Frugality Gal has a great post up on How to Cut Your Grocery Bill Without Using Coupons.
2hr Cleaning Checklist
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Gretchen’s $37 Weekly Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan
Dillons
1 Lays Kettle Chips – $1.98, used $1/1 printable – $0.98 after coupon
1/2 gallon Milk – $2.12
Kroger Chips – $1 (These are for company we are having for lunch one day this week.)
1 Turkey Hill Ice Cream – $3.50, used $1/1 printable – $2.50 after coupon
2 Kroger Shredded Cheese – $1.67 each
2 Ramen Noodles – $0.20 each
1 Nature’s Harvest Bread – $2.49, used $0.55/1 printable – $1.94 after coupon
1 Kroger Cleaner – $0.79
1 Kroger Butter – $1.77 (We didn’t need butter, but I couldn’t pass up this price!)
10 Horizon Chocolate Milk – $0.50 each, used $2/10 e-coupon – $0.30 each after coupon
2.58 lbs Bananas @ $0.52/lb – $1.34
4 Chapstick – $1 each, used 2 $1/2 coupon from the 8/25 RedPlum insert – $0.50 each after coupons
2 Tyson Frozen, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (3 lbs each) – $5.97, used 2 $2.50/1 printable (no longer available) – $3.47 after coupons (I was THRILLED to find these on sale at this price. I printed this coupon several weeks ago and have been waiting for a sale. This is an amazing price!)
1 French Bread – $1.79
2 Ball Park Franks – $1, used 2 $1/1 printable (no longer available) – Free after coupon (We don’t eat hot dogs, but my husband will use these for fishing bait.)
4 Navel Oranges – $0.69 each
Total before coupons and sales: $79.21
Total after coupons and sales: $37.05
Menu Plan for this Week
Breakfasts
Toast, Cereal, Fruit, Lemon Pull-Apart Bread
Lunches
Cheese Quesadillas, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Scrambled Eggs, Cheese & Fruit, Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Dinners
Spaghetti, Biscuits, Tossed Salad
BBQ Meatballs, French Bread, Green Beans
Hashbrown Casserole (from the freezer), Fruit Salad, Steamed Broccoli
Pizza, Breadsticks, Tossed Salad
Pancakes, Eggs
Date Night
Dinner at my parents
We Paid Cash: A New Roof
A testimony from Abbygail
Seven years ago, when my husband and I bought our house, we knew we would need to replace the roof (it had 4 layers including the original cedar shakes from the 1870’s). We didn’t think too much of it, figuring when the time came, we would get a loan or use a credit card.
That was before we heard about Dave Ramsey and our financial world flipped upside down. In the last four years, we have paid off almost $60,000 in debt, paid cash for two older cars, become a single (small) income family, and had two beautiful daughters.
We knew we didn’t want to add anymore debt, so last December we set a goal of saving $10,000 for our new roof by the end of May.
Some of the money was from our tax return, and our church also gave us a portion; but the majority came by hard work and prayer. We really didn’t do much differently than we had been doing since we began our debt-free journey, we just refocused where we were putting our money (saving rather than applying it to the debt.) My husband worked as much over-time as he could, and picked up a few yard mowing jobs and other odd jobs once the weather warmed up.
When I became a stay-at-home mom two years ago, I began babysitting to help pay extra on our debt. So during those 6 months, all that income got put in a jar in our bedroom to serve as motivation. God has been so good at providing opportunities for us. We have been so blessed.
By May, we had the money saved and started getting quotes. We bought the materials ourselves (to take advantage of sale prices) and chose a contractor. They did excellent work and finished in a week. (We are usually DIYers, but this would have taken us months of doing it a weekend at a time.) After returning unused material and getting the final bill from the contractor, we were $2,000 under budget! God is so good!
We gave the contractors a little bonus, gave some back to our church, and went ahead and paid cash for four windows that we hadn’t yet replaced. We also took a mini-vacation for the first time since the start of our debt-free journey (our 4-year-old was SO excited to stay in a hotel/waterpark!)
It is truly amazing what can be accomplished when you are a little frugal and a lot faithful!
Abbygail is a stay-at-home turned work-at-home wife to Robb and mama of two beautiful girls Melea, 4, and Graciela, 1. She does in-home childcare where she not only gets to love on and tell about God to her own babies, but to several other children and families. She loves rural, simple living, walking through the grass barefoot, baking, and above all, serving God.
Have you saved up and paid cash for something — large or small? Submit your story for possible publication here.
