One thing we do with our finanices is keep a spending worksheet. It's a running total of what we deposit and what we spend. It's in an excel file so it keeps a tally of how much we have in our checking account. Each time I write a check, I put it in. The date, check #, what for and amount deducted. Each time I spend money from my check card, the amount and info goes on to the sheet.
One thing I also do with the sheet is round up every purchase to a $1. So it I spend $21.27 on gas, I put in $22.00. Then in a seperate column, I write in the difference. So that would be $0.73. At the end of the month, I total all my digital pennies and then transfer that amount into a savings account.
It might only come up to $25.00 a month. But over 12 months thats an extra $300. I also have 4% interested on my savings account through IngDirect. So that's an extra $12.00 a year from saving a few digital cents.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Mentors
They say to surround yourself with the people you can learn things from. Who have already achieved the goals you set for yourself.
Well, I don't know too many people around me that have achieved financial freedom, but it is something I want for my family.
I have come across the blog http://millionairemommynextdoor.blogspot.com and I'm going to name her my official online mentor. It is full of fantastic information and the relization that people really do live in Financial Freedom.
So I'm going to keep cutting coupons and paying off debt. Because someday I will get there as well!
Well, I don't know too many people around me that have achieved financial freedom, but it is something I want for my family.
I have come across the blog http://millionairemommynextdoor.blogspot.com and I'm going to name her my official online mentor. It is full of fantastic information and the relization that people really do live in Financial Freedom.
So I'm going to keep cutting coupons and paying off debt. Because someday I will get there as well!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Grocery Deals of the Week Jan 1/16
Ok, here are the top grocery deals of the week. Get your coupons ready, because you can get some products for pennies on the dollar!
Alberton's Huge Cereal Sale
Get the Alberton's Flyer. There is a "Save $4.00" Coupon when you buy 4 boxes of marked kellog's cereal.
Here is the breakdown:
Retail ad price: 4 for $12
Less $4 on box coupon
Less $4 ad coupon
Final price is 4 for $4!!!
Alberton's Huge Cereal Sale
Get the Alberton's Flyer. There is a "Save $4.00" Coupon when you buy 4 boxes of marked kellog's cereal.
Here is the breakdown:
Retail ad price: 4 for $12
Less $4 on box coupon
Less $4 ad coupon
Final price is 4 for $4!!!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Step by Step Guide on how I Save Money on Groceries
Probably the biggest and most controllable item in a families budget is the grocery bill. When money wasn't as issue for us, I just threw anything into the cart. I can't imagine the amount of money I wasted by not doing some simple planning.
I do spend about 1-2 hours a week doing my grocery list. And while that may seem like a lot of time - I can save over $50 a trip. The way I see it, I just made $25 an hour. Which is more than I make at my job. Remember, we are working to save money.
Step 1: The Wednesday Paper
If you don't subscribe to your local newspaper - start! The savings you find inside for out weight the nominal cost.
Each Wednesday the grocery stores put out their weekly savings. I sit down and start to make a list of each item I could use. I plan my menus around what is on sale.
If you would like a copy of the grocery list I make and the recipies each week, Please click here.
Once I have a rough drat, I match up the coupons.
Step 2: Coupon Matching
Yes, I clip coupons. If you match a coupon with a weekly store saving, many times you can get items for free or pennies on a dollar. If you don't have the time, let you kids help you. Separate the coupons into categories and place them into marked envelopes.
If you wait until Sunday to do your grocery shopping . . . a very helpful service I use is the The Grocery Game. (If you do sign up, please put in laura406@comcast.net as your referral email address.) For a small fee, I can log in and see the coupons matched with the store savings and how much I would save on each item.
If you would like to look for individual coupons you might want to try out The Coupon Master. Here you can look for coupons and buy them at a fraction of the savings you will have.
