Tag: bargains
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Cut your monthly budget in half!
Ok, lets talk budgets. Yeah, there are more exciting things to talk about but let’s get this out of the way to make way for some more exciting topics. As a newly single parent I am faced with a whole new set of financial challenges. Before the divorce my husband and I weren’t rich my any means. We were the typical american family.  Well, maybe not totally typical. I stayed at home and earned money at home (this was our extra money) while he worked a  full time sales job to pay the bills. We did ok (more on this later on ways to make money at home), but we never felt comfortable. Let’s just say there were no Hawaiian vacations…maybe one to Louisville Kentucky, lol,  but we really were just staying afloat.
Now as a single parent, there are even more challenges financially so I had to give my finances a kick in the pants, and myself. Lol Here’s what I had to do to cut my budget in half…..
Determine what is your main expense? For most of us it’s housing.
This is usually something non-negotiable. It’s a fixed monthly expense. There are some ways around this expense though. Look into housing assistance programs in your area. As a single mom I now qualify for assistance with this. Call your local social service agencies. If one says no, there may be another, don’t give up. Ask questions, tell them your story, people are mostly good and willing to help if you are just friendly and polite. If you don’t qualify for any kind of assistance there are other options.
Get a roommate and split expenses in half. Move in with mom and dad or a brother or sister. Â Also, another option is to buy, it may actually be cheaper to buy than rent…talk to a mortgage broker or do a rent vs. Buy comparison
Rent $800 ( cut in half) $400 with these tips
Ok, going down the list….
Car
Most of us have a car payment, this is another fixed expense (I don’t have this one). I got a car from my friend Sarah (thank you girl, love ya). I will also be looking for another one that will be purchased with tax money (try to pay cash for a car if you can…payment monthly zero)
You can try to refinance your loan to lower your payment (this may lead to more installments, but less monthly expense)
You could take out a personal loan with a lower interest rate and pay the car off.
Let’s say your payment is $300 you could reduce it to $150 buy doing this.
Next on the list…..utilities
This is usually somewhat of a fixed expense. Ways to reduce this expense…
Barter…for example, my neighbor and I share internet I use her internet and she uses my garbage service. A win/win scenario. We both save monthly about $50 or so monthly. My internet bill is a whopping 0.
I don’t have cable but I watch movies and use Netflix steaming which is awesome and I don’t even miss cable or the $150 bill that follows. I do have a pg&e bill every month but there are even more ways to reduce this. If you qualify there is a program called CARES that saves you a portion of your monthly bill. There’s also a program called HEEP, its an energy assistance program that will help with your bill.
Moving right along…..
More flexible expenses
Groceries….this is my favorite one because this is my most flexible monthly expense. If you have a good panty stock you really can get creative with this one. You can use coupons (see my kindle ebook for sale on amazon to get started). If you aren’t into that just meal plan around the weekly ad at your favorite grocery store. Buy produce that’s in season, try cutting some meat out of your meals. You can still eat a balanced meal with other protein. Eggs for example, are so cheap and versatile.
Clothing
This is my weekness. I love clothes. But I refuse….absolutely refuse, to pay retail prices. You will not see me in Macy’s. Sorry Macy’s you have some cute stuff but I can’t see spending $50 on a shirt when I can go to a consignment store and buy the whole outfit and shoes for $50. I always dress nice and my kids always have nice name brand clothing. There are several ways I do this…
Thrift stores (ask questions a lot of times these stores have bag days or half of days doesn’t hurt to ask)
Consignment stores….I love stores that take items for store credit. This is a lifesaver when you have kids…they outgrow their stuff so fast.My son is four but as tall as a six year old. These stores always have like new items. No one will know you bought it used.
Garage sales…super cheap clothing and household items
Rummage sales….went to a church on (the best ones) today. Go on the last day of the sale for the best deals usually a dollar or two a bag
Friends and family….love the hand-me-downs. With two boys I pass all of my four year olds clothing to his lil brother then after he outgrows them we pass them on to friends or family or trade them.
Other expenses…credit cards.
This is a tough one. Best tip. Don’t use them. If you can’t afford to pay cash for something….you can’t afford it. Sorry. I know easier said than done. If you have a credit card balance try consolidating to one card. A lot of companies like Capital One will have the zero interest for balance transfers…take advantage of that. When the offer runs out transfer to another zero interest card. Keep doing this until its paid off.
Student loans
Consolidate, apply for a forbearance, the main thing with student loan companies is communication…they are there to help. These to me are good debt. Student loans are one the lowest interest loans of there. Not that I would encourage taking out student loans but if you want an education  and would otherwise be destined to  a life of flipping burgers, this is your best option. And your credit score doesnt matter since it is backed by the goverment.
