I'mmmmmm baaaacccckkkk!!!!

Wow...no shopping for 4 weeks!!!....It was hard to get back and I am still organizing coupons from my absence.....BUT....it felt great to get back out there and SAVE!!! I am discovering that things go on sale so often, there is no need to buy 10 at a time for most things! I don't want my garage to be converted to storage and I don't want to invest to come up with additional storage. We have a good balance...lots of extras....and saving money!!!!

I need to work on my menu planning....but that is another day! Today...I am happy to have saved money again!!! I am buying 1 paper each week and I get my MILs....and I print off line.....I can't keep up with 6-10 papers...to much life going on to cut that many coupons....BUT again the sales happen so often I don't need 10-20 of everything that goes on sale.....You can make it work for you and your family. You can do more, you can do less....but do something and you will SAVE $$$$$!!!!!

Free KFC chicken!!!

Still here...still saving money and loving it but no time for pictures lately! I am excited about the free chicken at KFC though! oprah.com/kfc for free two pieced grilled chicken meal coupon....can download 4 free meals per person

Some recent savings

OOP was $50 at K-Mart...saved $150

Bi-Lo OOP was $32
So, where have I been? Saving money of course! I have taken pictures but have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to post them! I want to share a few pictures....When K-mart doubled several weeks back...I spent $50 and saved $150!!Today, I spent $24 at Bi-Lo (mostly HBA) and saved almost $85!!! Publix was OOP $38 and saved $56. Last week Bi-Lo was $32 and before coupons and bonus card was $102. I am going to load pictures but I have to say a word or two about the coupons and savings! It does take time but it has taken less and less time the longer I have done it! I wish I could tell you how much I have saved total and how much I have spent....it would be an amazing #!!! Today I bought 7 Gillette shaving creams for FREE....4 2 packs of Oil of Olay bar soaps for FREE...it just takes the time to clip and check out the online resources that do the work for you! I love the challenge and my like minded friends and I love to discuss what deals we got and how much we saved!!!!

There are far worse things to be addicted to!!!

After my ECBs back--my oop on this was $2.37!!! You can't buy 1 of thing in the picture for that!!! Not even at Wal-mart....Loving CVS this week! Also got a free sample of a brownie bowl in the mail!

Publix is my ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!! I spent $39.04 and saved $83.33



I am ADDICTED to these coupons.....My friend sent me a text....a lady in front of her checked out with a grand total of $5...my friend said "GAME ON!!" That is how I feel...I want to do as well as Kasey....no I want to do better but how I will be thrilled to just do as good! She is amazing and I am sooooo thankful God planted this mission on her heart! God is at work in my life and is using people I hardly know to get me where he wants me. Trish and her Reading the Bible Blog....it has put me where God wants us all....in his word and everyday. She encourages me and keeps me accountable on the blog and by email--God is using r...and he knew he would when I briefly met her in Nashville at Maggie's b-day party! Now, he is using Kasey....Those ladies are AMAZING and I am so grateful for the money savings they are sharing! I am now disappointed if my savings are below 50%.....anything less is just not good enough!!! :-) I feel like I am making a great contribution to my home's bottom line by aggressively looking for the best for our money--good stewardship with what God has give us!!! We have so much food and other stockpiles...it falls right in with Dave Ramsey's emergency fund...but with food and toiletries.....

Me...yep me....the one that HATED going to the grocery store...I can't wait for Sunday coupons and Wednesday ads!!! I look forward to the trips to the stores and love all the savings!!! Today I spent $76.07 and I SAVED $162.58 and I have $6 ECB.....so I could say I spent 70 and saved 168!!!!! My kind of week....these are the pics of what I bought today!!!!

One last comment...our kids watch and do everything we do....think I am wrong...listen to them--sometimes it is embarrassing to hear my words come back out of a 4 or 6 year old....God uses everyone to teach us things! My girls love to help cut out coupons and look for them all the time! They cut out there own coupons from Sonic....they are too funny...and mirroring me...this is one I can say I am proud of!he

Natural high!!!

