money.  If you are saving up for new curtains for your house, you are going to be much more diligent in finding the best quality and price, because you know the sacrifices and time that went into saving that money.  Basically, using cash makes you a much more diligent and wise spender, which in turn saves you money.  So, money-saving tip #2 -- use cash!

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #1 - Create a Budget

Today I want to talk about budgets, and how they can save you money.  Now, I was not always a budget person.  We also didn't always have a regularly-scheduled paycheck either.  Part of the reason I started budgeting was to make sure I had enough money to cover our bills and groceries, not necessarily to save money.  I would get to the end of the month, and need to run to the store for food, and not have much left to do that with.  We would have to do without things that I thought we needed.  It was rough.  So, I decided to change things up and set a budget.

Here's how we do things now.  Joe gets paid at the beginning of the month.  I use that month to pay all of our bills.  Then I take the grocery money out, right now that's $350 per month.  What is leftover is our gas money for the month.  Some months there is more, some months there is less.  If we have more we can doing more running around, if there is less, we don't.  It's really that easy.

My paycheck is our slush fund.  The money I earn from flea markets, listing online, and at my regular job is what buys our clothing, our cat's food and litter, it's what we use to eat out with, and purchase basically anything else we want or need.  My paycheck varies, while Joe's is always the same.  I know which months will have more and which will have less pay, so I can plan accordingly.  We've been doing our finances this way for about 6 years, so I pretty much have it down to a science.  I'm pretty good at planning ahead for what will we need, and getting deals on those needs.  Even with adding Howard to our family, the only change has really been to the grocery budget.  

Now, how does this save you money, well, it's pretty simple.  If you budget a certain amount, then that is all you can spend.  Period.  No more, only less.  Even though everyone's budget will look different, this concept still applies.

The best example I can give is with grocery shopping.  I have $350 a month, that's it.  So as I shop throughout the month, I have to be diligent about what I am buying.  Even with stocking up on great deals, I still have to make sure that I have enough money available to buy things like bread or milk, should we run out.  It saves you money, because you are evaluating each purchase, not just throwing things in your cart because they look good or they're on sale.

So, my #1 tip to you to start your money-saving journey is to set a budget.  Even if you only start with one thing, like groceries, do it.

Photos for this series are from Flickr.  They are pictures that are under the license of ‘commercial and mods allowed.’  Edits were done by me.  The licensor does not endorse me or my use.

Link to license is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode

License explanation is here https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

 

Goals Update: September 2016

September was pretty busy, as per our usual life schedule.  We had two events here at the museum, we set up at a large flea market, we visited two steam and gas shows (Howard's new favorite activity), I celebrated becoming 31, and I worked a ton.  Plus the usual stuff like cleaning, errands, and the never-ending pile of laundry.  I did carve out some time to work on some of my goals this month.  I can tell that we are on the home stretch for the year, and I am feeling the burn so to speak, or the itch maybe, to get things crossed off and done! 
So, here's how things are going so far for the year...

Personal:

• Lose 20 lbs (about 1.5 lbs a month) -  I have lost 15 pounds!  I didn't lose any more in September, but I also didn't gain any, so that's good.  I am hoping to have more time in October to get back to my every day exercising, and that will definitely help.
• Exercise 292 days - In September I exercised 25 out of 30 days.  For a total of 225 for the year.  I'm right on track with this goal! 
• Drink at least 70 oz of water everyday - I did pretty well with this goal in September.  The warmer weather helps.  I am hoping that I can keep the momentum up in October even though it's cooling down here in Maryland, and all I crave is hot tea. 

 Financial:

• Coupon and deal shop to stick to my $350/month budget - I shared my budget update for September here.  If you click over, you can see all of the great things I was able to stock-up on while still staying $27 under budget!  This included fresh produce, diapers, shampoos, cereal, and a variety of other items.
• Earn at least 6 - $25 Amazon gift card through Swagbucks - I earned another gift card in September!  I had to be very diligent about earning my Swagbucks each day, but it is so worth it to have another $25 Amazon gift card to use!  4 Down, and 2 to go.
• List at least 10 things per month online or 120 for the year - I did not list anything in September, mainly because I didn't have anything to list.  I have some books and sewing patterns (now that I've done some more cleaning out) that I'd like to get up on Amazon in October, so hopefully I can make that happen.  January - Check (23), February - no check (0), March - Check (43), April - no check (1), May -no check (0), June - no check (0), July - no check (0), August - no check (0), September - no check (0)
• Set up at 6 Flea Markets/Shows to sell our wares - We set up at a flea market at the beginning of September.  We did just okay, but we did get rid of quite a few of the bulkier items we had, which was nice.  Our next flea market is in October, so I am hoping for a good show!  Total for the year = 4

