April Totals:
Total Spent: 212.76
Total Saved: $78.06
May Totals:
Total Spent: 164.52
Total Saved: 71.61
Can you tell I have been slacking????
Showing posts with label 2012 Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012 Challenge. Show all posts
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A New Goal
I have found that $150 just isn't quite enough per month. Especially with meat prices the way they are. So, for the rest of the year, my goal is $200 per month. This will allow for guests, sickness, etc. This last month, March, we were both sick for awhile and my family has been here. It costs a lot more to feed 6 people than it does 2! :) So here's to the new adjustment!
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 2012 Challenge
Goal: $150 per month
March Total Spent: $160.42
March Total Saved: $171.12
Year To Date Spent: $537.35
Year To Date Saved: $585.04
March Total Spent: $160.42
March Total Saved: $171.12
Year To Date Spent: $537.35
Year To Date Saved: $585.04
Monday, March 5, 2012
Free Food!!!
Remember how I bought a freezer? Well, I went back to Albertson's today to redeem a good chunk of my awesome coupons. Can you say "Wow!" I spent $3.05 in tax (plus $2.39 for milk) and came home with all of this:
The two things I was most excited for??? Free Ramen and Free Sprinkles! I have been wanting Ramen forever but haven't buckled down and bought it. (It's so expensice, right?)
A lot of these foods are "treat" foods... or foods that I don't buy very often. I don't think it's worth paying money for Eggo's or tomato pasta sauce. But if it's free, why not! We needed the freezer so why not cash in a bit.
We paid $159.99 for the freezer and I saved $85.38 today. So, $75 for a freezer isn't bad! :) Plus, this really helps out my budget this month!
The two things I was most excited for??? Free Ramen and Free Sprinkles! I have been wanting Ramen forever but haven't buckled down and bought it. (It's so expensice, right?)
A lot of these foods are "treat" foods... or foods that I don't buy very often. I don't think it's worth paying money for Eggo's or tomato pasta sauce. But if it's free, why not! We needed the freezer so why not cash in a bit.
We paid $159.99 for the freezer and I saved $85.38 today. So, $75 for a freezer isn't bad! :) Plus, this really helps out my budget this month!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
February 2012 Challenge Totals
February Total Spent: $162.27
February Total Saved: $207.76
Year to Date Spent: $377.03
Year to Date Saved: $413.92
Year Goal: $1,800
Amount Left: $1,422.97
February Total Saved: $207.76
Year to Date Spent: $377.03
Year to Date Saved: $413.92
Year Goal: $1,800
Amount Left: $1,422.97
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Meal Planning on a Budget
I gave this idea a trial run in the month of February, but I intend to really REALLY stick to it this time. :)
I have been using a monthly meal calendar for a few months now. I find it really useful and solves some of the "What do I want to make" blues. However, some nights, what is on my calendar may not strike my fancy. So, as long as I have the ingredients at home, I am ok to change it.
Beginning of the month, can you tell?! I also have been making bread more often so I am going through my baking supplies faster than normal. And would you believe it if I said there isn't any salt in my house right now!?!
Let me know if this helps you out!!
I have been using a monthly meal calendar for a few months now. I find it really useful and solves some of the "What do I want to make" blues. However, some nights, what is on my calendar may not strike my fancy. So, as long as I have the ingredients at home, I am ok to change it.
Last month, I added a grocery booklet to go along with my calendar. I wrote down by week what I needed. This served as an excellent shopping list! Also, if there was a sale on an item I needed later in the month that was nonperishable, I knew I could pick it up early and cross if off my list. It worked fabulously!
Beginning of the month, can you tell?! I also have been making bread more often so I am going through my baking supplies faster than normal. And would you believe it if I said there isn't any salt in my house right now!?!
I have a couple of coupons I would like to use because they are rare and of high value. So, I have the final page dedicated to items I am looking to stock up on. These coupons expire this month. If I was smart, I would write down the coupon expiration date!
Let me know if this helps you out!!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Planned Trip... That I Know Won't Go Smoothly
I am planning for the worst tomorrow. I highly doubt I will be getting everything I want :) But that is the price I pay for not wanting to pay full price!
I got most of what I wanted! YES!