Shared Sep 4, 2013
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Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: $15.28 worth of products for $3.78 out of pocket
Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: $15.28 worth of products for $3.78 out of pocket
Walgreens Shopping Trip
Transaction #1
1 Scope Dual Mouthwash – $2.99
Used $1.50/1 coupon from the 9/1 P&G insert1 Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste – $3.49
Used $0.50/1 coupon from the 9/1 P&G insertRedeemed 2,000 points (like $2) from previous trip
Total with tax ($0.46): $2.94, Received $1 Register Rewards (for buying Scope) and $2.50 Register Rewards (for buying Crest)
Transaction #2
2 Nivea Men’s Post Shave Balm – $3.50 each
Used 2 $2/1 coupon from the 8/18 RedPlum insert2 Mentos Gum – Marked down to $0.39 each (filler items)
Used $3.50 Register Rewards from Transaction #1
Total with tax ($0.56): $0.84, Received $2 Register Rewards
Total for both transactions before coupons and Register Rewards: $15.28
Total for both transactions after coupons and Register Rewards: $3.78 plus $2 Register Rewards leftover
Shared Sep 4, 2013
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Ask The Readers: How to make the transition from working in an office to working from home?
Ask The Readers: How to make the transition from working in an office to working from home?
Today’s question is from Kathleen:
I currently work full-time in an office and part-time from home, but I would like to transition into full-time freelance work from home within the next two years. I know there are many of you who have also transitioned to work from home full time… so I’m wondering:
What was the hardest part?
What was the easiest part?
What do you like best about working from home?
What do you miss the most about working in an office?
Do you feel that financially, you come out ahead working from home?
Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.
Gretchen’s Target Shopping Trip
Target Shopping Trip
1 GoGo Squeez (4 ct) – $2, used $0.90/1 printable – $1.10 after coupon
2 Advil (24 ct) – $3.49 each, used 2 $1/1 coupon from the 9/1 P&G insert – $2.49 each after coupons (Buy 2 – Get $5 Target gift card)
Total before coupons: $8.49
Total after coupons: $6.08, PLUS received $5 Target gift card for buying 2 Advil (like paying $1.08)
See the full list of deals at Target this week here.
Shared Sep 3, 2013
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Q&A Tuesday: What are some good non-toy present ideas for kids?
Q&A Tuesday: What are some good non-toy present ideas for kids?
{Making Sock Bubbles}
I live in a small home and we have two boys, a 2-year-old, and a 7-month-old. Every day I am struggling to keep our house neat, because they have so many TOYS! I am also struggling to keep the laundry done, because they have so many clothes! Grandparents, along with other relatives, are constantly buying them toys and clothing. I really appreciate the gesture, but enough is enough! Do you have any suggestions on NON-toy items for Christmas and Birthdays? -Kayla
This is a great question, Kayla!
It’s a wonderful problem that you have grandparents who want to bless your children so much, but I totally get where it is hard because you have limited space.
I’d encourage you to lovingly talk to the grandparents, expressing how much your appreciate how they want to bless your children, but telling them that since you have a small house, you don’t have much room for many extras. (For more on how to approach this with your relative, read this post.)
Here are some ideas:
Books & Magazines
While books do take up space, they can be easier to store, much less messy, and very worthwhile. Give the grandparents a few ideas of titles you’d like to add to your library.
Magazine Subscriptions
Your boys are still small, but when they get a little older, magazine subscriptions like Ranger Rick or Thomas the Train can be a lot of fun. They enjoy getting them in the mail and then you can recycle them or pass them on when you’re through with them.
{Experimenting with Fizzy Sidewalk Chalk}
Bubble Bath or Crayons or Sidewalk Chalk
My children have so much fun with bubble bath and sidewalk chalk, but it’s not something that I usually am going to spend money on. It can provide lots of fun — and is completely consumable!
Time Together
What about suggesting Grandma & Grandma plan a special date with your son instead of buying them a gift? This takes time, but it is often much more meaningful and memorable.
Treats
Is there a special food item your sons love? Maybe juice boxes or fruit snacks or animal crackers? Ask for these as a special treat instead of toys.
Craft Supplies
Crayons, paper, coloring books, and other craft supplies can enjoy hours of creative play!
Gift Cards for Restaurants/Treats
What about asking for a gift card to a restaurant or ice cream shop your child loves? Maybe even encourage the relative to take the child on a date there and let them pay with their gift card?
Memberships to Local Attractions
If you have some local museums, a zoo, or other fun places that offer memberships, ask for a membership. These are pricey, but can provide hours of fun, memories, and entertainment. Best of all, they take up zero space in your house!
Those are just a few ideas I had. What other suggestions do the rest of you have for Kayla?
Related: Dealing With Toy Overload, Four Weeks of Frugal Family Fun, and Consumable Gifts for Christmas.
Alisha’s Walmart and Target Shopping Trips: 10 items for free!
