Okay, I am setting my family with a $125.00 a month grocery budget for the entire year of 2009. That is $1500 for the year...can we do it???? I am hoping we can and I think by blogging it I can hold myself accountable so here goes nothing!!!
What does our $125/month budget call for??? It calls for groceries, necessities, toiletries, hygiene, our sons pull-ups, dog food, and mostly anything that we would normally have to get at Wal-mart. This does not count underwear, my regular make-up (I will include special buys but I use a particular make-up and will not change this so it is in a separate budget line), clothing, etc.
Will I go over some months? I will try my ABSOLUTE BEST to not go over this budget while trying to stockpile for certain things. If there is a great deal I may but it will be minimal and I am sure some months will be a bit under so it is not exact but pretty darn close.
Where will I get my coupons? Well, most of them are from the internet because stores I shop at allow them. I do buy (not religiously but I am doing better) a Sunday Paper each week (this does NOT come out of my budget). Also, if it is an everyday item that I can get for free or near free I have felt it okay to purchase coupons on Ebay, etc. I know some people are against this but I also know that those people MAY purchase more than one Sunday paper. Since I don't want to spend $1.50 per copy to get the paper and only use 2-3 coupons out of each I would rather spend the $3-4 on the internet and get 1-2 sets of coupons for the things that we use most often.
ex: I (like most other women) use pantiliners. Now, most of us know that these things for a fairly decent box at Wal-mart are like $7.00 (guesstimate here). I would rather spend $3.00 on the internet purchasing 30 or more coupons to get 0.75/1 any size box coupon. This coupon will allow me to get the 22ct box at my Homeland (which doubles coupons up to $1.00) for free. So, now I can get 660 or more pantliners for $3.00 or so. This works for me but ONLY on free products that are shelf stable and we use in our home regularly...not just because I saw it. It is easy to get crazy with the Ebay thing...trust me.
I am hoping to put posts in here for Monthly updates on what we got as a sum so I hope I stay consistent!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Homeland and Walgreens Shopping...
I am so happy I have wonderful Homeland and Walgreens Stores in Muskogee! I can get soo many great deals there! Today I was able to pick up all of these items for $18.01. Not quite so happy for me? Well, considering the Huggies and TP purchases (wish we had a Kroger) it was GREAT! See below for the breakout!Walgreens OOP $15.23
2 Cottonelle TP Sale w/WG coup 2.50 -.50 ea pk= 2.00 ea
Milk on sale 2.79
Huggies Pullups on sale 9.99 - 2.00 sunday coupon -1.00 catalina*=6.99
*My WG accidentally marked it early (starts tomorrow) so they let me do it. We have a VERY nice mgr :)
Homeland OOP $2.78!!!!!
2 Egg Beaters 3.29 on sale 2.29- 1.00/1 (dbld) = 0.29 Get Here!
Wholly Salsa 3.49 on sale 1.50 - 1.00/1 (dbld) = FREE Get Here!
2 Toaster Strudel 2.79 on sale 1.99 - 1.00/1 (dbld) =FREE Get Here! (expired now)
2 Healthy Choice 4.09 on sale 1.99 - 1.00/1 (dbld)= FREE Get Here!
Birdseye Vegs 2.09 on sale 1.00 - .35/1 (dbld)= 0.30 Sun Coup
Splenda 2.99 - 3.00/1 =FREE Get Here!
Kotex Lightdays 1.29- 0.75/1 (dbld)= FREE Sun Coup
Softsoap 1.59 clear 1.31 - 0.50/1 (dbld) = 0.31 Sun Coup
I will be trying to do a few more of these deals (as my coupons allow) from Homeland until the new ad comes out!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Homeland Savings 1/11/09
One item missing from the picture above- one package of Wholly Salsa. This always seems to happen around here! So, here is what I got for $5.12!!!!
8 cans Red Gold Tomatoes ($0.74 ea. -$1.00/4 coupons purchased off Ebay)
3 pkgs Wholly Salsa (Mgr Special $1.49 less $1.00/1 (dbld)) Get Here!
3 pkgs E.L. Fudge Keebler Cookies ($1.74 less $1.00/1 (dbld))
4 pkgs Lightdays Pantiliners 22ct. ($1.29 less $0.75/1 (dbld)) Get Here!