Step 3: Pre Shop
Both King Soopers/ City Market and Safeway offer an at home delivery service that allows you to shop online. I use this to virtually shop through the store. The site calculates a running total and allows me to choose how many items of each I want.
When I'm all done, I view my cart and make any adjustments I need to fit my budget and print the list. This has the brand names included so I can breeze right through the store.
If you want to get really organized, go through your list and itemize it by aisle. This way, you don't miss anything and have to retrace your steps increasing your chances of an impulse buy.
Now the website doesn't show the weekly savings. So you can do one of two things. Either shop within your budget and come out below budget. Or do a loose calculation of the savings and go over your total of that amount.
Step 4: Go Shopping
On my shopping list I mark which item I have a coupon for. All my coupons for that trip is in an envelope. I also attach a paperclip to my list. As I place the item into the cart, I take out the coupon and clip it to the list so I don't forget to give it to the cashier.
I only shop for what is on my list. I will make an adjustment if I have a name brand item with coupon and the generic item is still cheaper and a better buy. I won't compromise on everything generic though. Some name brand items simply taste better. But that is up to your taste buds.
If I realize I forgot an item, I ask myself do I need it this week. If I can go without it another week, I usually don't buy. If it's an item that is part of a meal for the week, I'll try to get the best value.
Like I said in the beginning, this may seem long but once you get the hang of it, it starts to go fast. And watch out, it's also addicting. You like to see how much you save each week and if you can beat it the next. I try to make it a goal to save between 30-40% of my bill each week.
Remember, you are working to save money and it is well worth the effort.
I do spend about 1-2 hours a week doing my grocery list. And while that may seem like a lot of time - I can save over $50 a trip. The way I see it, I just made $25 an hour. Which is more than I make at my job. Remember, we are working to save money.
Step 1: The Wednesday Paper
If you don't subscribe to your local newspaper - start! The savings you find inside for out weight the nominal cost.
Each Wednesday the grocery stores put out their weekly savings. I sit down and start to make a list of each item I could use. I plan my menus around what is on sale.
If you would like a copy of the grocery list I make and the recipies each week, Please click here.
Once I have a rough drat, I match up the coupons.
Step 2: Coupon Matching
Yes, I clip coupons. If you match a coupon with a weekly store saving, many times you can get items for free or pennies on a dollar. If you don't have the time, let you kids help you. Separate the coupons into categories and place them into marked envelopes.
If you wait until Sunday to do your grocery shopping . . . a very helpful service I use is the The Grocery Game. (If you do sign up, please put in laura406@comcast.net as your referral email address.) For a small fee, I can log in and see the coupons matched with the store savings and how much I would save on each item.
If you would like to look for individual coupons you might want to try out The Coupon Master. Here you can look for coupons and buy them at a fraction of the savings you will have.
Step 3: Pre Shop
Both King Soopers/ City Market and Safeway offer an at home delivery service that allows you to shop online. I use this to virtually shop through the store. The site calculates a running total and allows me to choose how many items of each I want.
When I'm all done, I view my cart and make any adjustments I need to fit my budget and print the list. This has the brand names included so I can breeze right through the store.
If you want to get really organized, go through your list and itemize it by aisle. This way, you don't miss anything and have to retrace your steps increasing your chances of an impulse buy.
Now the website doesn't show the weekly savings. So you can do one of two things. Either shop within your budget and come out below budget. Or do a loose calculation of the savings and go over your total of that amount.
Step 4: Go Shopping
On my shopping list I mark which item I have a coupon for. All my coupons for that trip is in an envelope. I also attach a paperclip to my list. As I place the item into the cart, I take out the coupon and clip it to the list so I don't forget to give it to the cashier.
I only shop for what is on my list. I will make an adjustment if I have a name brand item with coupon and the generic item is still cheaper and a better buy. I won't compromise on everything generic though. Some name brand items simply taste better. But that is up to your taste buds.