Entertainment
This is a tricky one. Most things that are fun cost money. But you can still have fun on a budget.
Utilize your local library…you can rent movies, cds, books, use the internet….free.
Redbox…movie night? Sign up for free redbox movie codes
Parks…pack a picnic lunch and have a park day with the kiddos. Bring some skates, kites, jump ropes, tennis rackets. Take advantage of the park.
Take a hike…haha…yes litetally. I love to explore my local area. I live in beautiful Northern California, an area rich in recreational opportunities. We have Shasta Lake, Whiskeytown, endless camping, hiking and adventures to take advantage of.
Summertime fun in the park…in my area during the summer there are family movies in the park one night a week..there are also Friday concerts in the park. Check your local newspaper and entertainment magazines for info on free local events.
Hope these tips helped trim your monthly budget. I will be posting more about budgeting and makign money at home. Stay tuned.
Safeway coupon match-ups .99 Juice. Time to stock up!
Welch’s Chilled Juice – $1.99
Less:$0.75/1 Welch’ Healthy Start 100% Grape Juice 06/24/2012 RP Insert (exp 09/15/2012)Â
or:$1/1 Welch’s Refrigerated Juice Cocktail, 65 oz or Healthy Start 100% Juice, 59 oz 06/03/2012 RP Insert (exp 08/31/2012)Â
Final Price: As low as $.99
or:$1/1 Welch’s Refrigerated Juice Cocktail, 65 oz or Healthy Start 100% Juice, 59 oz 06/03/2012 RP Insert (exp 08/31/2012)Â
Final Price: As low as $.99
Ocean Spray Juice – $1.99
Less:$1/1 Ocean Spray Blueberry Juice Drink, 64 oz if included
or: $1/2 Ocean Spray Juice Albertsons Back-to-School Coupon Book (MFR q)
Final Price: $.99
or: $1/2 Ocean Spray Juice Albertsons Back-to-School Coupon Book (MFR q)
Final Price: $.99
Mott’s Apple juice – $1.99
V8 V-Fusion Beverages – $2.49
$5 Friday Deals
Friday Only!
These deals don’t have coupon to go with them, but they are great deals.Â
Jennie-O Turkey 3 lb $5
Signature Cafe Chicken Tenders, Meatloaf, Turkey Meatloaf $5
SeaPak Family Size Seafood Selections $5
Lucerne Chunk Cheese 32 oz $5
Mom to Mom Diapers $5
smartWater 6 pack $5
These deals don’t have coupon to go with them, but they are great deals.Â
Jennie-O Turkey 3 lb $5
Signature Cafe Chicken Tenders, Meatloaf, Turkey Meatloaf $5
SeaPak Family Size Seafood Selections $5
Lucerne Chunk Cheese 32 oz $5
Mom to Mom Diapers $5
smartWater 6 pack $5
Huggies Wipes 180-216 ct – $5.00
Friday Only!Â
Less:$0.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes, 56ct+ 08/12/2012 SS Insert (exp 09/13/2012)Â
Final Price: $4.50 ($4 if your store doubles)
Less:$0.50/1 Huggies Baby Wipes, 56ct+ 08/12/2012 SS Insert (exp 09/13/2012)Â
Final Price: $4.50 ($4 if your store doubles)
Coca-Cola 20 packs – $5.00
Friday Only!Â
Less:$1/2 Coca-Cola, 20, 24 or 48 pk cans 07/15/2012 SS Insert (exp 08/19/2012)Â
Final Price: $4.50 each wyb 2
Less:$1/2 Coca-Cola, 20, 24 or 48 pk cans 07/15/2012 SS Insert (exp 08/19/2012)Â
Final Price: $4.50 each wyb 2
Gevalia Coffee – $7.99
Less: $2/1 JustforU Digital Coupon
or:B1G1 Gevalia Coffee, 12 oz bag, up to $6.98Â Final Price: $4.50 each wyb 2
or:B1G1 Gevalia Coffee, 12 oz bag, up to $6.98Â Final Price: $4.50 each wyb 2
Van de Kamp’s Seafood Selection – $6.99
BOGO
Less:B1G1 Mrs. Paul’s or Van De Kamp’s Parchment Bake Final Price: TWO free if Parchment Bakes are included
Less:B1G1 Mrs. Paul’s or Van De Kamp’s Parchment Bake Final Price: TWO free if Parchment Bakes are included
Eckrich Smoked Sausage – $2.50
Colgate Toothpaste – $1.00
Less:$0.35/1 Colgate toothpaste 07/29/2012 SS Insert (exp 08/18/2012)Â
Final Price: As low as FREE if your store triples!Â
Final Price: As low as FREE if your store triples!Â