Campbells Select Harvest Soup ($2.64 less FREE coupon got on cell phone)
Era Laundry Detergent (Originally $5.99 but erroneously posted as $2.79!!!)
Rubbermaid Premier 1.25 cup container (clearanced to $2.31 less $1.00/1 (dbld)) Get Here!
3 lbs. Mild Yellow Onions (regular 2.49 on sale for $1.14 filler item)
I did 4 separate transactions to get the items but it was well worth it for an after tax total of $5.12!!!
I have been doing the Rubbermaid Coupon, Red Gold Coupon, Lightdays Coupon, and Keebler coupons for the most part this week so that is where a good portion of my spend has been! Those Rubbermaid Containers are $15.00 at Walmart for a set of just a few so $0.31 for one is GREAT!!!
Taco Soup
I love this recipe!
Ingredients:
1 can Whole Kernel Corn (drain off water and refill can...reduces sodium)
1 can diced tomatoes w/green chilis
1 can chopped green chilis
1 lb. Hamburger Meat, cooked and crumbled (from the freezer)
1/2 onion diced and sauteed, optional
1 can Petite or Regular Diced Tomatoes
1/2 can black olives, sliced
1/2 pkt. Taco Seasoning
1/2 pkt. Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
2 cans (30 oz) water or broth (I usually do a combo)
Toppings (our preferences):
Tortilla Chips of any kind (crushed)
Salsa
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese (cheddar blend)
Remaining Sliced Black Olives
Tomatoes if we have them
Directions:
Combine all ingredients (except Hamburger Meat) into pot on stove. Let cook to a slow boil and reduce to simmering for 15-20 minutes. Add in Hamburger Meat and let simmer another 10 minutes. Let rest a couple of minutes then serve with the above toppings or see below.
Common Substitutions we do:
2 cans tomates w/green chilies instead of additonal can of green chilis and tomatoes
Some people like diced avocado on top of their taco soup
If you like it hot I suppose you could add Jalapeno or Chipotle Chili but with this one we don't so its kid friendly.
Add/Substitute all you like...we just do what we feel like each time!
Ingredients:
1 can Whole Kernel Corn (drain off water and refill can...reduces sodium)
1 can diced tomatoes w/green chilis
1 can chopped green chilis
1 lb. Hamburger Meat, cooked and crumbled (from the freezer)
1/2 onion diced and sauteed, optional
1 can Petite or Regular Diced Tomatoes
1/2 can black olives, sliced
1/2 pkt. Taco Seasoning
1/2 pkt. Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
2 cans (30 oz) water or broth (I usually do a combo)
Toppings (our preferences):
Tortilla Chips of any kind (crushed)
Salsa
Sour Cream
Shredded Cheese (cheddar blend)
Remaining Sliced Black Olives
Tomatoes if we have them
Directions:
Combine all ingredients (except Hamburger Meat) into pot on stove. Let cook to a slow boil and reduce to simmering for 15-20 minutes. Add in Hamburger Meat and let simmer another 10 minutes. Let rest a couple of minutes then serve with the above toppings or see below.
Common Substitutions we do:
2 cans tomates w/green chilies instead of additonal can of green chilis and tomatoes
Some people like diced avocado on top of their taco soup
If you like it hot I suppose you could add Jalapeno or Chipotle Chili but with this one we don't so its kid friendly.
Add/Substitute all you like...we just do what we feel like each time!
Corn Casserole...Cheap and EASY!
This is a recipe that I got from my mother-in-law but I basically think of her as my second mom. They make this every year for the holidays. I have since added it to our listing of recipes to make often.
Ingredients:
2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (around $0.45 a box)
1/2 cup Milk
1 Tbsp Vinegar (sometimes I omit this)
1 can Cream Corn
1 can Whole Kernel Corn (drained)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients above and place into oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes.
I usually make this once a month since it is so cheap and easy! More if it is a tight budget month.
Ingredients:
2 boxes Jiffy Cornbread Mix (around $0.45 a box)
1/2 cup Milk
1 Tbsp Vinegar (sometimes I omit this)
1 can Cream Corn
1 can Whole Kernel Corn (drained)
Directions:
Mix all ingredients above and place into oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes.