Household:

• Completely declutter the entire house - Finally done for the year!!!  I finished up the cedar chest in September, and now I am DONE!!!
• Finish my 2016 project list - I have my project list update posted separately.  I did get a few things crossed off in September.  I am hoping to get a couple more done in October.  We are on the home stretch, and there are just a few things left that need to get done before the end of the year!

Blogging:

• Post at least 3 times a week - I was able to post 3 times a week in September.  All totaled I posted 13 times in September!  I really enjoyed sharing my Fall decor sneak-peek with you all!  I always love seeing what others are doing in the homes for decoration.
• Do a 31 day series in October - I cannot believe that this starts this weekend!?  I feel like just yesterday I still had months to go before this series got started.  I have been writing away, working on graphics, and getting everything ready to roll for October 1st!
• Set up a Facebook page for my blog - Not yet, I am hoping to get this done in October.

How is everyone else doing with their goals?

Anything new or different you are trying this year?

Share some of your goals in the comments...

Household Project List 2016 - September Update

September was a whirl-wind of a month -- there were two events at the museum, we sat up at a large flea market, we visited two steam and gas shows, and I worked a LOT.  I did get a few things crossed off the list, but not as much I would have hoped to.  October is looking like a much more laid back month, at least it is on the calendar.  I am planning to work on getting at least 3 items crossed off next month, so wish me luck!  

Here's how the list is looking so far...

• Bedroom: 
• Declutter 2 Dressers, 1 Chest of Drawers, 2 Nightstands, 1 Closet, and Under the Bed -- Finished in February
• Steam off the crappy boarder - I'm hoping to get to this in October or November.
• Re-glue the wallpaper seams - Done!  I finally set aside some time to do this in September, and it looks so much better.
• Change the wall art - I'm still on the hunt for a shelf, and after a trip to the Hobby Lobby I think I have found the art that I want to make for behind our bed, so maybe I'll get to work on this some in October.

• Hall: 
• Declutter Hall Closet, Desk, and Coat Closet -- Finished in February
• Sell desk, and move in a bench -- Finished in April
• Build another shelf in the hall closet -- Unneeded, crossed off in February

• Bathroom:
• Declutter the Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers  -- Finished in February
• Touch up the paint - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.

• Living Room:
• Declutter 8 Cube Baskets, 1 End Table, and 3 Dresser Drawers -- Finished in March
• Finish adding pictures to our 'mural' wall - Finished in June/July. 
• Paint the letter 'R' on our 'mural' wall -- Finished in January
• Find new art for behind the futon - I have found the picture that I want, but it's pricey.  If I can find something similar at a yard sale for less money, I will scoop it up for sure.  If not, I'm in the process of saving up so I can get it as a birthday gift to myself.

• Kitchen:
• Declutter 35 Cabinets, 1 Pantry, 1 China Cabinet, and 11 Drawers -- Finished in March   
• Get a new trashcan -- Finished in February
• Steam the wallpaper off our microwave table, and repaint it - I've decided to cross this off for this year, and add it to next year's list.  The table was damaged during the renovations we had done in June, so we really need a new one.  We are heading into the busy season here at the museum, and I know that Joe is not going to have time to build  new one until January.  Unless I can find something the next time I go to Ikea...
• Paint the windows/sills/trim - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.
• Clean out the chest freezer and defrost it -- Finished in March
  

