Frugal Living Friday: Excel Money Tracker

Welcome to Frugal Living Friday! Each week I will feature a tip that can help us stretch our budget and live more frugally! If you have a tip that you want shared on Frugal Living Friday, let me know and you could become a guest blogger for a day.

We all know that budgeting and keeping track of your money is very important when it comes to being frugal. I am so excited to share with you something I found that will help you in this endeavor! A few weeks ago I ran across this incredible spending and saving tracker online at The Coupon Project. (I love talented people like this!)

She has made a spreadsheet in Excel where we can see everything at a glance...most importantly our savings! LOVE IT! Now I don't have to keep track of it all separately...which took a long time and was a pain.

I downloaded the spreadsheet a few weeks ago and here is an example of the last few weeks of receipts I have entered: (click image for a larger view)



Isn't this awesome? I love seeing at a glance what I spent, how many coupons I used, and how much I saved. Now I can print this off and show people exactly how good using coupons can be! (I still have lots of skeptics talk to me.)

Here is what she says the spreadsheet can do:

• Easily imput your monthly and yearly goals
• Enter data from your reciepts and let my preset formulas tally your spending, savings, actual-to-budget, and more
• Track and manage your rebates (NEW!)
• Determine how much you saved with coupons, store sales, and rebates
• Have your monthly and year-to-date savings ratio update instantly

I have only played with it for a few weeks and haven't explored everything it can do yet. But I am already loving it. So will you! Head on over to The Coupon Project and download your spreadsheet today! Start keeping track of your savings!

Frugal Living Friday: Excel Money Tracker

Frugal Living Friday: Discipline

Welcome to Frugal Living Friday! Each week I will feature a tip that can help us stretch our budget and live more frugally! If you have a tip that you want shared on Frugal Living Friday, let me know and you could become a guest blogger for a day.

Something has been on my mind a lot lately. Discipline. We need discipline in many ways in our lives: children, food, exercise, cleaning, education, and goals just to name a few.




But the one area where EVERYONE needs discipline is with money. We all need to be better at not spending our hard earned cash on things we won't want next week. Or only buying what food we will eat. Or not giving in to the begging child at the store just to keep him quiet.

Discipline is hard. Really hard. No matter what you need it with. But it can even be more difficult with money and budgeting. Just like I am an emotional eater, I know emotional spenders. Spending money can make you feel better, just for that moment, or just for that afternoon. Then you come home and say to yourself, "Why did I waste my money on that?"




Let's stop the spending!

Set up a plan for yourself, and a small goal. A goal that WILL be attainable. You need to be able to reach it so you can move forward. And keep your promise to yourself. If you decide you will save $50 every month then do it! Don't cave in. It will become a habit before you know it.

Here are some things to remember that I have found helpful in my life as I have worked with my husband to reach our financial goals. Maybe they will be helpful to you as well. Just remember, everyone is in a different place in their life with finances, debt, and obligations. So don't compare yourself to others. Just start where you are and move forward!

1. Objects won't buy happiness. No matter what you think, that certain toy or that certain pair of shoes will not make you happy. I promise!

2. Pick a day once a week to go over your budget together. Decide how much you will spend and don't go over it. Period. This way you can both know where you are and if changes need to happen you can discuss it.

3. Pay yourself first. Before you spend any money you must pay yourself. Decide how much money you will put into savings, IRA's or whatever and do that...THEN you may spend.

4. Only buy what you really will use. This includes food storage and other items for emergencies. Not only does this help with the budget, but keeps clutter down.

5. Don't use your credit card for purchases unless you know you can pay for it in full the next month. I have really strong opinions about this. Your life will be so much better if you don't get into debt with credit cards! If you don't have the money for it, don't buy it. Period.

6. Plan for big purchases or expenses ahead of time. Not only do we save ahead for vacations or other large expenses, I also save ahead for dental, auto insurance and emergencies. We don't have dental insurance so I figured how much we spend per year, divided by 12, and I save that amount every month. When we go to the dentist every 6 months it is already paid for. It is such a nice feeling!

