Domestic Serenity shows you how to make homemade citrus vinegar cleaner.
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.
Summer Bucket List
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Johanna’s freebies from Kroger & Walmart this week
Shopping trip post submitted by Johanna:
I wanted to share some freebies I was able to pick up this week at Kroger and Walmart. I was hoping for some more freebies to add to this list, but not everything works out the way you plan, even when you plan well. But all-in-all, I am still very pleased of my results. 🙂
KROGER
Colgate Toothpaste – $0.99 Used free digital coupon from Kroger – no longer available
Clear Shampoo for Men’s $5.99 – Used free digital coupon from Kroger – no longer available
Enfagrow Toddler Milk (4 pack) $5.99 – Used $7.00 coupon from mail (received $1.01 overage)
Huggies Wipes $1.99 – Used $0.50 from coupons.com
Total was $0.48 for products + tax.WALMART
2 Reach Floss $0.97 each – Used 2 $1/1 coupons from coupons.com
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Detergent (64 Pack) $12.97 – Used free coupon mailed to me
Total was $0.00 for products, I only had to pay tax.One of the tips I have learned from couponing and any manufacturer satisfaction through the years is that if you do not like a product, give the manufacturer a call. I was happily surprised after I called Cascade and let them know that the ‘Basic’ dishwasher detergent did not work well, they made my dishes look worse than before.
She asked me some questions and then let me know she would mail a coupon to me within the week. I was happy enough, then even happier when the coupon came and there was no cash limit written out. The coupon stated 1 free product of Cascade Detergent.
So, my tip to any savvy couponer: call and let the manufacturer know if there is a problem with the product, you never know if they will give you your money back or even better a free coupon. So, I was able to get the biggest bang for my freebie buck!! -Johanna
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.
Shared Aug 3, 2013
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Sheryl’s CVS Shopping Trip: $49.69 worth of product for $14.19 + got $11 ECBs back!
Sheryl’s CVS Shopping Trip: $49.69 worth of product for $14.19 + got $11 ECBs back!
Post submitted by Sheryl Hodson:
Six years ago after my daughter was born, I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, but after the first month at home, my husband and I realized that our spending was out of control. If we didn’t do something, I would have to go back to work.
I found MoneySavingMom and it has changed how we live. I learned how to play the drugstore game and have literally saved my family hundreds of dollars over the years.
I was so excited about what I was able to get this week at CVS that I had to share. Here is the breakdown of what I bought:
2 Colgate Total toothpaste @ $3.79
1 Colgate Total mouthwash @ $4.39
used: 2 .75 off Colgate Total from coupons.com
$1 off Colgate mouthwash
$2 off any $8 Oral Care purchase CVS coupon
$3 off 2 Colgate Total Toothpaste CVS coupon printed last week
Received $5 ECBsGillette Fusion Proglide Razor $9.99
Used $8 off coupon my husband got in a home mailer
Received $2 ECBsSchick Razor Blades $9.49
Used $2 off coupon from Schick home mailer
Received $4 ECBs2 Gummy vitamins @ $14.99 – BOGO free
Used 2 $1 off Disney vitamin coupon from coupons.com
$4 off any $20 vitamin purchase CVS coupon printed last week
$2 off Vitamin purchase CVS coupon advertised in the AdUsed $10 ECB from last week
Total before coupons and EB: $49.69
Total OOP after coupons and EB: $14.19
Received $11 ECB back-Sheryl Hodson is a Christ-follower, wife to Matt, and mom to two amazing kids.
See the full list of deals at CVS this week.
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.
How to Make 5 Summer Meals from 5 Chicken Breasts: Get the shopping list, prep instructions, and recipes!
JessieLeigh from Parenting Miracles just updated her how to make five summer meals from five chicken breasts post with the shopping list of ingredients needed for all the meals, all the prep instructions for the chicken in the meals, and all the recipes for each chicken meal.
Gretchen’s $35 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan
I didn’t buy very much food this week as we have plans for several nights this week. We’ll mainly be eating from our pantry/stockpile on the nights we are home.