The following shopping trips were submitted by Alisha:
After finding great “Pick Up The Values” coupons from Kimberly-Clark, I printed them out and spent some time taking advantage of Ibotta offers this weekend. I found some great deals and was able to get 10 items for free (after “Pick Up The Values” coupons, and before tax).
Here’s what I bought at Target:
- Huggies Diapers – $8.97 – Used $2.50 coupon
- Huggies Wipes – $1.97 – Used $0.50 coupon
Paid (after coupons) = $7.94
I received $4.25 back from Ibotta (individual offers and $2.00 for buying two Huggies items in the same transaction).
Net Cost = $3.69
Here’s what I bought at Walmart:
- Viva Paper Towels 8-pk – $8.97 – Used $1.00 coupon
- Scott Extra Soft Toilet Paper – $5.97 – Used $1.00 coupon
- Kleenex 3-Pack – $4.47 – Used $1.00 coupon
- Kotex U Tampons – $3.78 – Used $1.50 coupon
- Poise Pads – $2.72 – Used $1.00 coupon
- Depends – $4.97 – Used $2.00 coupon
- Pull-Ups Training Pants – $8.97 – Used $2.00 coupon
- Scott Flushable Wipes – $1.96
Paid (after coupons) = $32.31
I received $36.25 back from Ibotta (individual offers, $3.00 for buying Kleenex, Scott, and Viva in one transaction, $5.00 for buying two products on two different days, and $20.00 for buying 10 items total).
Net Cost = Like making $3.94!
After the two shopping trips, I made $0.25 and everything but the Depends are items we use.
Have you gotten a great deal thanks to a tip you’ve found here on MoneySavingMom.com? Take a picture of your deal/purchase and write a short post on the deal details and submit it here. If your submission is chosen to be posted, I’ll send you a $25 Amazon gift card! Note: the more creative, unique, and well-written your post, the more chance it will have of being posted.
10 Ways To Save Money On Things You Might Buy Anyway
Guest post from Jamie
No matter how bad economic times are, there are some things we need to (or want to) buy — whether we can find a great deal or not. Of course, it’s always a pleasant surprise when we find these things for less than expected!
Whether you’re buying necessities, or simply things that make life better, everyone loves bargains… right?
Here are 10 ideas to help you find bargains on those unexpected items.
1. Airfare
It’s good advice to buy airline tickets in the morning, before business travelers start shopping. Buy tickets as far out as possible before your travel date as they are cheaper and probably won’t change much in price. Saturdays are good days to fly while Sundays and Thursdays are often the most expensive.
2. Event Tickets
When clubs or theaters have unsold seats, they rely on websites like Goldstar or resellers like Stubhub to fill those seats. Great deals are available — especially close to, or on the day of the show. Some of the hottest events can now be seen inexpensively.
3. Coffee
For some, coffee is a MUST in the morning, or all day. However, expensive brands aren’t always better. Cheaper brands like Dunkin’ Donuts are popular and sell for less than brews from couture coffee houses like Starbucks. Better yet, buy the beans and brew your own at home.
4. Prescription Eyeglasses
If you have a prescription from the last time you saw your eye doctor, use it to order inexpensive glasses from Eye Buy Direct. When you’re using glasses as a complement to contacts, it “pays” to spend less on them! Prices begin around $40.
5. Gift Cards
Find unused gift cards cheaper at websites like Gift Card Granny. Many options are available at an average of 15% off — so, for example, you could get a $100 gift card for only $85. Now that’s smart!
6. Computer Software
Websites like Royal Discount sell new software (that is guaranteed to work) at bargain prices. Students love getting deals on things like software, so they have extra money for the really important things.
7. Cosmetics
Websites like Noveau Cheap help fashionistas find all the best deals in one easy-to-search spot. Look your best every day, for less.
8. Clothing
Ladies clothing is available for bargain prices when you know where to look. Places like the 10 Dollar Mall and 6pm help shoppers find prices that are up to 75% off.
9. Designer Shoes
Everyone needs shoes, right? Bluefly, 6pm, and Zappo’s are great places to find deals — when you want great looks at lower prices, you’ll be amazed at what you might find.
10. Sunglasses
Places like Sunglass Hut and Sharp Shades are great places to find amazing deals on designer-inspired sunglasses.
See, there are bargains everywhere!
Bargain hunting has never been more fun or exciting. Since you might buy many of these things anyway, why not be smart and save as much as possible?
Saving money is always such a great feeling!
Jamie is a not a mom but a sister of two younger brothers. As the oldest in the house, she always felt the need to help out by taking on an extra job searching for the occasional deals. Since her recent move to Colorado, Jamie fell in love with hiking. She also loves live music, spending as much time with the family as possible and puppies (who doesn’t – smiley face!)