If I realize I forgot an item, I ask myself do I need it this week. If I can go without it another week, I usually don't buy. If it's an item that is part of a meal for the week, I'll try to get the best value.
Like I said in the beginning, this may seem long but once you get the hang of it, it starts to go fast. And watch out, it's also addicting. You like to see how much you save each week and if you can beat it the next. I try to make it a goal to save between 30-40% of my bill each week.
Remember, you are working to save money and it is well worth the effort.
Menu Planning Services
If you don't have the time to plan meals or make shopping lists, let me do it for you. I buy what is one sale and then make my meals around the items. I plan quick, healthy and easy recipies. (I'm a busy mom too and work full time.) So I know that it's hard to get dinner on the table.
Every Thursday you will get 6 dinner recipies based on what is one sale at either Safeway or King Soopers/ City Market grocery stores. This is based on what items both stores have on sale from that Wednesday to the following Tuesday. So when you get your list on Thursday, you do have some time to shop.
You will recieve a complete grocery list of items, 6 healthy and quick dinner recipies and ideas for breakfast and lunches. Also included are tips and other savings.
I do charge $5.95 a month for this service. Believe me, with the money you save, it's a huge benefit. If you have questions about this service, please feel free to email me at laura406@comcast.net.
Click below to Subscribe to the Menu Planning Service for $5.95 a month. Emailed out every thursday:
Every Thursday you will get 6 dinner recipies based on what is one sale at either Safeway or King Soopers/ City Market grocery stores. This is based on what items both stores have on sale from that Wednesday to the following Tuesday. So when you get your list on Thursday, you do have some time to shop.
You will recieve a complete grocery list of items, 6 healthy and quick dinner recipies and ideas for breakfast and lunches. Also included are tips and other savings.
I do charge $5.95 a month for this service. Believe me, with the money you save, it's a huge benefit. If you have questions about this service, please feel free to email me at laura406@comcast.net.
Click below to Subscribe to the Menu Planning Service for $5.95 a month. Emailed out every thursday:
Introducing: Me
Many of us have heard the old saying: "It's not the Destination. . .It's the Journey." And it is quite true. Sometimes when we reach the destination, or what we think the destination is . . . It's not all it's cracked up to be. Then we have a decision, to stay there, or restart the journey. I choose to restart the journey.
I was in a stressful and time consuming career. I made over 6 figures a year and thought this is what it's all about. But I soon started experiencing signs of burn out and physically and emotionally, my job started to have a negative effect. My family was suffering. Even if I was home, I was working. My family felt neglected. My husband and I started having problems and I missed many opportunities with my children.
So, one day, I decided enough was enough. And I quit.
Now, I work from home in the same industry. It's for a start up company. I don't make what I made before financially. But I am much happier, and my quality of life has improved greatly. I now have a job that I enjoy, same duties as before just less stress.
But since we have taken this route, we also have less money. So I work for my family at saving money. And I wanted to pass what I learned on to you. Either by choice or circumstances, we all get to a point in our lives where every penny counts. And truth be told, we should always have that outlook so we can save for future situations.
I hope you enjoy this blog. And please leave feedback for other readers.
I was in a stressful and time consuming career. I made over 6 figures a year and thought this is what it's all about. But I soon started experiencing signs of burn out and physically and emotionally, my job started to have a negative effect. My family was suffering. Even if I was home, I was working. My family felt neglected. My husband and I started having problems and I missed many opportunities with my children.
So, one day, I decided enough was enough. And I quit.
Now, I work from home in the same industry. It's for a start up company. I don't make what I made before financially. But I am much happier, and my quality of life has improved greatly. I now have a job that I enjoy, same duties as before just less stress.
But since we have taken this route, we also have less money. So I work for my family at saving money. And I wanted to pass what I learned on to you. Either by choice or circumstances, we all get to a point in our lives where every penny counts. And truth be told, we should always have that outlook so we can save for future situations.
I hope you enjoy this blog. And please leave feedback for other readers.
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