Aldi
1 Burrito Tortillas – $1.49 (They were out of the $0.99 tortillas.)
1 Mini Marshmallows – $0.89
1 bag Oranges – $2.99
1 Raisins Canister – $2.79
1 bag Sugar – $1.97
1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil – $2.99 (Thank you to everyone who suggested I buy this at Aldi. I was so excited to find it there!)
Total with tax: $14.06
Dillons
2 Dillons Milk (1/2 gallons) – $1.25 each
1 bag Kroger Frozen Chicken Breasts – $6.98
1 Clear Shampoo – $4.99, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon
2 Reach Toothbrush – $1 each, used 2 $1/1 printable – Free after coupon
2 Crest Kid’s Toothpaste – $1 each, used 2 $0.50/1 coupon from the 7/28 P&G insert (doubled) – Free after coupons
2 Speed Stick Deodorant – $1, used 2 $0.50/1 coupon from the 7/28 SmartSource insert (doubled) – Free after coupons
1 Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies – $2.50, used $0.50/1 printable (doubled) – $1.50 after coupon
2 Angel Soft Toilet Paper (4 pk) – $1.19, used 2 $0.45/1 coupon from the 7/28 RedPlum insert (doubled) – $0.29 each after coupons
3 Colgate Toothpaste – $1, used 3 $0.50/1 coupon from the 7/14 SmartSource insert (doubled) – Free after coupons
1 Colgate Sparkling White Toothpaste – $1.99, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – $0.99 after coupon (This coupon only took off $1. I was disappointed because I never pay for toothpaste.)
1 Ramen Noodles – $0.75, used $0.50/1 coupon from the 5/19 SmartSource insert (doubled) – Free after coupon
0.62 lbs Broccoli Crowns @ $0.99/lb – $0.61
1 Kroger Table Salt – $0.47
3 Frosted Flakes – $1.99 each, used $1/3 coupon from the 7/28 RedPlum insert – $1.66 each after coupon
Total before coupons and sales: $59.85
Total with tax ($2) after coupons and sales: $20.60
Health Food Store
I also went to the Health Food store with my Mom and she so sweetly bought me the items pictured above which I had put in my cart to purchase. Isn’t she the best? 🙂
Total for all grocery items (that I purchased): $34.66
Menu Plan for this Week
Breakfasts
Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast
Lunches
Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Cheese Quesadillas, Fruit and Yogurt, Cheese & Crackers, Out to eat with family
Dinners
Dinner at my parents (x 2 – My sister and her family are in town so we will eat at my parents a couple times. My Mom makes ALL the food for everyone most of the time we go there just to give her busy daughters a break from cooking. Like I said, she is the best!)
Dinner with friends (They also insisted on making all the food. We have sweet friends!) 🙂
Macaroni & Cheese, Fruit Salad
Pancakes, Eggs, Hashbrowns
Chicken Fajitas (We didn’t end up having these last week so they’re on our menu again this week.), Rice, Steamed Broccoli
Chicken Noodle Casserole, Tossed Salad, Sliced Oranges
Shared Aug 1, 2013
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Charity’s CVS Shopping Trip: $28.04 worth for $12.74 + received $11.50 back in ECBs
Charity’s CVS Shopping Trip: $28.04 worth for $12.74 + received $11.50 back in ECBs
The following is a guest post by Charity Purdy:
I started couponing around two years ago, and thanks to MoneySavingMom.com and other deal bloggers, I have been able to save our family a lot of money. One of my favorite stores for deals is CVS. I was so excited about my deals for this week that I could hardly wait to get to the store! I had to tweak the Colgate deal a little because of different prices and coupons.
Here is the breakdown of what I bought:
1 Starbucks Iced Coffee, 11 oz. for $1.50
Used $1/1 online coupon
Received $1.50 Extra Care Bucks2 Oral-B Cross Action refills, 2 count for $5.99 each
Used 2 $3/1 coupons from the 7/28 P&G Insert
Received $4.00 Extra Care Bucks1 Stayfree Pads 16 count for $2.99
Used $1/1 online coupon
Received $1.00 Extra Care Buck1 7-UP 2 Liter for $0.99
Used $0.30/1 coupon from the CVS Coupon Machine2 Colgate Total Zx Pro-Shield Plus Sensitivity for $5.29 each
Used 2 $1/1 coupons from the 7/28 SmartSource Insert
Used 1 $3/2 Colgate Total Toothpastes that I got last week from the CVS Coupon Machine
Used 1 $2/$10 Toothpaste purchase that I got this week from the CVS Coupon Machine
My total before coupons and Extra Care Bucks was $28.04. After coupons, I owed $12.74 and I received $11.50 Extra Care Bucks!