OK...so I have decided I love saving more than I spend....and if I don't do that I don't think it is a good deal! I DO NOT buy if it isn't on sale and I don't have a coupon....and if I have a coupon BUT it isn't on sale....no go! This game is fun!!!
Today my OOP was $51.43....check out the pictures....Total savings was $149.60 (counting the ECB and RR in my wallet!) It is fun, it is easy, it is a natural high--feeling financially responsible to save all I can! What about you...what were your deals/savings?

I love to save!!!

First stop TARGET!!!! These wipes cost $5.99 each...my OOP was $3.09 I saved $10.00!...and I have 2 more $5.00 off coupons!!!!
Next stop Walgreens....My OOP after my rebate is $4.99...I saved $21.18. I bought 2 more chex mixes, more emery boards--FREE, Walgreens head ache meds--FREE after rebate, 4 Oust air fresheners...Q BOGO plus rebate!

My rough numbers are total spent: $23.24 and total saved ~$113.00

Next was CVS...Another FREE Fusion RAZOR, 3 tubes of toothpaste and a pack of peanut butter M & M's....OOP $0.87...and that was for the M & M's....I had an ECB to use , plus Qs but my total amount had to be $5.00 before tax to use the ECB...so I will enjoy my reward of M&M's!!

Last for tonight was Rite Aid....I bought 2 eyeliners, 2 blushes, 2 mascaras, 2 lip glosses, a power and a foundation plus a box of tampons...all for $14.29 after Qs and rebated!! The before tax total was $55.23....SAVED around $46!!!


OK...so yes...this is addictive and so much fun! I want everyone to do it!!! Check out Kasey and Kelly's blog....they are amazing...no AMAZING!!!! I am going to their advanced classes! Wouldn't it be great to be like them? They are Godly women that are saving money like crazy! I am happy and excited at what I am saving.....and then I look at them and think wow...I have so much to learn and so far to go! That is OK...I love to learn for all who know me!!!!

There site: http://time2save.blogspot.com/
There upcoming classes are listed on the right side and so is there contact info!!! Hope to see you there!!!

Walgreens quick trip

So tonight I hit Walgreen's....What I bought:
3 Johnson & Johnson flosses--FREE
32 oz. Formula 409....$1.50
Revlon emery boards--FREE
2 boxes of Fiber one bars--1.39 each
2 boxes of Chex Mix trail bars--
2 bags of chex mix--$1.00
1 Fiber one poptarts
Total OOP $11.86 TOTAL SAVINGS $26.49....I had a RR to use but it wouldn't let me b/c I had used so many coupons....I am wondering if I had used it first or if I had thrown in one more item, if I could have used it???? I will ask that at my coupon class tomorrow! The manager said he thought it was because I had as many Qs as items...it said my purchase was less than the RR.....it is for $3.50...clearly it wasn't less! If I had been able to use it my OOP would have been $8.36 and savings would have been $29.99...oh well...I can use it another day!

Side note...I was told at Target tonight they will no longer allow you to stack coupons.....

I love the grocery store!!!

It is funny...I used to hate the grocery store...I have NEVER liked going...ever!!! Now, I can't wait to go!!! I love finding the deals and trying to "beat" my friends on savings....of course I love sharing the deals so they can save too! It just makes it all so fun...and saving money--well who doesn't love that!!! It almost feels like I am doing something wrong....and I want to tell everyone that I see in the store to clip the coupons...it is all so easy....takes a bit of time BUT unless you can just afford to throw away money--and that is what I have done until now...I love it...have I said that? I am contributing money to the bottom line...they are right...it is a part time job....but doesn't my family deserve it? I say YES!!!! Thank you so much to the coupon ladies!!!!