Skippy Peanut Butter – $2.49
With in-ad coupon
Less:$0.50/1 Skippy Product or:$0.35/1 Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Spreads IF IncludedÂ
Final Price: $1.99 ($1.49 if your store doubles, $1.44 if you store triples the $.35/1)
Less:$0.50/1 Skippy Product or:$0.35/1 Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Spreads IF IncludedÂ
Final Price: $1.99 ($1.49 if your store doubles, $1.44 if you store triples the $.35/1)
KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce – $0.99
With in-ad coupon
Less:$1/2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce or Marinades, 16 oz+ 06/24/2012 SS Insert (exp 08/26/2012)Â
Final Price: $.49 each wyb 2
Less:$1/2 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce or Marinades, 16 oz+ 06/24/2012 SS Insert (exp 08/26/2012)Â
Final Price: $.49 each wyb 2
Marie’s Dressings
Almond Accents
Safeway Baby Carrots 2 lb Bag
BOGO
Old Spice Body Wash – $3.49
With in-ad coupon
Less:$1/2 Old Spice 07/29/2012 P&G Insert (exp 08/31/2012)Â
Final Price: $2.99 each wyb 2
Less:$1/2 Old Spice 07/29/2012 P&G Insert (exp 08/31/2012)Â
Final Price: $2.99 each wyb 2
Odwalla Juice or Smoothie 12 oz – $1.99
Less:$0.55/1 Odwalla Bevarage, 12floz+ 08/12/2012 SS Insert (exp 11/30/2012)Â
Final Price: $1.44
Final Price: $1.44
POM Wonderful Juice 16 oz – $2.99
Less:$1/1 POM Wonderful Juice (IE), 16, 24 , or 48 oz or:$1/1 POM Wonderful 16, 24 oz or 48 oz 06/24/2012 SS Insert (exp 09/30/2012)
Final Price: $1.99
Final Price: $1.99
Bailey’s Coffee Creamer 32 oz – $2.99
Less:1/1 Bailey’s Coffee Creamer 08/05/2012 SS Insert (exp 09/30/2012)Â
Final Price: $1.99
Final Price: $1.99
Hunger Games Movie Deal – $17.99
$19.99 Blu-ray
Get free:Â
Pop Secret Popcorn
One Bag of Twizzler or Jolly Ranchers
Pepsi 2 Liter
Get free:Â
Pop Secret Popcorn
One Bag of Twizzler or Jolly Ranchers
Pepsi 2 Liter
Wal-Mart back to school coupon match-ups and sales
New to shopping at Walmart? Start here:
- Walmart 101
- Walmart Shopping Tips
- Price Matching
- Print Walmart’s Coupon Policy and Ad Match Guarentee
- Prices listed come from 12th/Greenhurst store in Nampa, ID
Walmart Key
Because Walmart IS the generic/mass/superstore, the brown star on this match-up represents items on sale or (Rollback). These items are priced lower then the everyday price.
No star- Means ok price, pick it up if you’re there and you need it.
★ -Means item is currently on Rollback (sale). Grab a few, but wait for a better deal to stock up.
★ – Means awesome price! Stock up, buy only what you know you and your family will use 

Walmart Price Match Deals
Maybelline New York Mascara Great Lash
Price match the Target ad to:Â $4.00
Use $1/1 Maybelline New York Mascara Great Lash printable
Final Price: $3.00
Coke Products 12 ok cans
Price match the Target ad to: 4 for $11 or $2.75 each boarderline stock up price!
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese 5 pk
Price match the Fred Meyer ad to:Â $2.99
Thats only $.60/box!
★ BIC Crystal Bold Pens 10 pack
Price match the Walgreens ad to:Â $.49
Use $1/2 BIC Stationery Product printable
or $1/2 Bic Stationary Products printable
or $1/2 Bic Stationery Product, (SS 07/29/12)
or $1/2 BIC Stationery Item, exp. 8/26/12 (Target Back to School Mailer )
Final Price: FREE +$.02 Overage
Ban Solid Deodorant 1.5 or 2.6 oz
Price match the Walgreens ad to:Â $1.50 each WYB 2
Use $1/1 Ban Solid, exp. 9/1/12 (SS 08/05/12)
$0.40/1 Ban Product, exp. 9/1/12 (SS 08/05/12)
Final Price: $.50 each
Walmart School Supply Deals
The Best
★ Elmer’s Glue Stick – $0.10
★ 1-Subject Notebook 70 Sheets – $0.17
★ Cra-Z-Art Washable Glue Sticks, 3ct – $0.25
★ 2 Pocket Paper Folder or Prongs – $0.15
★ Cra-Z-Art Crayons, 24ct – $0.25