Charity Purdy is a pastor’s wife and stay at home mom with two beautiful daughters. Despite her terrible math skills, she discovered her love of couponing a couple years ago, thanks to Crystal at MoneySavingMom.com. Now she uses the deals to enable her to stay at home and help others in need.
We Paid Cash: A Honda Civic
A testimony from Rachael from Thriving on Thrifty
When my husband and I first got married in 2009, he was still driving around his first car, a small 1998 Nissan — verging on 200,000 miles. With this in mind, we knew that a vehicle purchase would be in our near future. However, saving and money-management was something I had never really practiced before we got married.
Life quickly set in though as two newly married 20-year-olds, with only a part-time job between us, and my husband still in college full-time. We had the option of either going into debt with no end in sight or figuring out how to live within our means.
Fortunately, I was able to find a full-time job within two weeks of getting married and we cut back on everything. We made a plan and stuck to it… and within 7 months of being married we were able to start putting money in a savings account!
By that time, my husband had graduated college and was also working his first-full time job. My husband and I both hoped that one day I would be able to be a stay at home mom, so we decided to only “live” off of one salary so we didn’t become accustomed to living off of two salaries. We used my income primarily for savings and paying off debt.
In today’s times, we didn’t know if being a one-income family was even possible, but we had that goal in mind knowing that we needed to pay down our debt, fund an emergency fund, and of course still save for that vehicle.
Within a two-year period, my husband and I were able save enough money to pay cash for our 2008 Honda Civic. No, it wasn’t new, but it was new to us and we didn’t have to finance it.
Not only had we paid cash for our Civic, but we had funded our emergency fund and paid off ALL of our debt (with the exception of our house) all in time to find out we were expecting our first child!
The following is my encouragement and tips to others out there:
Write down your goals:
Make a list of everything you want to accomplish. By writing it down, you can make yourself more accountable to sticking to it.
Yes, life happens and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but writing it down can at least help you stay more focused on your goals — not to mention, writing down all of your goals can really help you figure out which goals are most important to you and start focusing on those first.
Make a plan:
Once you have figured out your goals, make a plan and stick to it. Really do your homework and make a specific, reasonable plan. Crunch the numbers and figure out what you have to cut back on in order to reach your goal in your desired time-table.
Save, Save, Save:
After you determine your plan, start saving! Even if you have months where you can’t save what you had hoped, save what you can. Keep your chin up and don’t get discouraged.
I am now able to stay home with my 15-month-old son, and I find creative ways to save money and make a little income on the side — including blogging on my new blog, Thriving on Thrifty, where I write about money management, deals I find, ways to save, and other life management skills. Buying items after we have saved the money versus going into debt has lessened our financial stress and given me the opportunity to be a stay at home mom.
Have you saved up and paid cash for something — large or small? Submit your story for possible publication here.
Shared Aug 1, 2013
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Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: $36.21 worth of products for $4.93 out of pocket!
Gretchen’s Walgreens Shopping Trip: $36.21 worth of products for $4.93 out of pocket!
Walgreens Shopping Trip
Transaction #1
1 Reach Toothbrush (2 pk) – $2.99
Used $2/1 printable1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush – $2.99
Used $1/1 coupon from the 7/28 SmartSource insert1 Crest Pro-Health Rinse – $4.49
Used $1.50/1 coupon from the 7/28 P&G insertRedeemed 3,000 Balance Reward points (like $3)
Total with tax ($0.75): $3.72, Received $2 Register Rewards (for buying Reach), $1.50 Register Rewards (for buying Colgate) and $2 Register Rewards (for buying Crest)
Transaction #2
2 U by Kotex Pads – $3.99 each
Used $2/2 printable
And used $2/1 coupon from the Walgreens IVC August booklet (took off $4)4 Carefree Pantiliners – $1.69 each (On Sale Buy One Get One 50% off)
Used 4 $0.50/1 printable1 Scissors – $0.49 with in-ad coupon
2 2-pocket Folders – $0.10 each
Used $5.50 Register Rewards from Transaction #1
Total with tax ($0.98) – $1.21, Received 2,000 Balance Rewards (like $2) for buying 4 Carefree
Total before sales, coupons, Register Rewards and Balance Rewards for both transactions: $36.21
Total with tax after sales, coupons, Register Rewards and Balance Rewards for both transactions: $4.93
See the full list of deals at Walgreens this week.