Publix: spent $61.51....saved $102.13
Bought:
10 Mueller Pasta
4 Classico Pasta Sauces
10 Kellogg's pop tarts
2 Tropicana OJ's
8 Betty Crocker Supreme Brownie Mix
20 Green Giant canned veggies
Bananas
2 Muir Glenn diced tomatoes
3 Renuzit triscent starter kits
2 Kraft M & Cheese dinners
3 Angel Soft 4-double rolls
6 Mentos gum

Walgreen's: spent $14.61....saved.......$71.96 (this includes the rebate)
4 Glade Lasting Impression fan...
4 Glade Sense and Spray

Total spent: $76.12
Total saved: $174.09

I have to say....my Publix receipt is the longest one I have ever had....It is just a little short...like 1/2 an inch--of 4 feet!!! Yep....this one is hanging at the desk!!!!

I ran out and picked up a few more deals tonight!!! LOVE this!!! Walgreens: Fusion razor: 8.99...$4 coupon and $6RR...
Mixed bag of twix/snickers etc 3.00...my cost FREE
I paid 6.10 with $6 RR...I am out of $0.10
BUT I needed powder SO I used my RR and it was FREE!!!
My total savings at Walgreens tonight was $14.69

THEN came CVS....
2 Nyquil products 2/$9.98
2 Ban deodorants 1.99 each
1 Venus razor 7.99
After my coupons, ECBs, and the coupon for $5 off of $15 my grand total was:
$7.10 I saved $22.00!!!!

It is addictive, it is FUN and I almost feel like I am doing something wrong!!! Crazy deals and with a bit of work you can do it too!!! I want to share with everyone!! It is so easy to do....what are you waiting for????

Grocery giveaway at southernsavers.com

Jenny at southernsavers.com is hosting a giveaway!!!! $50 in free groceries--gift card to the store of your choice!!!! If you haven't been using her site--what are you waiting for??? Go over and check it out at www.southernsavers.com !!!!
Free Groceries Giveaway!
Posted on Feb 24 2009 | By Jenny · Comments


With all the great deals at Publix this week, and the past few at Kroger & Bi-Lo, it’s time to see how far you could stretch a gift card.

I am giving two lucky folks a $50 gift card to the Southern Savers grocery store of their choice.

The catch, the two winners will have to take a picture of their trips and report back (on Southern Savers) to tell us how much $50 actually bought them!!

It’s the first time I’ve made the winners work for their prize, but it makes it more fun for everyone. This giveaway will go until Friday at noon. You can enter two different ways:

Comment below with what store you would want a gift card to, and how much in retail value you think you could get with $50.
Blog or Twitter about the giveaway and then comment here letting me know you did.
Winners will be randomly chosen and will be emailed Friday afternoon. If you have never left a comment on Southern Savers new comments are moderated and might not appear for a little while.

More shopping....more savings!!!

At Walgreens I spent a total of $16 and saved $24.67....the paper towels alone would have been $19.00! Missing from the picture is 2 candy bars--we couldn't wait til we got home!


AT Target I spent $11 and saved $28.17...one of those razors is usually $9.00!!!


Trip 2 Publix was $15 and I saved $12.06



This was my first Publix trip and it won't be may last!!! Trip one cost me $29 and I saved $50.73.



Food lion was 1 trip but I forgot the bread so it is in a separate picture! :-) I spent $22 and saved $18.82





Rite Aid was $7.32 but after my rebates of $5.00 oop is $2.32


Finally CVS was 6.26 BUT I have $5.00 ECB so it was like spending $1.26...and the ECB didn't print correctly--it gave me $5 off of $15 spent so she let me keep that and my $5.00 ECB....so it is like I made 4.74!!!
So...I planned my shopping....all my stops and coupons.....and we were off for a day full of shopping and savings!!!! I bought the baseball card holders to organize the coupons--and had them organized for each store I was going to...it was a GREAT help!!! I also bought toilet paper on sale and with coupons at K-mart--$10 for a good start on a stock pile!