7. Don't buy something just because it is on sale. There will always be another sale. Believe me. Unless you need that item immediately.

8. Don't tempt yourself. If you find yourself spending money when you go out, stay home! Find free activities to do in your area. Take the kids to the park, or on a bike ride. You don't have to spend money to have fun!

What are your tips for having more discipline with money?

Frugal Living Friday: Discipline

Couponing: Is it dominating your life?

There is more to life than couponing!

Additionally, there is more to saving money and being thrifty than just couponing. Don't get me wrong...couponing is a good thing and can save us lots of money. And I coupon on a regular basis.

But there is a point where couponing can get out-of-control obsessive....where we are buying things we don't really need, buying too much of things we do need, and spending valuable time running around when we could be doing other things.

At this busy time in my life I am having to choose to cut some of my couponing time out and spend more time in other areas of my life. Have you felt this way before? If you do, please know that there are many ways to save money, cut back on expenses, and live frugally besides couponing.

1. Menu plan. By sticking to a meal plan and buying only what is necessary, you can cut at least 30% off your monthly grocery bill.
2. Don't buy extras. Do you really need that box of crackers or that bag of chips? Nope. Skip the packaged snacks and you will also save big.And not just your wallet...but your hips too.
3. Don't always be on the go. Just because there are good deals doesn't mean you have to hit every one. Stay home more often and you will cut not only your gasoline bill but your wallet will thank you.
4. Skip eating out. The average family eats out at least twice a week. Yikes! That adds up fast. Make homemade pizza instead.
5. Start cooking from scratch. It really doesn't take much more time. You only think it does. Give it a try.
6. Be thankful! When you appreciate what you have instead of always wanting more, you will be content and not desire more, more, more. We already have so much!

Couponing: Is it dominating your life?

Frugal Living Friday: Save more, spend less

Welcome to Frugal Living Friday! Each week I will feature a tip that can stretch our budget and live more frugally! If you have a tip you want shared on Frugal Living Friday, let me know and you could become guest blogger for a day.

What did you do to live frugally this week?

• Did you spend $10 less at the grocery store than you normally do?
• Did you resist buying those shoes you just had to have?
• Did you push aside the temptation to go out to dinner and stay home instead?

Whatever you did this week to live more frugally, good job! Most of the time it is baby steps to keep on track. We all have times when we spend more than we should. The key is to get right back to spending less and saving more.

This week I challenge you to cut one thing out of your life that you can spend less on. Look at your spending habits. Cut at least one extra spending item out. Put that money away. If you continue to do this you will be amazed at how fast the money adds up! Pretty soon you can be on track to saving around 10% of your monthly income, which is what we do. Start building up your emergency fund.

Frugal Living Friday: Save more, spend less

What do I buy?

I always get asked what I buy on a regular basis. I don't have the time to take photos of every awesome shopping trip I do, but I do have awesome shopping trips all the time!

Last night I went to Albertson's and used 6 doubler coupons. I got milk for .49 cents a gallon, Cottonelle toilet paper for .18 cents a roll, and a few other goodies. Albertson's is the main place I shop on a regular basis. People wonder how that can be when their prices are usually more expensive. It's the secret of combining sales and coupons that make it the best place to shop!

I have to buy my perishables a few times a week. Milk, veggies and fresh fruit. I make a trip to Winco every few months to stock up on items I get in their bulk section (like seeds and nuts that I use to make granola). I hate Walmart (but most ofyou already know that) but I do get sucked in to grocery shop there a few times a month. I live right across the street from Albertson's so it's no big deal to go there several times a week. The other stores I plan my trips.

I have a lot of chicken, meat, and other staples in my freezer. I also have a big stockpile of basic things in my "pantry", like canned tomatoes, spices, and such to cook with. So on a weekly basis all I do is fill in the cracks with sale items to renew my stockpile. Every now and then I shop specifically for a certain menu, but usually I plan my menus around what I already have and what I am getting a great deal on that week.