Free Printable: Chore Ideas for Kids
Three of the most popular posts on my blog are the 10 Chore Ideas for Toddlers, 15 Chore Ideas for 4-Year-Olds, and 20 Chore Ideas for 7-Year-Olds.
So I asked Jeff from FiveJs.com to put together a free Chore Ideas for Kids printable for those who might want to print the ideas out for inspiration. You can download and print it here.
OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!
Click here to download!
Do It Yourself: Personalized Picture Books for Babies
Nothing If Not Intentional shows you how to make personalized pictures books for babies.
Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.
6 Ways to Make Laundry Fun
I loved this post from Christa on Six Ways to Make Laundry Fun.
How do you make laundry more fun? You can see one way we’ve made laundry fun here.
One-year subscription to Hobby Farm Home Magazine for $7.50
Here is a unique deal that I have only seen a few times before! Order a one-year subscription to Hobby Farm Home Magazine for only $7.50 when you use coupon code MONEYSAVING at checkout. This magazine gets excellent reviews on Amazon and this is the lowest price that I have seen on this magazine.
About Hobby Farm Home Magazine: Hobby Farm Home celebrates traditional farm life with modern flair. Articles include cooking with home-grown produce and farm-raised meat, the decor of the farmhouse, reviving farm traditions, and the handmade creation of objects-bringing the farm indoors.
This offer expires tonight 09/03/13 11:59 PM EST.
Are you looking for other magazine titles? You can use coupon code MONEYSAVING to save 20% off of most titles at DiscountMags!
(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.)
10 Goals For This Week
As I mentioned in my menu post, there were a lot of unexpected things that cropped up last week, so some of my goals had to get bumped to the back burner.
I also decided that I’m going to hold off on doing the ChaLean program in favor of just running. I’ve gotten into a good groove with running and I want to stick with it for now.
Last week’s goals:
Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals
1.
Read 3 chapters of The Borrowers and
3 chapters of The Tanglewoods’ Secret to the children.Finish reading The Queen’s Smuggler with Kathrynne.Read 3 chapters of Caddie Woodlawn with Kaitlynn.Read a few picture books with Silas.
2. Write a love note to Jesse.3. Go on a date with Jesse.
Personal Goals
4. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-23.
5. Continue with the ChaLean Extreme Program.
Run 10 miles.6. Read Loving the Way Jesus Loves,
First: What It Takes to Win by Rich Froning, Leaving Yesterday, and Love Works.Homemaking Goals
7. Work for 30 minutes on my embroidery project.
8. Try two new recipes.
Business Goals
9. Work on updating 10 more posts for Pinterest.10. Write at least 3 posts for the 52 Ways to Save $100 a Year series. {I only got two posts written, but that progress, eh?}
This week’s goals:
Family/Marriage/Mothering Goals
1.
2. Write a love note to Jesse.
Personal Goals
3. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-23.
4. Run 12 miles.
5. Read Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Leaving Yesterday, and Love Works.
Homemaking Goals
6. Work for 30 minutes on my embroidery project.
7. Try two new recipes.
Business Goals
8. Work on updating 10 more posts for Pinterest.
9. Put together outlines for two new upcoming talks.
10. Write two posts for the 52 Ways to Save $100 a Year series.
How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!
You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.
This Week’s Menu Plan
Well, last week ended up having some extra responsibilities and some pretty major and unavoidable interruptions… so I finally decided to throw in the towel on my freezer cooking plans. That’s life sometimes, isn’t it?! But I’m going to try again this week — and hopefully it will actually happen! 🙂
Jesse and I are traveling on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week for some business meetings, so other than freezer cooking, I’m keeping everything else simple this week:
Breakfasts
Breakfast Cookies, Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, and/or Fruit
Lunches
Mac & cheese, fruit
Snack-y lunch {veggies, cheese, yogurt, fruit, crackers, etc.}
PB&J, carrot sticks, apples
Cheese quesadillas, carrot sticks
Leftovers x 3Snacks
Fruit/veggies
Popcorn
Boiled eggs
Breakfast CookiesFreezer Cooking in an Hour (I’ll share more how this goes later on this week!)
Healthy Choco-Cherry Oatmeal Cookie Recipe
To Die For Blueberry Muffins
Breakfast Cookies (different recipe than I tried before — just because I wanted to compare it!)
World’s Easiest Crockpot Refried Beans
Dinners
5 Star Cheeseburger Casserole (from the freezer), steamed veggies, fruit
Breakfast for dinner: Pancakes, fruit, scrambled eggs
Quesadillas, fruit, veggies
Bean & Cheese Burritos, fruit, steamed veggies
Dinner with friends (I’m bringing a fruit salad.)
Dinner with extended family x 2
Dinner out
What’s on your menu this week? Tell us in the comments or leave a link to your menu plan post.