shoes: Target - last year probably $20
handbag: a lot!!
Possessed doggie eyes!!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Outfit Ideas
shoes: Target - last year probably $20
handbag: a lot!!
Possessed doggie eyes!!
Shopping Trip
It is Harris Teeter triple coupon week!!
Spent $14.94 Saved $47.34 in coupons and $10.89 in VIC savings!!
Check out southernsavers.com for coupon matchups!
Spent $14.94 Saved $47.34 in coupons and $10.89 in VIC savings!!
Check out southernsavers.com for coupon matchups!
Saving and Earning Money
Ways to Save and Earn Money
My first realization that I was spending too much money was when the car needed to be fixed. A new alternator costs $500!!! And there was no way I could get a used one without having to pay for towing, which would not make a difference in the price (I had carefully glided into the repair parking lot – literally!). Coming up with that $500 just 2 weeks after we had gotten married and I had not started my job was difficult, to say the least.
I decided I would start trying to save money. FAIL. I needed to write out a PLAN to save money, not just say I would (I’m sure some of you are rolling your eyes, but hey - I’m learning).
Here is what I did:
1. Develop an actual budget.
I searched in Google and looked at a lot of other people’s budgets. I tried a few, but none of them seemed to fit until this spring. DH and I each have our own “blow” money column, and we also have a column for Miscellaneous (vet, house purchases, picture printing, etc.)
2. Use coupons to my advantage.
I discovered moneysavingmom.com and started scouring the ads in the mail for good deals. Some weeks I do well, other weeks not so much. I’m still learning.
3. Ask myself ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS before I buy something – DO I REALLY NEED THIS?
I am an impulse buyer. Always have been and I think that is because I grew up in a small town and to go shopping for clothing you had to drive an hour to another state. My mom and I would go shopping about every 3 months (once a season) and buy whatever we needed, including clothing and Sam’s club. I think because of this, I tend to go to the mall or store and buy a lot because I have the mentality that I can’t go back for a while. This is not true anymore since I now live in a big city. I must remind myself of this EVERYTIME I shop because I can drive to the store again if I need to. I also, about every 3 months, still go shopping with my blow money. I sometimes buy a few too many things for the house, but I'm trying very hard.
What do you do to help yourself save money? Does having to be accountable to someone else (not your husband – though they might work) help? Leave a comment below!
My First Post/About Me
Hi! My name is Amanda and I love saving money, shopping, and entertaining! I know those things do not all go together and that is what this blog is about: how to save money on groceries and use them to entertain and find the best deals and coupons on clothing and shopping. I started writing this blog in 2010 because I want to be able to share how to live frugally without cutting the fun stuff out of life!
After graduating in May of 2010, getting married June of 2010, starting my first full-time job in July of 2010, and moving into our first apartment together (and managing bills together) in August of 2010, I began trying to create a livable budget for the two of us. I enjoy cooking and like to experiment with meals – much to my husband’s dismay (thank you for eating ANYTHING honey!) – and quickly learned that I was spending WAY too much on groceries. I mean $100 a week for 2 people – seriously! And now that all that hard-earned money is the money I have earned, I couldn’t bear the thought of spending so much on food when it really shouldn’t cost that much!
So, I revamped the budget – made it very strict since my husband’s job is commission-based and he does not make much sometimes – and am TRYING my best to stick to it and have him stick to it. I discovered the world of couponing and LOVE it! I also discovered the world of DIY Frugal Decorating and have been trying some projects out at our first apartment.
I love nice things, but not the cost of those nice things. I also love working on DIY projects and showing others how I made it. I LOVE craigslist and basically furnished our house from it and I am exploring Goodwill. I also LOVE organizing and helping other organize. It is truly one of my most FAVORITE things to do – and I also LOVE my planner! I literally carry it everywhere with me in my handbag.
When I am not blogging or working, you can find me shopping, reading other’s blogs, baking and cooking, planning meals, planning vacations, spending time exploring our new church, and spending time with my husband and our little baby Dutchess (our Pomeranian) and our newest baby, Lady.
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