Ask the Readers: Are Receipt Surveys Worth the Time?
Today’s question is from Ashley:
We’ve all seen those survey sweepstakes at the bottom of our receipts, right? You fill out a survey about your shopping experience and you’re entered for a chance to win money, gift cards, etc. But I’m wondering: has anyone actually ever won one of these things?
Is it worth the time and effort to fill out the survey, or do most people find it to be just a waste of time? -Ashley
Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.
10 Guaranteed Ways to Never Run Out of Blog Post Ideas (#7)
Missed the first posts in this series? Check them out here.
#7 Experiment Regularly
When was the last time you did something new? Creativity breeds creativity, so if you’ve allowed yourself to become stuck in a rut that could be one of reasons you’re struggling with coming up with blogging ideas and inspiration.
Try Something New
If new things scare you, I completely get it. I’m the type of person who would always eat the same things and wear the same types of clothes, but I’m learning that variety is the spice of life. It’s good to force yourself out of your little safe, comfortable zone and experience new things — new tastes, sounds, smells, books, recipes, projects, and so on.
As a blogger, never get completely comfortable with doing things the way you’ve always done them. Occasionally challenge yourself to try new types of posts (short and long, funny and deep), new types of writing styles, or new & different approaches to where, how, and when you write.
This doesn’t mean that you always have to be experimenting and can never get into a rhythm, but don’t allow yourself to become so stuck in one way of doing things that you’re not willing to expand your horizons a little to help fuel more inspiration.
Face Your Fears
Earlier this year, I played my violin in front of a crowd for the first time in years. That might not seem like a big deal, but for me it was pretty colossal because it meant facing some very deep-seated fears and punching them in the face.
It’s been the same with public speaking — and even with traveling and meeting new people. I’m an introvert by nature and being in new situations, speaking in front of people, and being around large crowds used to absolutely scare me to the point of nausea. I love home and quiet and the “safety” that it brings.
But my husband and I both clearly felt the tugging in our hearts two and half years ago that I was supposed to start accepting a few speaking opportunities. I cannot begin to describe the sickening fear I had for the first year over every single speaking engagement (some of you witnessed this firsthand if you were in the audience for some of those talks!).
I knew it was the path I was supposed to follow and my husband was confident it was God’s leading, as well. So I faced those fears over and over again. Each time, I got a little bit more confident.
The funny thing is, over time, I’ve discovered is that I love speaking engagements. Sure, there are still some of the nerves to deal with, but the opportunity to get to meet you all face-to-face, hug you, look into your eyes and hear your stories, and glean from your wisdom and real-life examples has been worth all those moments when I wanted to run away and never speak in public or meet a new person again.
Facing my fears in this has enriched my life more than I could have ever imagined. Plus, it’s given me confidence to face other fears head-on, too.
Never Stop Learning
Constantly be challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone and/or be improving in at least one area. If you’re up to it, choose one area in each facet of life (personal, family, business, etc.) to be working on at once so that you’re being stretched in a few different directions.
Take a class, learn a new skill, try a new recipe, experiment with a new do-it-yourself project, develop a new friendship, read a new kind of book, try a new fitness routine… the possibilities are endless. Whatever it is you choose, though, make sure that it’s ultimately blessing your life — not serving as a burden of guilt or making you feel like a failure.
Challenging yourself to always be learning will not only inspire your creativity and motivate you to think outside the box, but it will also give you renewed zest and passion for life. New experiences will provide new stories to write about, new questions to ponder, and new viewpoints to consider. All of these things will enhance your writing — and give you an almost limitless supply of blogging inspiration.
What is one new thing you’re learning or area you’re working on improving in right now?
OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!