So on my savings trips yesterday...I spent a total of $118.40 and SAVED $148.56.....now I know these #s don't sound as good as $40 a week BUT since that is normally my weekly Walmart bill, I am very pleased!!! My freezer is stocked and my pantry is full. I have paper towels, toilet paper, Reynolds wrap, shampoo, razors, candy, hair product and more!!! I know I will get to where I can shop only the sales so my total will go down! I also know what is a good deal will change! For me $.13 for toothpaste is still great....for the experts it is free all the way! :-)

How is your shopping going? Any troubles? I know Leslie, Donna and I shared notes yesterday and we all had little things happen....patience and attention to details make it smoother....we are learning a new way of shopping and it will pay off greatly in the end!

More deals!

This money saving thing is addictive!!! It is like a game to see how much I can save! I love games and I LOVE to win!!! I went back to Bi-Lo tonight to grab a few more deals and I revisited all 3 drug stores for a few more deals!!!

I want to post my before and after prices....I KNOW they will get better the more I do this.....and I love it because I am contributing to our household bottom line!!! My Bi-Lo total was $43.92 and after my savings it was $14.12!!!!! I am going to group the 3 drug stores together: the before was $50.47 and after was $15.40!!!

Thomas told me last night that I had the toothpaste deals down, so let's move on to another deal! :-) So now we have toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant! I am also building up my stock in the pantry!!!!

I will post pictures later.....off in search of more deals!!!

By the way, the lovely ladies that did the coupon class I went to have a blog now.....check them out......and if you can--go to one of their classes!!!!
http://time2save.blogspot.com/

CVS and more

Clearly I have been MIA from here! Life is so busy BUT I have to tell you about the coupon class I went to!!!!!! These ladies are AMAZING!!!!! Cutting grocery bill from $150 to $30-40 per WEEK!!!! They gave us handouts and a great overview BUT there is so much to learn and the only way to do it is just get out there!!! So, last week I bought 3 papers and jumped in with my clipping! Clip them all because you just don't know what the deals might be on.....
In the picture on the left:
2 Bounty Basic paper towels
1 colgate total toothpaste
1 Finesse shampoo/conditioner
2 Crest kids toothpaste
Revlon foundation
Revlon mascara
Revlon eyeshadow
Revlon lip creme
box of Band-aids
Garnier hair product
4 cans of Purina One dog food (only 3 pictured--Zoey couldn't wait)
Contact lens solution
Grand Total would have been $64.28 (these deals were at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, CVS and Rite Aid)
My total was $9.97 for everything!!!!!

The picture on the right was from tonight at CVS.....
3 Crest toothpastes
1 Colgate Total
1 snickers egg
Total: $0.53.....and that is because she made me buy one thing to get my total over my ECB....so I bought the egg.....my total had been -$0.02!!!!

SWWWEEEEEETTTTT!!!!!

I am no pro but I am so excited to do this!! I ran into Casey--the coupon class lady tonight and they have started a business.....the basic class is free and then if you are interested in the advanced savings class and drugstore class....I think it will be $50 for the 2.....and it woould so be worth it!! She went to Publix today--left with 30 bags of groeceries--bill before coupons $104...final was $2.11....she is GREAT!!!!


Last week I bought almost everything with a coupon and saved--it is baby steps though--I didn't get my bill to where they are but it will take time...so no frustration! I took a picture of some of my deals.....in a few weeks or months I may laugh that I thought these were deals because of the REAL deals I will be getting......

Why I LOVE Kohl's!!!

OK....so I have had a hard time being 100% faithful to my Dave Ramsey committment....and her is why.....both girls have had birthdays--so with parties and presents....I spent some money that would have gone into the debt snowball.....NOW...Christmas....I love watching them open and be excited on Christmas morning--and I love to shop for them!!!! I went today.....I spent $366 BUT if I had paid full price (as my husband reminded me--I would not have because I AM NOT a full price girl!) but it still makes me feel good to say--I would have spent $939.46!!!! I would tell you waht I bought but my oldest gets on and checks out the blogs....so I can't do it--but I know they are going to love everything!!!! Most importantly we remember the most importatn gift--why we celebrate Christmas!!! Anna told me she was so excited about Christmas because it is Jesus' birthday! Heartwarming moment!!!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Backgrounds!