Albertson's
6 boxes Multi Grain Peanut Butter Cheerio's
$1.75
Use $1 (No longer available) and doubler
=Free +tax
Walmart:
16 Yoplait Yogurt
$.50
Use $1/8 and doubler
=.25 each or $2 for 16
6 Barilla Pasta
$1.08
Use $1/2 and doubler
=$.08 each or $.48 for 6
4 Muir Glen tomato paste
(Only at Overland store)
$.98/can
Use $1/2 (no longer availible) and doubler
= +$.02 per can or +$.08 overage
(enough to cover one box of pasta. hehe!)
4 Kraft Fresh Take
Rumored price: $2.09
Use $1/1 from SS 2/26 and doubler
=$.09 each or $.18 for 2
2 Armour Pepperoni
Price Unknown $1.78
Use $1/2 coupon (nla) and doubler
=? But I want pizza! hehe
$1.56 for 2
3 IAMS pet food
$4.67
Use $3/1 from P&G this month
=$1.67 for one or $5 for 3
*Does not count on my 2012 Challenge Budget!
If all goes well, I will pay $2.66 plus pepperoni and tax on my budget and $7.66 + extra with cat food.
If any of the above don't work out, I have several alternatives
6 Colgate Toothpates 4.0oz
$.97
Use $.75/1 from SS 2/26 and doublers
Free or +$.51 depending on cashier
Cascade Action Packs
(Hardly ever in stock)
$.97
Use $.50/1 and doubler
Free or +$.03
Oral B Floss
(hardly ever in stock)
$.98
Use $.75/1 from Feb. P&G and doublers
Free or +$.50 depending on cashier
Items not in stock at my store!
Or, if the Fresh Take really is that good of a deal, I will get more of those! They are really easy and pretty good!
AND....
If none of those work, I will have a bunch of doublers to give away!
Total Spent: $13.71
Feb Budget: $8.80
Total Saved: $55.82
I got most of what I wanted! YES!
Albertson's
6 boxes Multi Grain Peanut Butter Cheerio's
$1.75
Use $1 (No longer available) and doubler
=Free +tax
Walmart:
16 Yoplait Yogurt
$.50
Use $1/8 and doubler
=.25 each or $2 for 16
6 Barilla Pasta
$1.08
Use $1/2 and doubler
=$.08 each or $.48 for 6
4 Muir Glen tomato paste
(Only at Overland store)
$.98/can
Use $1/2 (no longer availible) and doubler
= +$.02 per can
(enough to cover one box of pasta. hehe!)
4 Kraft Fresh Take
Rumored price: $2.09
Use $1/1 from SS 2/26 and doubler
=$.09 each or $.18 for 2
2 Armour Pepperoni
Use $1/2 coupon (nla) and doubler
=
$1.56 for 2
3 IAMS pet food
$4.67
Use $3/1 from P&G this month
=$1.67 for one or $5 for 3
*Does not count on my 2012 Challenge Budget!
If all goes well, I will pay $2.66 plus pepperoni and tax on my budget and $7.66 + extra with cat food.
If any of the above don't work out, I have several alternatives
6 Colgate Toothpates 4.0oz
$.97
Use $.75/1 from SS 2/26 and doublers
Free or +$.51 depending on cashier
Items not in stock at my store!
Or, if the Fresh Take really is that good of a deal, I will get more of those! They are really easy and pretty good!
AND....
If none of those work, I will have a bunch of doublers to give away!
Total Spent: $13.71
Feb Budget: $8.80
Total Saved: $55.82
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Kellogg's Cereal
I think I am done buying cereal for awhile... unless I can get it for FREE... like I hope to on Monday with doublers...
But anyway, I was feeling very impulsive today and just didn't know if there would be a better sale on Kellogg's cereal. So, here is the damages:
Fred Meyer:
They have select brands of cereal for 50% off. I got the Raisin Bran because I can submit for a $10 rebate from Kellogg's. They were on sale for $2.24, normally $4.49/box. This is the large Value Size box. So after using my $5/5 coupon, my total came to $15.54 (that included a loaf of bread) or $1.24/box. After I submit for my rebate, I will have paid $.24/box! Sweet! Can't beat that!
Albertson's:
They had Rice Crispies on sale for 2/$5. Not a great price, but about equal to FM. So, I bought 5 boxes of the regular RC and I wanted to try the Gluten Free Whole Wheat RC. Total $16.60 or $1.50/box+tax. After rebate, these will be $.50/box! Sweet!
**Now... to cut all those UPC's today... shoot. I already put these away. Oops.**
But, unfortunately, this put me over my budget by $4. Yikes. I have enough bread, milk, and the basics to last me. Any doublers I use this weekend will be for free items only!