I am trying to eat healthier and not purchase as many processed and sugary foods. I prefer to eat fresh. It is a process with my kids but we are starting a little at a time. I no longer buy fruit snacks, boxed mixes or dinners, certain kinds of cold cereal and things like that on a regular basis. We do have them every now and then. For example, bought pop tarts on a great sale awhile ago to have a couple of boxes when we went camping for a special treat. I try to make most things from scratch and make my own homemade mixes.

I also get asked how much I spend on groceries every month. You do need to keep in mind that prices vary by area and our needs change at times. But I normally spend around $375 a month on food for our family of six. Well, I guess I should say family of five since my baby only drinks breastmilk. :) That is only $93 a week for mostly healthy and fresh foods! Not to bad. When I see news stories on how a family of five spends $3,000 a month on food, that just blows me away! It can be done on a budget, people. I have MORE food now by couponing than I did before and I spent more money then.

I also get asked if we ever splurge. And the answer is YES. We do go out to eat every now and then, and I will get lazy and give the kids cold cereal for dinner. I am not superwoman. I just try to keep a vision and goal and stick to it as much as I can. Life happens!

How about you? What do you buy and how much do you spend?

What do I buy?

Deep Thoughts

Because of the nature of our economy right now, I have been thinking a lot about how I can do better at saving money, being prepared, and wise spending. Back in March I wrote this post about these very things.

Something else I have been thinking about are things I can do without. There are many areas I think I could cut back to save us more money, although I think we do pretty good. I have decided this is an ongoing battle that changes as times goes on.

What are your thoughts on regarding money? How are you trying to cut expenses and do without? How has it blessed your family?

Deep Thoughts

Take your time

My blog is not only about couponing, finding deals and freebies. It's also about thrifty and smart living! Sure, I like to have a 'stockpile.' It is part of my food storage....my 3 month supply or longer even. But I only stockpile what I KNOW I will use. I learned years ago that even if something is a great deal, if I won't use it then it's still a waste of my money. You learn over time what you will use and what you think you will use. Building up a 3 month supply of items you use regularly takes some time. You hit a sale here and there, and it will happen before you know it.

Generally, if I can get free stuff I know I won't use (like toothbrushes...we use Sonic toothbrushes), I will still get some to add to my donation pile. But I still don't always get everything. For example, I am not getting any of the free after rebate items at Walgreens this month. My husband would not use the body wash and I have plenty of medicine on hand...enough for more than a year. So I will let others get those deals that could use them more than I.

I grew up in an extremely frugal household. I might even say cheap. But my parents taught me fabulous lessons that I have carried one with my family. My parents taught me that doing without is okay...in fact, is smart. When I was young I just thought they were being mean. What they were really teaching me was the value of money. They didn't buy me every little thing I wanted. And they taught by example. Very rarely did they buy things for themselves...whether it was clothing or other personal things. They didn't go on big trips. They didn't always buy the latest electronic gadget. They didn't buy new clothes on a regular basis. They taught me to "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."

In our society today, too many people want things NOW. They have no patience! It's all about me, me, me. "I deserve it," is something I hear a lot.

If you really want to get ahead, couponing, finding deals, and freebies are only a part of the story. A very small part really. Just stop spending so much! Being a smart spender or getting out of debt isn't rocket science. Just spend less that you earn. These are in no particular order, just my thoughts.

1. Start tracking your spending. This is KEY. You must know how much money you make and where it is going in order to save anything. You will be surprised how much you are spending on groceries if you don't already know.

2. Stop spending money on unnecessary things. If you really are honest with yourself, you could be spending less that you need to be in many areas. Read the highlighted link.

3. Get out of unnecessary debt. I am proud to say the only debt we have is our home loan. And, because we didn't get caught up in the whole "moving to a bigger house for really cheap" movement a few years ago we are not struggling right now like so many Americans. We have 2 cars, a van and a truck, that have been paid off for a few years. And we have no credit card debt. It is such a good feeling! Every time we purchase something for our home (even the big screen we bought last year) we pay with IN FULL at the time of payment. We always save and plan ahead. No debt!