I usually make this once a month since it is so cheap and easy! More if it is a tight budget month.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2009 Goals...Post 1
Labeling this as "Post 1" because there are always things that cause us to add, delete, and/or modify our current goals. Here is a start:
Personal
1. Make time for myself at least once a month. I need a break and have overlooked treating myself in the last 3 1/2 years (pregnancy, motherhood). I need this for my sanity.
2. A lunch date at least a month with my girlfriends whom all work different schedules.
Family
1. Potty train my 2 1/2 year old before his 3rd birthday in mid April.
2. Play outside more in the warmer days. I kept my little one in quite a bit for his immune system before now and I think it is time to evolve a bit more. Make a park play date at least twice a month.
3. Read more to my little one. We started Charlotte's Web on New Year's Day. I would like to read him at least 10 books this year similar to this.
4. To go with #3, my son loves the library. I would like to make a commitment to take him there at least twice a month (once a week if we can fit it in).
5. I make dinner most of the time because I like to cook so I am going to set my goals to cook once a day 5 days a week.
6. Send my brother a package to his station in Afghanistan (he just left Jan. 8, 2009) once every payday (biweekly). I already have the boxes and custom forms ready. I will try to get my parents to do my off week so he is receiving items regularly plus he will hopefully have enough to share the wealth. One man with Toilet Paper could very well be the best friend of another man...or so my theory believes. :) Good thing I am doing couponing to be able to afford all these packages (26 of them)!!!
7. Write down one thing my son does each day that amazes me, funny things, not so funny things (messes mommy gets to clean up) and share a few of these with my brother so he can not feel left out when he gets back home. My son is 2 1/2 now so by the time my brother gets home he will be 4. They grow up so much in that timeframe.
Finance
1. Work out my annual cashflow budget (just my finances) down to the penny of what my salaried check will be. I have this done two ways. One for my monthly spend for each of my bills. Then I broke this down by paycheck so I know exactly what I am paying and when. (I finished this on the first and got paid on the second...it was SOO nice to have this laid out because my brain is usually fried at the first of the month. Because of the above I will now be able to do the following in 2009 (pending no major changes):
--Pay off my car in May 2009 (this is when it was set to finish anyway)
--live on our budget of $125.00 a month on average of food/toiletries expenses for 2009.
--Pay off one credit card, most of another, and 1/2 of a third in 2009. (see a few lines down..may be able to finish off all three)
--Save and actually keep my savings this year rather than spend on other things.
--Because of above I have actually set up two additional savings items this year: Emergency Fund and Car Maintenance/Repair Fund.
--I have a flex spending account for health care as well as dependent care (day care) so I do not have to factor health care amounts into my spending. Doctor visits and medicine are not included in my budget because of my plan. I have factored in regular payments to my sons daycare as if I were not being reimbursed for half of it. I will try to use the reimbursements ($2,500 or so for the year) from dependent care to cover more credit card bills or place into savings. Either would be nice.
--I would like to save some of the above money to fly to meet my brother when he returns home to his base in NY in 2010 but that is only if I can afford it. Hoping I can!!!
Personal
1. Make time for myself at least once a month. I need a break and have overlooked treating myself in the last 3 1/2 years (pregnancy, motherhood). I need this for my sanity.
2. A lunch date at least a month with my girlfriends whom all work different schedules.
Family
1. Potty train my 2 1/2 year old before his 3rd birthday in mid April.
2. Play outside more in the warmer days. I kept my little one in quite a bit for his immune system before now and I think it is time to evolve a bit more. Make a park play date at least twice a month.
3. Read more to my little one. We started Charlotte's Web on New Year's Day. I would like to read him at least 10 books this year similar to this.
4. To go with #3, my son loves the library. I would like to make a commitment to take him there at least twice a month (once a week if we can fit it in).
5. I make dinner most of the time because I like to cook so I am going to set my goals to cook once a day 5 days a week.
6. Send my brother a package to his station in Afghanistan (he just left Jan. 8, 2009) once every payday (biweekly). I already have the boxes and custom forms ready. I will try to get my parents to do my off week so he is receiving items regularly plus he will hopefully have enough to share the wealth. One man with Toilet Paper could very well be the best friend of another man...or so my theory believes. :) Good thing I am doing couponing to be able to afford all these packages (26 of them)!!!