Click here to download!
How to Get a Fresh Start By Taking a Personal Retreat
Guest post from Jamie of From His Presence
Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Do you wish you could get away from the rat race, and get your life back on track?
I usually feel that way a few times each year. However, I have found something that makes me feel better every time — taking a personal retreat.
A personal retreat is a time you set aside when you can just be alone. It doesn’t have to be costly or adventurous; you could retreat to a local park or your spare bedroom. It doesn’t even have to be long; just a few hours alone can make a huge difference.
The key to an effective personal retreat is simply to get away from your routine. Once you’re away, amazing things can happen!
Here are three ways to get the most out of your personal retreat:
1. Refresh.
Go somewhere peaceful and beautiful. Take time to rest, and let the beauty of your surroundings wash the stress away.
If you can, I encourage you to go somewhere outdoors. There’s something about nature that will lift your spirits! Find a quiet spot at a nearby park, forest, riverbank, or beach. (If you have to stay inside, make sure you go to a clean room, so you won’t think about the work you need to do the whole time!)
In October 2012, when I was considering starting my blog, I was desperate for some time to think and pray. So, my husband and I drove to the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park for a one-night camping trip. After a good night’s sleep, he went sightseeing so I could be alone.
The first thing I did was to go for a walk around the campground. The autumn leaves were at peak color. As I soaked in the peace and quiet of the woods, nature’s beauty brought healing to my frazzled soul. I felt like a new person by the time I finished that 30-minute walk.
Whether your beautiful spot is a spare bedroom, the woods, or the beach, going to a place where you can be refreshed by your surroundings will make all the difference.
2. Revamp.
After you feel rested, use your personal retreat to honestly evaluate what’s going well in your life, and what’s not.
Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself:
- “What are some things I’ve succeeded in recently?” (Celebrate these!)
- “Do I like the way my life looks right now? If not, what needs to change?”
- “Do I have a dream I need to get started on—whether in big steps or in baby steps?”
Revamping requires an honest appraisal of where you are and where you’d like to be.
Before my personal retreat in October 2012, I felt like I was about to start a new season in life, but I didn’t know what that new season would look like. I had ideas, but no real sense of direction.
However, as I prayed, journaled, and even cried in my tent that day :), all my thoughts seemed to come together in one direction: writing and blogging. I knew that blogging would be a giant leap for me. Nevertheless, I also knew that my dream of writing and speaking would never happen if I didn’t take action. It was time to revamp some things so I could chase my dream.
You may need to revamp some things in order to chase your dream, too. So go ahead and identify the changes you need to make to get your life on track. Decide how to make those changes. You might have to be courageous, but it will be worth it!
3. Re-energize.
After you refresh and revamp, use your personal retreat to pump yourself up for the future.
- Envision what you want the next 3-6 months of your life to look like. Write your vision down.
- Set specific goals. Write them down.
- Brainstorm ideas related to your vision. (Don’t critique your ideas; just let yourself dream!)
Getting specific with your dreams and goals will motivate and inspire you like nothing else can.
A personal retreat is an opportunity for you to break with your past and design your future. If you are worn out, and dream of something better, I encourage you to take a retreat as soon as you can. Get refreshed. Revamp. Re-energize. No matter how simple your retreat is, it will help you prepare for the next season of your life.
Have you ever taken a personal retreat?
Jamie Rohrbaugh is a wife, financial analyst, Sunday School teacher, musician, and unlikely worship leader from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her passion is to encourage and equip people to live powerful lives and to function in their gifts. She blogs at From His Presence about how to live ordinary life in God’s manifest presence.
Shared Jul 31, 2013
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Gretchen’s Target Shopping Trip: $15.27 worth of items for $2.23 out of pocket!
Gretchen’s Target Shopping Trip: $15.27 worth of items for $2.23 out of pocket!
