We have been doing the "Dave Ramsey" plan for getting out of debt and living on a budget. It's our first month in, but it has been great so far. I have seen clearly so many areas where we spend money without even thinking about it. I have found great peace in telling my money where to go, instead of wondering where it went!
Before we even began this process, I started couponing. Now I'm addicted!
How do I organize my coupons? I thought you would never ask!
I have one three ring binder full of clear sheet protectors. Every Sunday when the paper comes, I pull out the inserts (Red Plum, Smart Source, etc.). I put the date on the outside of each insert, then stick them all in one sheet protector.
I do go through and cut out coupons I know we will use, but I don't throw out the rest because I never know when there will be a deal on something that I just can't pass up! This saves time for me, because I'm not cutting out every coupon.
I have a second binder with sheet protectors labeled A-Z. This is where I keep my coupons alphabetically by brand name.
On Thursday I go to my favorite blog and find out what is on sale and buy-one-get-one (BOGO) at Publix that week. The blogs are great because they tell me exactly where to go to find the coupons I need (for example, RP 2/14 will tell me to look in my Red Plum insert from 2/14). I go and find the coupons, cut them out and I'm ready to go!
Today was a great shopping day! I spent $19.91 at Walmart on things like bread, frozen waffles, chicken nuggets, and water (things I know they have better prices on than Publix).
Then I went to Publix and spent $36.72 and saved $52.06! I think this was my best week ever.
By stocking up on the things that are on sale (today was spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, bread crumbs, and cereal) I only need to get a few items and produce each week in addition to the sale items.
In honor of my finds, I made baked pasta tonight...DD helped!
Then she took some pictures too...
4 comments:
Wow! You really saved $20 more than your purchase price? That's amazing. Maybe I should get into this couponing thing. That's a really good deal!
Also, I'm assuming that "DD" is Abby, but I'm missing what "DD" stands for.
I am thoroughly enjoying your blog lately, Alli. Thanks for sharing all these bits of your life.
And YAY to living like no one else. I'm in the boat with you two. :)
Wow! So, I'm not the only one looking at Publix.com BOGO on Thursdays.
I don't do much cooking. I really have found ways to make it cheaper to eat out since I'm single and with much healthier choices. So, I can cook cheaper if I don't care about the healthy part. But, I'm over 40 now so healthier matters more than it ever did before.
But, I still love coupons and deals. I just find them at the restaurants. Maybe I'll post some of those tips. They may not work as well for a family, but they may still be pretty good for a date night.
Oh, Publix had bogo on Hershey bars and i have a great recipe for an easy pie that you and Abby could make together if you're interested. I won first place at work for it-$75 visa gift card.
Can't be healthy all the time!!!
Thanks Tarah, and yes, yes I did! DD stands for "Dear Daughter"...DS "Dear Son". I decided to make things more anonymous. If you look at my page, I added pictures with their new aliases. :-) I might think of different ones in the future, but for now this works (and is kind of common in other communities I've seen).
Gwen - LOVE IT. Yes, pls share your restaurant secrets! And you know we love chocolate around here...bring it.
Hey! Know the slogan well:) We have been snailing the last 2 years (no cheeta here, unfortunately) and paid off the last debt over Christmas (almost 50,000!). Now we are just down to the house!!!
I love Publix b1g1's. However, I suck at coupons. So I usually only end up with what I can print, or I order exactly what I need of ebay or www.manuffacturerscoupons.net -- Be sure to post some frugal recipes as you come along- I love to try new things!
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