31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #8 - Use Rewards Programs

Rewards programs are another great way to save money - they are usually free, and only require a few minutes of your time to sign up for, but the benefits are so worth it!  Most drug stores and grocery stores have rewards programs along with a few 'department-type' stores.  These generally include sale prices and extra coupons.  At most places these in-stores promotions can be paired with manufacturer coupons for even more savings.  My two favorite programs are at CVS and Giant.  CVS has the Extracare Program; this alone will give you sale prices, CVS store coupons, and the ability to earn Extracare Bucks.  There are also the Beauty Club and the Pharmacy Rewards programs that you can sign up for to earn additional Extracare Bucks to spend on whatever.*  I use to shop all three drug stores in our area each week, all of which had their own rewards programs.  I have only continued to shop at CVS because I feel that their program is the most efficient and effective for my family.
Giant is another favorite of mine.  I LOVE that I can earn cents-off each gallon of gas, just by purchasing my groceries each week.  They also have Giant coupons that you can add to your card and then pair with a manufacturer coupon for some AWESOME savings!  Giant is a little on the expensive side for most things, so we do the bulk of our shopping at ALDI, but they have great sales and a wonderful selection of clearance throughout the year. 

So, check if the stores you frequent offer rewards programs - it might just save you some serious coin!

*I think that things like prescriptions and stamps, etc are excluded, but I would say that 98% of what they sell can be bought using ECB's*
 
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.

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Weekly Spending Report: 10/02-08/2016

This week began a new month, which means a new grocery budget and a full grocery envelope!  I also added in the $27 I had leftover from September, which gives me $377 for October.  I did a good bit of stocking up this week since there were some great sales and coupons available.  Things like the vitamins, lotion, diapers, fiber bars, and boneless skinless chicken breast were all excellent deals!  I also restocked on snack, breakfast, and lunch items.  I spent a little more than I usually like to, but it will all even out over the course of the month.  Here's how my spending went this week...

• Tuesday's CVS Trip: $28.64 oop, Earned $29 ECB's ($5 Pharmacy Rewards, $5 Beauty Club, $4 Quarterly Rewards, $5 Curel, and $10 Huggies), and $0.20 Mobisave Rebate ($0.10 each for Pasta Sauce, and Dish Soap)

• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $46.95 oop (included, but not pictured are 8 gallons of H2O), Earned $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (Tortilla Chips)

• Tuesday's Giant Trip: $25.73 oop, Earned $0.50 Saving Star Rebate (Fiber One Bars)

Total OOP: $101.32
Total Earned: $29.80
Total Remaining for October: $275.82

Linked to I Heart Publix, and many more! 

31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #7 - Clip Coupons

Another way to save on brand name items is to clip coupons.  But you can't just clip the coupon and then forget about it - you need to keep them up-to-date, organized, and with you.  There are various ways to do this.  I have used the little expandable coupon organizers, some people use shoe boxes, some file folders, and others binders - you really just have to find what works for you.  I personally use a binder, because I like how easy it is to use and keep organized, and the ability to always have it with me.  Once you have clipped your coupons, and figured out how you want to organize them, you then need to file them away so they are easy to access when you are ready for them.  Everyone's dividers or labels will be different, but the kind and amount will depend on how many coupons you clip and for what kind of products. 
You will also need to keep your stash of coupons cleaned out.  A coupon does you no good if it expired 6 months ago.  It can also be very disappointing when you thought you were going to get a great deal on something, and then you don't because the coupons you planned to use are expired.  In addition, you need to remember to take your coupons to the store with you.  You cannot use a coupon to save money if it is at home on your fridge.  Depending on the amount of coupons you clip and your organizing system, you can either take all your coupons with you, or just the select few that go with the items on your list.  Part of the reason I use the binder system is because I can easily take it to the store with me and have access to all my coupons while I'm there.  This is really great when you find surprise sales or clearance deals. 
So the bottom line is - clip coupons, file them neatly, keep them up-to-date, and take them with you!

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.

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31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #6 - Shop Discount Stores

Yesterday we discussed giving store brands a try, but what about the items you want to be brand loyal on, how do you save money on those?  Well, I will tell you, one thing you can do is shop at discount stores.  Just to name a few - Ollie's, Big Lots, Grocery Outlets, Dollar Trees or Generals are all great places to start.  Just make sure to check expiration and sell by dates on the food and health items.  It doesn't hurt to be cautious, and it doesn't save you any money if it expires before you get to use it. 

These stores are AWESOME for items that aren't on your grocery list as well.  Things like craft supplies, paper goods, decor, kitchen utensils, organizing bins, and SO MUCH MORE!  If I am in need of something, like felt or flowers, I will definitely make a quick run into the Dollar Tree to see if I can grab some there instead of paying double or triple for it at Michael's.  Some times you don't always find what you were looking for, but it's definitely worth a shot.  So, tip #6 - try shopping at discount stores to save money on name brand items, and so much more!

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.

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31 Days of Money-Saving Tips: Day #5 - Buy Store Brands

Today let's talk brands.  We all have those things that we absolutely have to buy a certain brand of - maybe your toothpaste, or toilet paper, or even your peanut butter - one of mine is Kraft Mayo, I buy no other brand.  And that is OKAY, you can still save money on all the other things that you aren't as opinionated about.  Things like frozen and canned vegetables are a good place to start.  Green beans are basically green beans, whether it's a name brand or a store brand.  Another one is cheese.  I have found that one block or bag of shreds is as good as another, and if buying one over the other saves you some coin, then by all means, go ahead and buy the cheaper one.  This concept does take some trial and error, but it's worth it in the end, and sometimes you find that some store brands are actually better than their name-brand counterpart.  So, money-saving tip #5 - try store brands, you might be surprised at the quality, and it's worth at least a try to save some 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/

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

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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

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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/