4. Be thankful for what you have. I firmly believe that if people would be more thankful for their current situation, no matter what the case may be, we will always find ways to be thankful for what we have instead of always wanting more, more, more. Yes, deals and freebies can be addicting too, but be realistic.

5. Stop spending so much! Remember last year when I took a month off from spending? I looked at that old post and I didn't realize I forgot to post the results! It was AMAZING! I posted it on my personal blog, but copied it over to here. Read my results! (keep in mind gasoline prices were high then...)

I love keeping up this blog but it is also time consuming. Please understand that I cannot post every deal or every sale. But I will keep you informed and help you stay on track to being a smart spender!

Take your time

Free ebook by Jean Chatzky: The Difference

Oprah is offering a free download of Jean Chatzky's new book, The Difference. But hurry! It's only available through March 14th 10:59am EST!

Learn how anyone can prosper in even the toughest times. Here is what you will learn:

• The top five things you can do to not just survive but thrive during tough times
• The eight things that make The Difference (i.e., the key traits and abilities of people who describe themselves as financially free)
• Advice for those having job insecurity as well as strategies for finding a job
• Why money doesn't breed happiness—but happiness can breed money
• The direct connection between The Difference and your health
• How people who know The Difference make a difference for others
• Myths and facts about the wealthy

Free ebook by Jean Chatzky: The Difference

Free Book Download

Download Suze Orman's 2009 Action plan book! This FREE download is only available until January 15, 11:59 pm CT so hurry!

Suze has some great information on getting your finances in order for 2009. This is the year!

Free Book Download

Be Careful...

There are some very good points in this article on Buying Things Because They are on Sale is an Awful Way to Save Money. It reminds me of what my parents always told me: "Just because it is a good deal doesn't mean you need it."

Be Careful...

What can you do without?

There are always things in our life that we don't need. Yes, it is true! Expenses that we can eliminate to help us save money and get ahead. It seems impossible or even unthinkable sometimes, but it is a necessary step if you are wanting to save more money.

For example, think about those seemingly small expenditures. Purchasing that cup of coffee everyday from Starbucks. Grabbing a Diet Coke at Sonic everyday at lunchtime. Making sure you have your weekly manicure. It all adds up! Spending $3.95 a day on a cup of coffee only 5 days a week adds up to $79 a month, and $949 a year! Think about some of the things that you do....whatever they might be. Add up how much you are spending and ask yourself if you could be putting that money somewhere else.

At our house we don't have cable, dish, or satellite. In ten years of marriage we have never paid for television. I know for many people that is out of the question, but we feel it is right for us. And it has saved us thousands of dollars!

This week I challenge you to look at your expenses....see where you money is going and where you need to cut back. If you don't already use a money management program, I highly recommend one. I use Quicken, and I LOVE it. I can see at a glance where my money is going. It takes some time to record things and keep it updated, but it is worth it. We always know where we stand. Even if you have to figure it out on paper right now, do it! Even cutting out one thing can make a big difference!

What can you do without?

Saving money by meal planning

Setting up a meal plan does take time but you will find it is worth it in the long run. Cooking from scratch is not only healthier for the body but also healthier for the budget! Some benefits I have found to meal planning are:

1. No more wondering what is for dinner at the last minute. I always have at least 2 weeks worth planned out & I can adjust as needed.

2. It saves money! Last month I saved 79% on my grocery budget by sticking to a strict meal plan that also included much use from my food storage.

3. My children can have a say in what is for dinner. Being as I have had a difficult time with their eating issues for several years, this has been a huge plus for me. They like to help cook and plan with me. My boys have been trying more new foods this month than ever before.

4. I have more peace of mind.

5. I have found myself wanting to be more creative in picking meals, and trying new recipes.

6. My family loves the continuity...and so do I!

Over a few weeks I have jotted down in my planner all the dishes that we like to eat. Then I just rotate through the list. I periodically add new recipes that I have found we like. Here is a list of dinners that work for us. Maybe some will work for you too! Many of these are fall/winterish type meals. I need to start thinking of lighter foods!