Target Shopping Trip
2 Market Pantry Pasta – $0.87 each AND 2 Market Pantry Spaghetti Sauce – $1 each, used 2 $1/2 (spaghetti sauce and pasta) Target printable – $0.44 each after coupons
1 Van’s Gluten Free Frozen Waffles – $2.50, used $3/1 printable – Free after coupon
1 Chobani Campions Yogurt (4 pk) – Marked down to $2.08, used $1/1 Target printable AND $1/1 printable – $0.08 after coupons
1 Reach Floss – $0.92, used $1/1 printable – Free after coupon
1 Cover Girl Eye Shadow – $2.98, used $1/1 Target mobile coupon (text JULY4 to 827438) AND $1.50/1 coupon from the 7/28 P&G insert – $0.48 after coupons
3 Up & Up Crayons – $0.25 each AND 1 Up & Up Glue Sticks – $0.30, used $1/4 Target mobile coupon – $0.05 total after coupon (The coupon did not come off my phone so the cashier manually entered it in.)
Total before sales and coupons: $15.27
Total with tax ($0.46) after sales and coupons: $2.23
10 Guaranteed Ways to Never Run Out of Blog Post Ideas (#6)
Missed the first posts in this series? Check them out here.
#6 Build Community
If you want to build a successful blog, can I encourage you to stop focusing so much on building a platform and instead throw your efforts into creating a community?
Listen to Your Readers
A community is where people feel welcomed, heard, accepted, and a part of something. You have a voice. You have worth. You have influence.
The worst thing you can do as a blogger is to write a post and then disappear and never come back to interact in the comments. Blogging is a two-way street.
I’m not saying you have to respond to every single comment, but do take time to engage with your audience. Let them know that you appreciate them, that you care about them, and that you’re reading what they have to say.
This blog has changed a lot since its early days. I’m no longer a one-woman show. In fact, I have some of the best and brightest people working for me. I’ve delegated a lot of tasks so that I can have a healthy balance in my own life and have margin to invest in my own health, marriage, and children.
But one thing I’ve chosen not to delegate is reading and responding to comments and managing my Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts. Yes, it takes time to keep up with all the comments on the blog and on my social media channels (and I don’t always get to respond to every one like I’d like to!), but it’s so very worth it because you all are my community. (Please note: I’m not saying that everyone should make the decisions I’ve made here, but I know that this is one decision I have yet to regret in the least.)
This might sound a little weird, but it’s true: I love you all. I care about you all. And I want to know what you all are saying — the good, the bad, and the ugly.
If dozens of you don’t like a post, I want to know that so I can step back and ask myself, “What did I do wrong?” and “What can I learn from my mistakes?” If a number of you found a post really helpful, I want to know that to so I can keep it in mind as I contemplate future post ideas and series ideas.
Ask for Your Readers’ Input
Reading what you have to say has taught me so much. I’ve grown as a person, my mind has been expanded, my understanding of the world has been broadened, and I’ve picked up more frugal tips and suggestions than I could ever count.
Truly, you all are so brilliant and amazing. I learn something new from you each and every day.
And that’s why I love asking for your input. I want to know your ideas and suggestions — because they are often a hundred times better than I could ever come up with on my own.
Best of all, your comments and emails provide me with a never-ending stream of blog post ideas. If you ever run low on blog post ideas, try asking your readers for suggestions — either for post ideas or just asking for their input on a decision you’re trying to make, even if it’s something rather small (like what to do with all my canned biscuits). This makes your readers feel like they are more a part of your life and it helps to provide you with blog fodder, too. 🙂
Value Your Readers’ Suggestions
Don’t just ask for your readers’ input; really listen to what they have to say. Learn from them. Engage them in discussions. Ask for their advice and input.
If your readers know they are valued, they are much more likely to interact in the comments, send you emails, and stick with you for the long haul. And this will guarantee that you’ll have an endless string of new blogging ideas coming your way for years to come!
Just a Little Thank You
It’s only fit that I end this post with a thank you note to each and every one of you who read here regularly. You have no idea how much your comments and emails mean to me. I don’t always get to respond to each of them, but I read and appreciate every one.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being a part of this community. As always, if you have suggestions or ideas for how we can make this an even better community, I’d love to hear and consider them.
I’m blessed by you every day. You’ve enriched my life more than you’ll ever know. Just thank you.
Shared Jul 30, 2013
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Gretchen’s CVS Shopping Trip: $54 worth of products for just $3.11 out of pocket!
Gretchen’s CVS Shopping Trip: $54 worth of products for just $3.11 out of pocket!