**Albies has select GM cereal for $1.75. I happen to have several coupons for $1 Peanut Butter MultiGrain Cheerios... and this is one of the participating items. I will let you know if I get this and how it tastes! :) I also plan on buying a little bit more pasta at Walmart.**
Today's Total: $32.04
Today's Savings: $65.30
February Total: $153.87
February Savings: $151.94
But anyway, I was feeling very impulsive today and just didn't know if there would be a better sale on Kellogg's cereal. So, here is the damages:
Fred Meyer:
They have select brands of cereal for 50% off. I got the Raisin Bran because I can submit for a $10 rebate from Kellogg's. They were on sale for $2.24, normally $4.49/box. This is the large Value Size box. So after using my $5/5 coupon, my total came to $15.54 (that included a loaf of bread) or $1.24/box. After I submit for my rebate, I will have paid $.24/box! Sweet! Can't beat that!
Albertson's:
They had Rice Crispies on sale for 2/$5. Not a great price, but about equal to FM. So, I bought 5 boxes of the regular RC and I wanted to try the Gluten Free Whole Wheat RC. Total $16.60 or $1.50/box+tax. After rebate, these will be $.50/box! Sweet!
**Now... to cut all those UPC's today... shoot. I already put these away. Oops.**
But, unfortunately, this put me over my budget by $4. Yikes. I have enough bread, milk, and the basics to last me. Any doublers I use this weekend will be for free items only!
**Albies has select GM cereal for $1.75. I happen to have several coupons for $1 Peanut Butter MultiGrain Cheerios... and this is one of the participating items. I will let you know if I get this and how it tastes! :) I also plan on buying a little bit more pasta at Walmart.**
Today's Total: $32.04
Today's Savings: $65.30
February Total: $153.87
February Savings: $151.94
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Success!!
I am so proud of myself.
Today is the first day I ever stuck to buying only what was on my list!
Deals at Walmart:
Ad match Kmart deal
Milk
$2.44
$.75/milk doubled
$.91
Honey Bunches of Oats
$2.88
$1/1 doubled (from coupons.com)
$.88 box
Barilla Whole Wheat Pasta
$1.08
$1/2 doubled
$.08/box
Plus groceries....
Total: $25.36
Saved: $11.50
And since I am so motivated... NO GROCERY SHOPPING THIS WEEK! HOLD ME TO IT!
Goal 2/27 is the next time I will set foot in a store... yikes. Let's see!
Today is the first day I ever stuck to buying only what was on my list!
Deals at Walmart:
Ad match Kmart deal
Milk
$2.44
$.75/milk doubled
$.91
Honey Bunches of Oats
$2.88
$1/1 doubled (from coupons.com)
$.88 box
Barilla Whole Wheat Pasta
$1.08
$1/2 doubled
$.08/box
Plus groceries....
Total: $25.36
Saved: $11.50
And since I am so motivated... NO GROCERY SHOPPING THIS WEEK! HOLD ME TO IT!
Goal 2/27 is the next time I will set foot in a store... yikes. Let's see!
Friday, February 17, 2012
February 2012 Challenge
So far, so good this month.
However, I still have 2 weeks to go. I will be shopping at Walmart tomorrow, taking advantage of their ad matching Kmart's doubling program. The hubby has a potluck to contribute to and we also have fondue night on Monday. YUM! Expecting about $23 for tomorrow... Not looking forward to buying hamburger. So expensive!
I have told myself that one of these weeks I will not go to the store and just use what I have... but I always am in need of something. Life is hard I guess. I just hope I have enough to make the two new meals I have planned for the end of the month!
Feb Spent: $96.47
Feb Saved: $86.94
YTD Spent: $311.23
YTD Saved: $292.80
However, I still have 2 weeks to go. I will be shopping at Walmart tomorrow, taking advantage of their ad matching Kmart's doubling program. The hubby has a potluck to contribute to and we also have fondue night on Monday. YUM! Expecting about $23 for tomorrow... Not looking forward to buying hamburger. So expensive!
I have told myself that one of these weeks I will not go to the store and just use what I have... but I always am in need of something. Life is hard I guess. I just hope I have enough to make the two new meals I have planned for the end of the month!