7. Write down one thing my son does each day that amazes me, funny things, not so funny things (messes mommy gets to clean up) and share a few of these with my brother so he can not feel left out when he gets back home. My son is 2 1/2 now so by the time my brother gets home he will be 4. They grow up so much in that timeframe.
Finance
1. Work out my annual cashflow budget (just my finances) down to the penny of what my salaried check will be. I have this done two ways. One for my monthly spend for each of my bills. Then I broke this down by paycheck so I know exactly what I am paying and when. (I finished this on the first and got paid on the second...it was SOO nice to have this laid out because my brain is usually fried at the first of the month. Because of the above I will now be able to do the following in 2009 (pending no major changes):
--Pay off my car in May 2009 (this is when it was set to finish anyway)
--live on our budget of $125.00 a month on average of food/toiletries expenses for 2009.
--Pay off one credit card, most of another, and 1/2 of a third in 2009. (see a few lines down..may be able to finish off all three)
--Save and actually keep my savings this year rather than spend on other things.
--Because of above I have actually set up two additional savings items this year: Emergency Fund and Car Maintenance/Repair Fund.
--I have a flex spending account for health care as well as dependent care (day care) so I do not have to factor health care amounts into my spending. Doctor visits and medicine are not included in my budget because of my plan. I have factored in regular payments to my sons daycare as if I were not being reimbursed for half of it. I will try to use the reimbursements ($2,500 or so for the year) from dependent care to cover more credit card bills or place into savings. Either would be nice.
--I would like to save some of the above money to fly to meet my brother when he returns home to his base in NY in 2010 but that is only if I can afford it. Hoping I can!!!
2008 Grand Summary...dundundun
Okay, for 2008 I didn't actually set any goals so now I am going to sum up the highlights/lowlights of the year:
My Brother joined the Military (did this once already but had to discharge due to injury at Basic)
---He will leave for Afghanistan on January 9, 2009, please pray he will have a safe and life fulfilling time learning and being more wordly overseas.
My sister moved home with my parents. She has two beautiful daughters and this move caused them to go to our Alma Mater High School...good thing. :) Our dryer died just before she moved out so rather than buy one we "borrowed" hers until she gets a place of her own again.
Our son started potty training (officially) on December 31, 2008...
My husbands sister had an eventful year (leaving it at that) but it appears she has found happiness through the storm by the end of 2008.
We used up our savings throughout the year on the small things that kept hitting us. We did fix the dryer before it died again, got a pen out of the toilet (early potting training lesson for our 2 year old), recharged the Air Conditioner, fixed the hot tub partially (needs a bit more work and TLC but it is a start), repainted/remodeled (wallpaper removal and mudding) the first bathroom as well as the kitchen, started our son in daycare 14 weeks earlier than our budget planned for ($$$$), and I am sure a few other things that I either forgot about or blocked from my memory.
My work building was damaged in the storm on July 3rd so we relocated to our warehouse until remodeling was complete the week before Christmas. Total remodel and it looks GREAT!
This just about sums up the year for us. My 2009 goals will be posted just after this one. :)
My Brother joined the Military (did this once already but had to discharge due to injury at Basic)
---He will leave for Afghanistan on January 9, 2009, please pray he will have a safe and life fulfilling time learning and being more wordly overseas.
My sister moved home with my parents. She has two beautiful daughters and this move caused them to go to our Alma Mater High School...good thing. :) Our dryer died just before she moved out so rather than buy one we "borrowed" hers until she gets a place of her own again.
Our son started potty training (officially) on December 31, 2008...
My husbands sister had an eventful year (leaving it at that) but it appears she has found happiness through the storm by the end of 2008.
We used up our savings throughout the year on the small things that kept hitting us. We did fix the dryer before it died again, got a pen out of the toilet (early potting training lesson for our 2 year old), recharged the Air Conditioner, fixed the hot tub partially (needs a bit more work and TLC but it is a start), repainted/remodeled (wallpaper removal and mudding) the first bathroom as well as the kitchen, started our son in daycare 14 weeks earlier than our budget planned for ($$$$), and I am sure a few other things that I either forgot about or blocked from my memory.
My work building was damaged in the storm on July 3rd so we relocated to our warehouse until remodeling was complete the week before Christmas. Total remodel and it looks GREAT!
This just about sums up the year for us. My 2009 goals will be posted just after this one. :)
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