• Nursery/Office:
• Declutter the Closet, Dresser, Desk, Chest of Drawers, Bookcase, Sewing Table, and Cedar Chest -- Cedar Chest is finally done.  I don't know why I put it off for so long, because it only took me about an hour or so to complete.  I now have a completely empty cedar chest ready to be moved out when baby number 2 decides to come - whenever that may be.
• Go through the CD 3-drawer organizer and combine into a large CD case - Finished in June.
• Install new curtain rods and tie backs; Hang new curtains - Finished in July.
• Make a new curtain for the closet; Hang - I am planning to work on this in November.
• Buy new Lamp/Shade for the Dresser -- Finished in April
• Re-glue wallpaper - I have started on this and have decided I need a better glue.  The wallpaper glue and roller I used for the other rooms in the house just isn't cutting it in here.  The paper is peeling much worse in this room though, and it's just so dry it doesn't want to stick.  I'm leaning towards super glue unless any one has a better suggestion?
• Bring in new chest of drawers (#2) - Done!  Picture to come.
• Build new shelf (or two) above the desk; Add books to shelves -- We won't be able to build shelves above the desk the way I wanted to, so I am on the lookout for a small, mostly decorative, shelf at the thrift stores and yard sales.
• Paint the windows/sills and the closet door frame - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.

• Laundry Room:
•  Declutter Desk, 3 Drawer Stand, Bookcase, and Closet (including stored Christmas decorations) -- Finished in March
• Touch up paint from renovation - I am planning to start this in October.
• Hang art -- Crossed off in May. 
• Wash box of new-to-us toys - Finished in July.
• Buy an IKEA cube system, assemble, and organize -- I haven't been able to make it to Ikea yet this month, so I will probably not get there until sometime in October.  I am hoping to knock this out soon though - I need an organized laundry room stat.

 Are any of you working on some household projects this year?

What are you getting accomplished? 

Budget Update: September 2016

September was a very busy month full of work, events at the museum, steam shows to visit, flea markets to set up at, and just the general everyday stuff like cleaning, and laundry, and errands.  We have also started do some more structured activities with Howard, things like pom-pom sorting by color, threading beads on pipe cleaners, reading books that actually relate to the season, or places we have recently visited, and lots of coloring.  We did some of these things before, but we are trying to start 'scheduling' them more regularly.  Kind of like tot-school -- I have a BUNCH of things pinned relating to busy bags and preschool activities for toddlers, so I will be sharing some of what works for us soon (if you all are interested - let me know in the comments below).
Overall, the month went well budget-wise.  Under budget is always good, and we got a lot of great deals along the way!  Here's how my spending broke-down over the month of September...

• Week #1: $2.06 oop, Earned Zero (no picture, only purchased rubber bands and crackers)
• Week #2: $62.74 oop, Earned $1 Checkout51 Rebate, and $0.50 Ibotta Rebates

• Week #3: $89.35 oop, Earned $10 ECB's, $0.25 Ibotta Rebate*, and $0.30 Mobisave Rebate

• Week #4: $110.73 oop, Earned $13 ECB's, $0.10 Mobisave Rebate, and $0.50 Ibotta Rebate

• Week #5: $95.97 oop, Earned $15 ECB's, $0.20 Mobisave Rebate, and $0.50 Saving Star Rebate

Total OOP: $360.85
Total Earned: $41.35
Total Remaining from September: $27.14!!
*Use this link to sign up for Checkout51, upload a receipt, and get a $5 Bonus!
**Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!
 

Weekly Spending Report: 09/25-10/01/2016

This week I did a good bit of stocking up, and I got some really great deals.  There were a few things, like toilet paper, that were on my 'to buy' list, and I got lucky because they were a great deal too!  I love it when that happens.  I also came in under budget for the month, not by much, but every little bit helps.  I kept my shopping to a minimum this week, just hitting up my regular three stops - CVS, ALDI, and Giant.  We are headed to a flea market this weekend, where the internet is spotty, so I decided to go ahead and share my spending report a couple of days early.  

Below you'll see how my spending broke down...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $23.37 oop, Earned $15 ECB's ($10 Charmin, and $5 Garnier Fructis), and $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Hand soap)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $38.52 oop

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $34.08 oop, Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Pizza), and $0.50 Saving Star Rebate (Annie's Mac and Cheese) (included, but not pictured is a large bottle of Shout carpet cleaner on clearance for just over $3)

Total OOP: $95.97
Total Earned: $15.70

Total Remaining from September: $27.14!!!