Chicken Enchiladas
Tater Tot Casserole
Cheese Soup
Chicken Santa Fe
French Dip Sandwiches
Chili and Rice Wraps
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Taco Bake
Hawaiian Haystacks
Quesadillas
Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes
Taco Salad
Chunky Potato Soup
Crockpot Chicken Marinara
Pork Chops and rice
Stroganoff
Lasagna
Mexican Manicotti
Homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Homemade Pizza
Mexican Enchiladas
Tacos (soft and hard shells)
Sloppy Joes
Chili & Cornbread
Beef Skillet
Fagioli Soup
Baked Ziti
Spaghetti & breadsticks
Meatballs & rice
Spinach Lasagna
Pasta w/variety of sauces
Pork Roast w/all the fixin's
Taco Soup
Maui Burgers & homemade fries
Shepherd's Pie
Four Pasta Beef Bake
Frito Dinner
Chicken Rolls
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Mexican Chicken and Rice
Garden Patch Chowder
Tomato soup & grilled cheese sandwiches
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Baked Potato Bar
Noodles w/grilled veggies & cheese
10 minute Szechuan Chicken
Breakfast for dinner (my kids love this)
Scalloped Potatoes & veggies

I am starting to get our family eating less processed food and more fresh. It is a process, something that we are not doing all at once. Eating lots of fruits and veggies is not easy on the budget, but I feel it is worth it for our health. Even though I am buying more healthy foods, by budgeting our meals I am still finding some savings in the budget.

What are some of your favorite meals? Have you had success with meal planning?

Saving money by meal planning

One month off: Results

Remember how last month I made this post about us taking one month off from extra spending? As of yesterday, the one month mark was over. I must say that it was a long month, mostly at the beginning. The first week was really hard for me. Really hard. I even got emotional a few times about not being able to go shopping. Yeah, silly. But it was hard! I don't consider ourselves big spenders,we try to penny pinch and we are big savers. So I figured that taking one month off really wouldn't be too bad. I just happened to pick the month when tons of stuff is on clearance. I think I was going through clearance shopping anxiety withdrawals.

I learned a lot about myself this past month. I pushed my self-discipline to a higher level. I didn't completely just give up on our goal, even though it was very difficult. I was able to get TONS done around the house this past month, since I wasn't out shopping or running errands all the time. I was able to remember that I don't need all that stuff, even though it might be a good deal. I loved not having clutter around. When I was at my sister-in-law's house and saw all her Old Navy bags from their clearance sale, I didn't feel bad that I didn't go, I felt relief. Relief from saving money I didn't need to spend, and relief that I didn't add to my small space storage issues. As the month went on, not spending got easier and easier. It takes 21 days to form a habit, right? Well, we saw that happening.

Now that the month is over I want to still continue. I did go out shopping yesterday to get some things I have been waiting to get (a small bookcase for my daughter's room, valentine fun stuff, new cross trainer shoes for me, a new water bottle) and while I was in the various stores, I didn't feel like I wanted to be there. I really didn't even want to look at things I wasn't buying.

Do you want to know how much we came ahead during this little experiment? Here are a few figures.

Groceries: $286.96
Previous month we spent $514.15 on groceries. That is a 79% savings on food! And we still ate very well. Lots of fruits and veggies. (Remember, I did really well on my menu planning. We did not eat out at all and I am using more of our food storage in meals.)

Auto Fuel: $263.44
Previous month we spent $326.85. We saved 24% on fuel costs by not shopping and spending money. Awesome! Plus, that 24% savings includes two family trips to Eastern Idaho. If those didn't happen the savings would be more!

We were also able to save 50% more than last month!

We saved money in every category that is under our control. I do admit that we were not perfect. While gone to visit family I did spend $9 at a really quaint craft store. And I spent $12 at a thrift store. There were a couple more times, but we can count them on one hand. Chad was very good at this, believe it or not. He had his moments like me, but overall he was very positive.It FEELS SO GOOD to not spend money. Even though it was difficult, it was worth it! All those things I was bummed about not buying a month ago I haven't thought twice about.