Feb Spent: $96.47
Feb Saved: $86.94
YTD Spent: $311.23
YTD Saved: $292.80
Thursday, February 2, 2012
February 2012 Challenge
So, I think I know what's going to happen with my 2012 challenge... I am going to get to the end of the month and have no money left over and then go blow the next months budget when the month turns. Today I went to Walmart to get the much needed groceries. Now, mind you this will cover the rest of this week and next week. I also bought a BUNCH of cat food that doesn't count towards my budget. What killed it this week was the great price I found on Stouffer's. I think these will be my "I don't feel like cooking" meals. I figure at $3-$5 a meal, it was worth it.
IAMS Cat food:
$4.76 2 lb bag
Used 6 $3/1 Iams, any size
=$1.76 per bag or $10.72 for 6 bags (12 lbs)
Stouffers Alfredo and Cheesy Tomato Rotini
$4.88 (on roll back)
Used $2/1 Stouffers
Stouffers Lasagna and Chicken Rice Bake
$6.77
used $2/1
=$4.77
Medow Gold (I think) sour cream
$1.50 (on roll back)
Used $.40/1
=$1.10 (cheaper to buy name brand than Grate Value with just a $.40 coupon!!)
Milk
$2.41
Used $.75/1
=1.66
Other Groceries....
Total for February:
less cat food
$41.41
Savings (less cat food) =$10.44
Savings (with cat food)= $28.44
YTD: $256.17
YTD Savings: $216.60
IAMS Cat food:
$4.76 2 lb bag
Used 6 $3/1 Iams, any size
=$1.76 per bag or $10.72 for 6 bags (12 lbs)
Stouffers Alfredo and Cheesy Tomato Rotini
$4.88 (on roll back)
Used $2/1 Stouffers
Stouffers Lasagna and Chicken Rice Bake
$6.77
used $2/1
=$4.77
Medow Gold (I think) sour cream
$1.50 (on roll back)
Used $.40/1
=$1.10 (cheaper to buy name brand than Grate Value with just a $.40 coupon!!)
Milk
$2.41
Used $.75/1
=1.66
Other Groceries....
Total for February:
less cat food
$41.41
Savings (less cat food) =$10.44
Savings (with cat food)= $28.44
YTD: $256.17
YTD Savings: $216.60
Monday, January 30, 2012
Walgreen's and Walmart Trip
I am a filthy rotten liar. I went to the store. BUT!!! I didn't use any money out of our account. I used GIFT CARDS that were given to me/earned for research studies. SO, I will NOT be counting this towards my January monthly budget. Sneaky, I know. I also was desperate for eggs, oatmeal, and fresh fruits and veggies. I used my Winco gift card I received from work :)
Walgreens:
I did this a little funky... bear with me. You might figure out how to work this better than I did.
Transaction 1:
Dove Clinical Strength Deodorant
Reg. $6.49
On Sale 3/$18 with $6 in Register Rewards
Used three $2/1 from RP 1/29
Like Paying $2/box
T1= $14.38
Transaction 2:
Dove Shampoo 12 oz
Reg. $4.49
On sale 4/$15 with $5 in Register Rewards
Used four $1/1 from RP 1/29
Like paying $1.50 per bottle
Blink Tears
Sale price $8 with $8 Register Rewards
Like getting for free
*Used RR from T1 towards shampoo and Blink Tears.
T2= $13.08
Transaction 3:
Used RR from T2 to buy $13 in other supplies.
Total Out of Pocket before T3:
$27.46
Register Rewards left over before T3:
$13
Like paying $14.46
Total after T3: $28.84
Total Saved Including RR:
$88.31 ($30 is for a replacement head I bought for a friend but it was the wrong size. Will be taking it back or selling it on ebay!)
Walmart:
I did more roundup deals:
Cottonelle Moist Wipes
$1.96/ 42 ct
$.50/2 = $1/2
=$1.46 each
Kleenex Cold Touch
$1.77
.$50/1 = $1/1
=$.77/box
Dawn Dish Soap
$1.13
$.25/1 = $1/1
=$.13/bottle
Colgate Tooth Paste
$.97
$.50 = $1/1
+$.03 money maker per tube
Total Spent: $5.76
Total Saved: $12.02
Walgreens:
I did this a little funky... bear with me. You might figure out how to work this better than I did.
