What Works for Me!
In keeping with a couple of other blogs - RocksinmyDryer and MoneySavingMom - I am going to share some things that work for me and some things that don't.
Work:
1. Using pharmacy coupons to "make" money when I have a to fill a prescription. Sometimes they aren't readily available, but this stretches our budget so much further than it would be able to go without it.
2. Using an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) through Joey's employer to force us to budget and save ahead of time for medical expenses.
3. Shopping at CVS and getting many of our staple items FREE or even making money on them.
4. USING COUPONS! One of my sister-in-laws very sweetly the other day called me the "Coupon Goddess." I am sure that some of the cashiers at the stores I shop at would call me some other, less endearing, names. But all that aside coupons and sales are how I keep our grocery budget for a family of 4 under $50 a week. I stock up on items when they are on sale and then have more money to buy the things we desperately need or just really want when the time comes.
DOESN'T Work:
1. Rebates - I lose a piece of them. I forget to put them in the mail. I misplace the check after it comes . . . it's ridiculous.
2. Attempting to be "laid back" about the budget - I am so all or nothing, it's not even funny. So I'm either on the budget or off the budget. Being laid back simply translates to off!
3. Trying to compete and get every deal that I hear about! I have had to accept my anal retentiveness and perfectionism and admit that I will not always find the same deals as others nor do I have space for everything that I could find free or for a great deal and bring home.
Well, I could keep going, but I would love to hear from some of you . . . what works for you and what doesn't?
Work:
1. Using pharmacy coupons to "make" money when I have a to fill a prescription. Sometimes they aren't readily available, but this stretches our budget so much further than it would be able to go without it.
2. Using an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) through Joey's employer to force us to budget and save ahead of time for medical expenses.
3. Shopping at CVS and getting many of our staple items FREE or even making money on them.
4. USING COUPONS! One of my sister-in-laws very sweetly the other day called me the "Coupon Goddess." I am sure that some of the cashiers at the stores I shop at would call me some other, less endearing, names. But all that aside coupons and sales are how I keep our grocery budget for a family of 4 under $50 a week. I stock up on items when they are on sale and then have more money to buy the things we desperately need or just really want when the time comes.
DOESN'T Work:
1. Rebates - I lose a piece of them. I forget to put them in the mail. I misplace the check after it comes . . . it's ridiculous.
2. Attempting to be "laid back" about the budget - I am so all or nothing, it's not even funny. So I'm either on the budget or off the budget. Being laid back simply translates to off!
3. Trying to compete and get every deal that I hear about! I have had to accept my anal retentiveness and perfectionism and admit that I will not always find the same deals as others nor do I have space for everything that I could find free or for a great deal and bring home.
Well, I could keep going, but I would love to hear from some of you . . . what works for you and what doesn't?
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