Now when I even think about buying something, I make sure that:

1. Do I have space for it? (I seriously gave lots of stuff to D.I. this past month while cleaning.)
2. Do I really need it?
3. What can I do to get by or use instead of buying that item?

We are going to continue to be tight on our spending. Not saying we won't eat out now (we went out to eat and to a movie Thurs night, spent $27 + babysitting) but we have some things we want to save up for and this past month really got us motivated. You should try it!

One month off: Results

One month off

I posted this on my personal blog, but I thought I would share here also since this is the frugal living, saving money type blog. Let's save!

Chad and I discussed some of our financial goals tonight. We are both really wanting to save more, and have less clutter. I am becoming more and more sensitive to clutter and unnecessary items as the years go on. It feels so good to be organized, clean and not a huge excess of "stuff". Do we really need all the stuff we have? It is ridiculous...more, more, more. And the kids are wanting more, more, more. Well, it has to stop. Didn't we just have Christmas??? Anyone care to guess what FHE will be on tomorrow? It is time to simplify our lives.

So, we decided that starting Tuesday, we are not spending extra money for one month. From January 8, 2008 to February 8, 2008 we will not spend any money besides gasoline and perishable food items, and a small list of groceries for my menus I am making (see below). No shopping. No deal hunting. No impulse ice cream trips to Albertson's at 9pm. No lunches. No eating out. No thrift store trips. Even no rebate shopping (gasp!!)

You get the idea.I think we do a pretty good job at being thrifty and frugal, but there is always room for improvement. We wanted to start small, with this goal, and see how we do. I am excited to see how much money we save and how many unfinished projects I can get accomplished around the house. Heaven knows I have enough of a food storage and stockpile of freebies and hygiene supplies that I can last for one month without adding more to it. The great part is that hopefully we can continue after one month is up, when we see how much good it did our family.

Tonight I am making up a menu list for this next month. I want to use many of the ingredients within my food storage already, and be more creative in my meals. If I have a plan I will be less likely to spend extra money on groceries or ask husband to pick up a Hot N Ready from Little Caesars on his way home from work.

I am a little scared, a little bummed, a little apprehensive. I really wanted to go back to Goodwill tomorrow, as last week I found a few awesome decor items and I didn't buy them then..so I wanted to see if they were still there. NOPE! I won't go, but I am a little disappointed....although, there are always new deals, right?

One month off

Goals

Do you have specific goals when it comes to saving money? If you really want to save money, your goals need to be specific, not general.

The first step is creating a specific budget and sticking to it. In order to save money you need to know how much you are spending first.

After that you can decide what more specific goals you need to do for your family. They might entail groceries, car expenses, frivolous spending, clothing, savings, Christmas spending, etc.

As this year is beginning to close, I encourage you to think about your money spending and money saving goals. Start musing different ideas and start slowly now, so that you can be all fired up and ready come 2008. Set some new specific goals for yourself. And stick to them!

In the meantime, does anyone want to share what has worked for them in setting money-saving goals? Here are some of mine:

1. In order to know where we are with spending money, I am always (daily) getting on our online banking, updating Quicken with receipts, etc. I don't want to take the chance of loosing track of money we spent that I don't know about. It does take time, but it is worth it to me.

2. I like to have a little competition with myself and see if I can spend less than the previous month in various areas (controlled expenses of course). That is always fun. I write it down in my planner so I can see it everyday, and I keep track daily so I don't mess up and go over.

3. If I know that I am going to need more money in a specific area this month than I did last month, I adjust my budget accordingly and spend less in another area.

4. And most important, I always pay us first! Putting money away to grow before we spend it. That way our money is working for us. Sometimes my husband will ask why we are so tight this paycheck...I just remind him that I put xxxx amount away this time, and I would rather be tight than waste my money. Then at least he knows I didn't go spend it all!

Any tips you want to share with everyone?