Transaction 1:
Dove Clinical Strength Deodorant
Reg. $6.49
On Sale 3/$18 with $6 in Register Rewards
Used three $2/1 from RP 1/29
Like Paying $2/box
T1= $14.38
Transaction 2:
Dove Shampoo 12 oz
Reg. $4.49
On sale 4/$15 with $5 in Register Rewards
Used four $1/1 from RP 1/29
Like paying $1.50 per bottle
Blink Tears
Sale price $8 with $8 Register Rewards
Like getting for free
*Used RR from T1 towards shampoo and Blink Tears.
T2= $13.08
Transaction 3:
Used RR from T2 to buy $13 in other supplies.
Total Out of Pocket before T3:
$27.46
Register Rewards left over before T3:
$13
Like paying $14.46
Total after T3: $28.84
Total Saved Including RR:
$88.31 ($30 is for a replacement head I bought for a friend but it was the wrong size. Will be taking it back or selling it on ebay!)
Walmart:
I did more roundup deals:
Cottonelle Moist Wipes
$1.96/ 42 ct
$.50/2 = $1/2
=$1.46 each
Kleenex Cold Touch
$1.77
.$50/1 = $1/1
=$.77/box
Dawn Dish Soap
$1.13
$.25/1 = $1/1
=$.13/bottle
Colgate Tooth Paste
$.97
$.50 = $1/1
+$.03 money maker per tube
Total Spent: $5.76
Total Saved: $12.02
Friday, January 27, 2012
2012 Challenge
January is not going to be a good month for me. I am already $50+ over budget. But, I figure I am trying to look at the year as a whole... And I got a $25 gift card to Winco which will make February nice! :) I can make some of it up there.
I have to admit I took advantage of Albertson's roundup promotion at Walmart today. I took my coupons and used my coupons that still don't total $1 savings even with doublers. Unfortunately, these are the kind of things that are more wants than needs... but oh well. I also bought items such as butter, cream cheese, and cheese that will last a long time. But the free UP2U gum is too awesome to not buy. I price matched Rite Aid for $1/pack and I had 14 more $1/1 coupons from ebay... so yeah. My students will be getting a pack of gum for Valentines Day!
So, here are my January totals. I will NOT be going to the store until February. Good thing February is coming soon! I am out of bread. Hm... maybe I will make bread tomorrow. Sounds yummy!
Jan Spent: $214.76
Jan Saved: $206.16
I have to admit I took advantage of Albertson's roundup promotion at Walmart today. I took my coupons and used my coupons that still don't total $1 savings even with doublers. Unfortunately, these are the kind of things that are more wants than needs... but oh well. I also bought items such as butter, cream cheese, and cheese that will last a long time. But the free UP2U gum is too awesome to not buy. I price matched Rite Aid for $1/pack and I had 14 more $1/1 coupons from ebay... so yeah. My students will be getting a pack of gum for Valentines Day!
So, here are my January totals. I will NOT be going to the store until February. Good thing February is coming soon! I am out of bread. Hm... maybe I will make bread tomorrow. Sounds yummy!
Jan Spent: $214.76
Jan Saved: $206.16
Monday, January 16, 2012
Another Nifty Spreadsheet
Curious about how much you spend weekly? Participating in a challenge like the one I am? I made a nice spreadsheet for you! :)
Access it here >>Click<<
Click "download original document" to save it to your computer so you can modify it. Here is what mine looks like so far!
Yikes! I'm not doing so hot! Better get on it! (Can you tell which week I had the visitors and the Costco run for TP?) hehe!
Spending Goals
I have been on the fence if I want to do Fabulously Frugal's Monthly Budget Challenge... and I think I am going to try it. I want to go to Europe and this is certainly one way I can save money.
So... I am going to try to only spend $150 a month on groceries and home supplies.
I am going to try to keep you up to date... and I want you to keep me going with it!
January sucks though... I had to buy TP, I was feeding 4 extra people for 4 days, and I didn't shop with a goal in mind. I am already not going to make it this month!
This month so far:
Total Spent: $146.24
Total Saved: $82.87
(Did in spread sheet and got more accurate numbers)
Total Spent: $165.21
Total Saved: $115.46
Amount Left in Yearly Budget: $1,364.79
So... I am going to try to only spend $150 a month on groceries and home supplies.
I am going to try to keep you up to date... and I want you to keep me going with it!
January sucks though... I had to buy TP, I was feeding 4 extra people for 4 days, and I didn't shop with a goal in mind. I am already not going to make it this month!
This month so far:
(Did in spread sheet and got more accurate numbers)
Total Spent: $165.21
Total Saved: $115.46
Amount Left in Yearly Budget: $1,364.79
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