In keeping with the name, Random Things, I love the new backgrounds I have discovered for my blogs! How fun and how cute!!!

Don't buy new cars until....maybe never!

We are enjoying this class so much! He is just so straight forward when he calls you decision STUPID....and you KNOW he is right--but he has a gift and you don't get angry--you laugh with him.....then go to work on fixing the problems.....make that budget--use cash--make your money work for you!!!! He teaches most weeks a new word for many--NO!!!!
As a parent, I have learned to never say never....unless you like to eat words....but I will go out on a limb and say we will NEVER buy a new car....unless....well Dave says unless you have a million in the bank....but I will say UNLESS I can pay CASH!!!! He showed opportunity cost this week.....and talked about immaturity....so I want to share two of his pearls of wisdom this week!!!

Opportunity cost....
His friend wanted to buy a 1986 Mercedes when he made 6 figures...and he made 6 figures in his early 20's....went and test drove the car...sucked in the smell, looked at the symbol of Mercedes on the hood and steering wheel....the symbol for him that said he had arrived.....he had $40,000 in a mutual fund to pay cash for it....he wanted it...oh he so wanted it and had worked for it and was going to pay cash for it. He told the salesman he wanted to think about it overnight......he went home and did his financial calculator and knew he could not buy that car!!!! Opportunity Cost made him say NO!!! 12 years later he pulled up next to someone with a temporary tag on that same 1986 model Mercedes......he asked what he had paid--the man replied BOOK vlaue......$4000.....$36000 less than what it cost new 12 years earlier (WHAT KIND OF STUPID INVESTMENT IS A NEW CAR???) His mutual fund--the one that had $40,000 was now worth $300,000....so tell me what was the better investment?? Easy answer for me....and like Dave, who will tell you he is going to step on toes.....I am not trying to offend but for me--it is ridiculous to pay--that much for a car....the highest I could stomach would be $25,000 and let me tell you that makes my stomach hurt....so don't look for that to happen! I have financial goals for my family and car debt is not included in that.....I don't like bondage and that is what debt is!!!
This is long so I will just say that the immaturity pearl is about the inner child that wants it....DON'T let him make you buying decisions!

Godliness with contentment is a great thing.....be content with what you have a new car, purse, shoes, outfit, house...whatever it is that you think will make you happy if you only had....well news flash--IT WON'T...if you are not happy with the car you drive or the house you live in etc....a new one may please you shortly but there is something else lacking--and the thing won't fix it!!!

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. Proverbs 31: 10-11

Women talk to your husbands--make your opinions known--work together!!! You are supposed to be one so you need to act like it!!!! This is STRAIGHT from Dave....many times we don't want to make our spouse upset or tell them no but Dave points out you are doing an injustice by not speaking up.....

More on Dave Ramsey....

If you have the chance to go through Financial Peace University (FPU), you need to do it!!! I was a bit hesitant because someone said they thought you had to share all your numbers with the class. I also was unsure if I wanted to pay for the class when I had A Total Money Makeover....and although I had not implemented anything, I knew the basics. Lastly, I wasn't sure it was for us....our finances are in pretty good order. WRONG on all counts....you don't share your numbers in our class....yes, I had the book BUT had done nothing with it and EVERYONE can benefit and improve from Dave Ramsey!!!!!

Lots of things are just common sense but it seems common sense is in short supply these days. We are an instant gratification generation. Our Great grandparents and grandparents didn't believe in debt or credit.
The 1910 Sears catalog said 'buying on credit is folly'.....can you say DISCOVER card?
JC Penney only took cash--that changed on his death.
Ford didn't offer credit until 10 years after GM.

Our grandparents thought debt was DUMB and a SIN!!! Their homes were paid for and so were there cars....today it seems very few people plan to pay off anything. It seems like so many today are caught up in materialism....what can I buy next, what can I change, what do I want in my next house, what about my next car.....