Goals

Book Review

I finished reading this book last week. Wow. I saw them on the Today Show awhile ago, and immediately wanted to read their book. I am all over learning new techniques and reading about how they live so frugally. They are truly amazing. And very very disciplined.

A few amazing things about them:
* paid off their first house in 9 years on an average income of $35,000
*they spend $350 a month on groceries for a family of seven
*have never had debt of any kind, except for a home mortgage

That is a only small bit of info on their amazing habits. I thought I was organized and disciplined. After reading this book I realized that they are on a level all their own.

While their techniques will not work for everyone, what I found helpful were the chapters on grocery shopping and budgeting. I plan on implementing some of their techniques soon. Currently I do budget, but I could be better. I keep track of my finances on Quicken (I am sooo anal about all that) but I have some frustrations with that, and doing it the way they do, all on paper, might be a better route for me. Who knows. I also really liked how they taught their children about money. There were many similarities with that and how I grew up being taught about finances. They stress responsibility from the start, and I agree completely. It is never too early to start that with your kids.

I felt like they missed some key points in their book, like utilizing such websites as Freecycle and Craigslist for many free and cheap items. Those two websites, especially Freecycle, have done wonders for my checkbook. Being LDS, I also appreciated their opinion of having a stockpile and planning ahead. I have a passion about that myself.

This book is definitely worth the read. Check it out from the library before you purchase to make sure you like it first. Here is their website with info and where you can sign up for a free email newsletter with lots of money saving tips.

Read the book and let me know what you learn!

Book Review

Coupon Magic

The secret to coming ahead when using coupons is by utilizing the days when stores double or triple coupons.

The concept is simple. Doubling a coupon means that the store doubles the face value of the coupon. For instance, if you are purchasing a can of chili that costs $1.50, and you want to use a coupon for .50 cents off, then that can would cost you $1. However, if the store will double the face value of the coupon, then suddenly your coupon is worth $1 instead of .50. Then your out-of-pocket cost is only .50 for the can of chili. It is the same concept of tripling coupons. If that particular store where I was purchasing the chili tripled by .50 coupon, then it would be worth $1.50 and I would get my can of chili for free!

In a perfect world, all stores would do this, unfortunately, most do not. There are some areas of the country that have regular double and/or triple coupon days. I know that in my part of Idaho, the only store that doubles coupons is Paul's Market, and they are far enough from my home to not make the trip worth it. As for Utah, I have read on PYP that Smith's doubles coupons sometimes. Your best bet is to call several local stores to ask if they double coupons, and when. Combine doubling coupons with sales, and you will come out ahead like my friend Faye did (see my post below).

Click here to see what stores double coupons in your state.

Coupon Magic

Smart Spending

I won't be posting until next week, as my mom is coming into town for Time Out for Women and we are going to be having a fun girls weekend! Here are some fun things to see and think about in the meantime.

I don't know if you have clicked on the Smart Spending link on the right yet, but it is run by Faye Prosser, a lady I met online several years ago. We have done coupon trading amongst each other, and I have learned so much from her smart spending process! She has also written a fabulous book on smart spending. Here are some amazing deals she can get over in North Carolina by doubling and tripling coupons. Check it out! All of these examples are on her website. She is an amazing person!



Triple Coupon Promotion at Harris Teeter, Raleigh, NC July 26, 2007
The above groceries were purchased for a total of 14 cents by coupling sales, tripled coupons and rain checks.
Subtotal before sales and coupons: $130.55
Paid: 14 cents!
Savings 99%

The items I purchased included hummus, vegetarian soy "chicken" patties, vegetarian soy "sausage" links, crescent rolls, steamfresh corn, american cheese, light beef hotdogs, pasta sauce, pasta side, balance protein bars, mustard (like I really needed more mustard!), and a bag of candy to get me into the positive when my order ended up being negative 65 cents.