CVS Shopping Trip
2 Herbal Essence Hair Care – $2.50 each
Used Buy One Get One Free coupon from the 7/28 P&G insert (automatically took off $4.99)1 Schick Hydro Silk Razor Cartridge Refills (4 ct) – $9.49 (This is regularly priced at $18.99 but was on sale this week at my store as part of the Schick deal. It’s a lot better deal than buying the razor.)
Used $4/1 printable2 Nature Bounty Vitamins – $6.29 (On Sale Buy One Get One Free)
Used 2 $2/1 coupon from the 7/28 SmartSource insert
And used $2/1 CVS coupon from the coupon machine2 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste – $3.79 each
Used $2/2 coupon from the 7/28 SmartSource insert1 Colgate Total Advanced Toothpaste – $4.49
Used $1/1 coupon from the 7/28 SmartSource insert
And used $2.50/$12+ toothpaste purchase CVS coupon from coupon machineUsed 30% off CVS coupon from my email inbox (took off $3.63)
And used $8 ECBs from my last CVS trip
Total before sales, coupons and ECBs: $54.30
Total with tax ($2.38) after sales, coupons and ECBs – $3.11 PLUS received $5 ECBs (for buying 3 Colgate products), $1 ECB (for buying 2 Herbal Essence products) and $4 ECBs (for buying 1 Schick razor)
See the full list of deals at CVS this week.
4 Ideas to Grow Your Income
Guest post from Alexa of Single Moms Income
As a single mother, I have learned what it’s like to barely be able to fund a bare bones budget. At times, I have to scrimp and save every last dollar to keep the bills paid. I have found that when there is nothing left to cut out of your budget your only option is to increase your income.
I have gotten pretty good at finding different income sources to supplement the income from my day job. If you are in a situation like mine, you need to find a way to bring in a little extra money to pay for the necessities, too.
Here are some of the things I do:
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing has come to be one of the best sources of extra income for me. When I first started writing for money, I used content mills such as Text Broker or Interact Media. The pay offered by these is very low, usually in the ball park of $1-$5 per article when starting out. I became unsatisfied with the pay from these sites and ventured out on my own.
I decided to try to get writing jobs from freelance job boards. I also hunt down my own clients who I think may be interested in my services.
While I do spend a lot of time looking for clients the pay from these jobs is much, much better. In fact, I now make $25 – $40 per article. If there are months that I can’t find clients and need a few extra bucks, the content mills will always be there to fall back on.
2. Blogging
Blogging is a huge time commitment but I really enjoy it. It took me three months before making the first dime off my blog.
My blog is still relatively young and the income I make from it varies. So far, on a good month I’ll make $300, while on a bad month I may not make anything. With time and consistent hard work, I know I will see the income from this increase.
Note from Crystal: If you want to learn more about how to make money blogging, check out my series here.
3. Swagbucks & Inbox Dollars
I have accepted the fact that I simply do not have money to stash away for Christmas this year. However, I am also grateful for this. I will be forced to spend less and concentrate more on the true meaning of Christmas.
So, this year the majority of our Christmas presents will be funded by gift cards and cash earned through Swagbucks and Inbox Dollars.
The money earned through these outlets is not huge, but by working on them all year long, it can really add up. I use Swagbucks as my search engine to earn points and I read emails from Inbox Dollars and complete any special offers that interest me.
Neither one of these takes any real effort and can be done mindlessly. By the time Christmas rolls around, I should have at least a couple hundred dollars by doing each of these daily.
4. Stay Positive & Think Outside the Box
There are tons of people in the same position as I am. If you can barely pay your bills and have cut every imaginable expense out of your budget, your only option is to increase your income.
Think of things that you enjoy doing and find a way to make money from them. You could walk dogs, tutor children, give music lessons, clean houses, or offer landscaping services.
The options are limitless. If you can think outside of the box and focus on the positive rather than the negative you will enjoy earning the money. You never know, if you keep at it you may be able to turn your side income into a full time income, all while enjoying what you do and solving your budgeting problems.
Alexa is a single mother to two little girl’s ages three and four. She is on a mission to create a happy, fulfilled life for herself and her family. She chronicles her journey as a single mother trying to make it big at Single Moms Income.