Dave gave some statements that come from rich and poor people--hey if it is you--don't be mad at me--just repeating what DAVE says....and if it hits a nerve--maybe it is an area that you need to work on! :-) He didn't miss any one's toes last week!!!
POOR PEOPLE QUESTIONS: When buying a car, you ask them to get a payment of X amount...for 5 years or more.

RICH PEOPLE QUESTIONS: When buying a car, you ask them what the car is costing you--and then pay cash. If you are on your way to being rich, you never finance for more than 18 months to 2 years....if it is more than that....look at where you want to be! Once it is paid off--you put the car payment money in an account to save to pay cash for your next car.

DO NOT BUY A NEW CAR unless you have a MILLION dollars in the bank!!! New cars lose 70% of their value in the first 4 years--it is one of the worst investments you can make!! (Side note--when doing your budget--the right way--you figure out what % your transportation allowance is 10-15%....that includes car payments, gas, repairs....go do your math!!!)

HOUSES: NEVER take more than a 15 year fixed rate loan out on a house.

Children do what feels good--don't be a child--YOU ARE AN ADULT!!! Wait until you have the cash. NO it isn't always easy to wait to buy things, go places, or do projects on our house....but YES, it feels GREAT to come back from a vacation we paid for and owe nothing....it feels great to do a house project and not owe on it and we appreciate things so much more that we have saved to buy! These are the ways of Dave....he is a multi-millionaire and a Christian...he knows what he is doing and who he is doing it for!
I think we have about 60 families in our class--our consumer debt is $1,072,000....that includes NO homes...just something to think about!!!

Check out Dave's site for a FPU near you!
http://www.daveramsey.com/

DAVE RAMSEY ROCKS!!!

Okay, Okay...so it was July when I thought I was back on track.....and it is now September! I just have to say Dave Ramsey ROCKS!!!!! We are taking Financial Peace University (FPU) right now....and WOW!!!!! We are good with money but we want to be great--and DEBT-FREE!!!! I have several things that have really hit me--common sense but not in practice. I want to share several of the things but will have to do it a bit later!! If you have the chance to take FPU....DO IT!!!! We bought The total money makeover--awesome stuff but I had not implemented it. The FPU class makes you accountable--you have homework--so it has to be done!!! We had all written down our consumer debt total...everything but the house payment--and I was AMAZED at the debt our class has.....I just can not say enough about Dave Ramsey....God has given him a gift--not only is he great with money--using common sense things but he is so fun to listen to!!!! We were laughing our heads off--in a financial class--I look forward to the videos each week--and leave even more motivated!!! That is the difference in the book and doing the class along with it--the support group of like minded people is great!!!

I am back and getting on track!!!

I feel like I have been on a hiatus from saving, coupons and good deals!! I have to get back in gear--who doesn't love to save?! I want to get our budget done--and stick to it--I have MS Money....so what am I waiting for? I need to be more diligent at checking PPP....signed on last night....opportunity waiting...I missed a couple today....it is easy, easy, easy.....not going to get rich quick but I have $35 deposited in my account and more pending post approval....too easy....and I enjoy it!!! Check out payperpost.com and start making money!!!

Take Control Stem Cell Innovation for Women

Future Stem Cell Research Therapies May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood...whhhhaaaa? Yep...you read that right....keep on reading...
Many people have strong opinions on stem cells and their use....depending on where/how they are harvested.....I would say I am one of those people BUT this press release reveals a possible new way of obtaining them that had never occurred to me!!! I love learning and educating myself on new things and old things....so check out this innovative use of something we have to face as women!! Please read the article on CNNMoney !!

Science and technology have come so far and still have many things in the works! How great would it be to find a way to cure and treat illnesses or diseases with stem cells from something that most women have every month! How great would you feel to be able to extend someone's life or at least play a part in being helpful? That is something that is happening anyway--like it or not--why not help someone with it! I am thankful for the insight God gives to men and women to develop these life helping and life saving ideas! Keep your eyes on the news and your home page for more cutting edge developments on this process!!!!

Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood!!!

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST


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Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

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