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On August 18, 2006, I purchased the groceries shown above at a Harris Teeter grocery store. They were tripling coupons with a face value up to 99 cents. I stocked up on Mott's 100% juice, Jif peanut butter, canned Tyson chicken, Lipton tea, bottled ice water (especially good during hurricane season!), Dole fruit bowls, Sargento cheese slices, Trix yogurt, Ziploc sandwich and snack bags, ice cream, brownie mix, pop tarts, Skippy and Reese's snack bars, and toaster struedel. We also bought some California roll sushi, but we ate it before I took the picture! Yum!

Subtotal before sales prices & coupons: $188.88
Total Paid: 5 cents ! ($.05)
Savings: 99.99%

Smart Spending

Money Challenge

Okay everyone. I have a challenge for you.

I challenge you to save 10% of your income this month. That may be a stretch for some of you, so if you can't save 10%, then save as much as you can. The more you save every month, the quicker you get ahead, pure and simple.

When I am doing our finances every month, I pay ourselves first before everything else. Then, you can't overspend. That money is already gone, earning interest and working for you!

Here is a fabulous book to read. Richard Paul Evans is one of my favorite authors. He is the first to say that everything in this book is not new information, but the way it is presented and given is fabulous. Here is a link to his website to explain about the book. For all you local friends that I have, I do have this book and will lend it to you if you like. I bought it at Costco for $8.

Saving 10% is the challenge for now. I will issue a new money challenge next week. For now, concentrate on saving! Make sure you are putting your savings in a higher interest earning account, not just in the bank. Some good options are CD's, IRA'S, and other longer-term saving options. I love watching my money grow, I'm sure you will too!

Money Challenge

Extra Money & Trades

What have you done to earn a little bit of extra money on the side? Have you done something in exchange for something else? I thought we could share with each other things we have done that have and have not worked for us. Please share your experiences! I will start.

Extra Money: Starting in the fall of 2001, I began teaching piano lessons. I had always wanted to try it, plus we really needed some extra income at the time. My oldest child was only 1 year old at the time, so it wasn't too difficult for me to get going. It worked for us until I stopped teaching in 2005.

I have also done lots of selling online. Ebay, Half.com, and on my freebie sites that I am a member of. I do more selling on the freebie sites since there are no fees to pay like on Ebay and such. I was really into online selling when my oldest was little, but I haven't done it as much lately. I just don't have the time anymore. But I have to admit I was getting pretty good at scouting out things at thrift stores and garage sales that would sell for more money. One that I recall was a pair of barely worn Eddie Bauer jeans I got at a garage sale for .50 cents. I sold them on Ebay for almost $20.

I do online surveys and market research and product studys that bring in a little extra. Even the $5 here and there adds up!

My hubby has a talent for finding cars that he can buy and sell for more money. For those who know him, you know he has a fetish for cars. Since he has been off his mission (12 years) he has had 18 cars. Fifteen of those have been since we have been married (9 years). I know.....crazy! Anyway, he has a eye for that stuff. There have been several cars that we sold for much more than what we purchased it for. It has helped us be where we are today in our nice vehicle situation. We both hate having car payments if we don't have to.

I have always wanted to learn better photography skills and make a little money on the side doing that. That is on my list of goals to accomplish someday.

We have also tried some network marketing things in the past, but they did not work for us. Glad that is over!

Trading: Some wouldn't really classify this as a trading service-for- service, but I think it might count. I just recently got a job at the a local gym in the day care. We aren't really needing the extra income, I only wanted the job so I could get a free membership. :) There is a lady in my ward who works there, she put in a good word for me, and I got the job. I only have to work one shift a week (which is 3 hours) and I get a free gym membership. Plus, I get to take my younger 2 kids with me while I work. What is more perfect than that? Three hours a week...that's it! I was thinking about joining a gym anyway, but this is better. A little spending money + free membership! I love it!

I have always wanted to trade either piano teaching or scrapbooking services with someone who can give me massages. :) :) :) Any local takers?

What ideas can you give us all? Post your experiences, good or bad, and let us know! It just may spark some ideas for us all to start. (By the way, I changed my settings so anyone can comment now, not just registered users). It will be fun to see what you have to say.

Extra Money & Trades