Living Smart 101: Organization= Saving $$

It's easy to say and hard to do when life is hectic and moving at the speed of lightning, but when you are organized and plan ahead- you save money (and your sanity) in the process.

For example, I made a box of Krusteaux blueberry pancakes this morning. I laid the pancakes after they cooled on cookie sheets and froze. Then I placed 4 in a bag and in total have 8 breakfasts made! Now I can just pop a bag in the microwave and have breakfast ready for the girls in minutes! And considering the pancake mix costs right at .10 cents a box- you can't beat the couple of pennies it costs to have over a week's worth of breakfasts.

Another example is taking just a couple extra minutes when you sort and pre-treat your laundry. Carefully inspecting your clothes- especially the kids- and making sure the right laundry is grouped together can save a ton in the long run! Missing that one stain or not realizing a greasy dishrag got mixed in with the clothes can ruin a wardrobe very quickly! Taking the time to double check each load not only increases the wear of your garments but saves you money in the clothing budget!

When you are organized- it's easier to look for and find ways to save money. Taking the time to pre-plan meals, your week, trips, events etc. gives you time to get a game plan, stick to it and stick to your budget. Plus it allows you time to get creative and find different ways to save without affecting the end results.

The best bonus to being organized and diligent is what I mentioned early- stress and havoc is reduced and life becomes more simple. Won't last for long as we all know but when the next "crazy" hits your household- you can handle it, you are prepared and ready to tackle it head on!

Deals at Rite Aid this week!

Here's some great deals at Rite Aid this week!

Blink Gel Tears
Coupon: 1/31RP Free + $2 overage using coupon and getting the $7.99 Easy Save Rebate

Sure Deodorant
Coupon: 1/24S (coupon is for Sure for Men) Sale Price: $1.49 Final Price: .49 or 84% off Go to www.trysureforfree.com for a rebate back on For Men up to $2.99.

Colgate Total Toothpaste
Coupon: 1/17S Sale Price: .99 Final: FREE after coupon and $2.00 rebate)
Limit 1 rebate

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
Coupon: 1/17PG Sale Price: .88 Final Price is .38 or 79% off if Dawn Hand Renewal is included in the sale since that's the coupon.

Spot Stain Remover
Coupon: 1/3S1 Sale Price: $1.75 (must buy 2) Final Price: .75 or 79% off

Deals at Kroger this week!

Here's what I liked at Kroger and made my shopping list for the week:
Remember if it's noted as a Promo or 10/$5 item then the final price is after the promotion credit of $5.00 for buying 10 promo items.

Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste
Coupon: 1/31S Sale Price: $1.89 Final Price: .89 or 64% off

Daisy Sour Cream
Coupon: 1/31S Sale Price: $1.49 (part of 10/$5 promo) Final Price: .49 or 77% off

Softsoap Elements Hand Soap
Coupon: 1/31S Sale Price: $1.00 Final Price: .30 or 84% off

Dove Mens Body Wash
Coupon: 1/31RP Sale Price: $2.50 (part of 10/$5) Final Price: $1.25 or 64% off

Nabisco Ritz Crackers
Coupon: 1/24S Sale Price: $1.99 (promo item) Final Price: .99 or 70% off

Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables
Coupon: 1/10S Sale Price: $1.49 (promo item) Final Price: .49 or 77% off

Heinz Ketchup
Coupon: 1/3S1 Sale Price: $1.59 Final Price: .84 or 65% off

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers
Coupon: 1/3GM Sale Price: $1.49 Final Price: .69 or 69% off

Chapstick Lip Balm
Coupon: 12/13RP Sale Price: $1.00 (must buy 2) Final Price: .50 or 75% off

Keebler Zesta Saltine Crackers
Coupon: 12/13RP Sale Price: $1.19 (must buy 2 and a promo item) Final Price: .19 or 94% off

Green Giant Valley Fresh Frozen Vegetables
Coupon: 12/13GM Sale Price: $1.49 (promo item) Final Price: .69 or 69% off

Solo Plates and Plastic Cups
Coupon: 12/6S Sale Price: $1.49 (promo item) Final Price: .49 or 77% off

Keebler Fudge Shoppe Cookies
Sale Price: $1.19 (promo item) Final Price: $1.19 or 65% off

If you bought all these items and able to work the Buy 10 Get $5 back promotion, you would spend $10.88 and save 75% off your shopping this week!!

Heads Up ATL- Home Depot Outlet Closing

Just read in the news that Home Depot is closing its outlet in Austell. You may want to watch it and see what the time table is and if there are going to be deals.

We've done well at this outlet- I got a super cool chandelier for my dining room for $39.99 or 90% off. We'll definitely check this out and watch how this is going to go down with the store closing!

I'll keep you posted what I find.

Pantry Stocking Party this week with Kroger

If you look at the picture on the right- I paid $1.10 to take home 14 items. Items that are healthy, needed and adds benefit to the pantry. Here's another list of deals that I found were recently added to Coupon Mom's list for Kroger and we're going to take advantage of! Remember these prices are after promotion and coupons.

NOTE: A lot of these are unadvertised deals!

Franks Red Hot Sauce
Coupon: 1/24S Sale: $1.19 Final Price:.19 or 91% off

Rotel Diced Canned Tomatoes
Coupon: 1/24S Sale: .49 Final: FREE

Stoneyfield Farm Oikos Greek Yogurt
Coupon: 1/03S1 Sale: $1.00 Final: FREE

Franks Red Hot Sauce
Coupon: 12/13S Sale: $1.19 Final: .19 or 91% off

Kraft Mac & Cheese
Coupon: 12/13S Final: FREE

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Sticks
Coupon: 11/15RP Sale: .99 Final: FREE

Free Cards at SeeHere.com

www.seehere.com

Get 29 cards for free or 50 for $4.99 shipped. Create a new account (it's legal if there are more than 1 adult in the household) then create your card. Save it and then order the number you want. Put NEWBABY code in to get the deal. Cute Valentines cards but hurry- won't last long!! Oh and Thanks ...Beckham Photography for the beautiful pictures of the girls to create the card!

Coupon dates for the deal I did today

Here are the coupons for the deals I like this week. Remember final price is after the coupon AND the promotion.

French's Yellow Mustard
Coupon: 1/24S Sale: $1.19 Final Price: .59 or 71% off
NOTE: There is a coupon next to it for the Honey Mustard and it's included in the promotion.

Kraft Cheese- Bars, Shreds or Singles
Coupon: 1/24S Sale: .99 Final Price: .49 or 79% off

Quaker Quakes Rice Snacks
Coupon: 1/10RP Sale: .49 Final Price: Free or 100% off

Electrasol or Finish Dishwasher Detergent 12-20 count
Coupon: 1/3S2 Sale: $2.99 Final Price: .49 or 87% off

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars
Coupon: 1/3R1 Sale: $1.49 Final Price: .99 or 60% off

Healthy Life Whole Grain
Coupon: 10/4S Sale: .99 Final Price: FREE

Capri Sun Drinks 10 count
Sale: $1.37 or Final 35% off

Balance Bars or Gold Bars
Sale Price or Final Price .50 or 64% off

Propel Water 20-24oz
Final Price: .49 or 65% off

SoBe Life Water
Final Price: .49 or 65% off

Rockin' Out the Promo at Kroger!

Did the first shop of the promo week this afternoon and man! that was fun!!!

Bought 24 items and their final price after promo and coupon:
8 Kraft Cheese- shredded, bars and chunks .49 each or 79% off
Flat Iron Skillet Steak (these things are yummy!) $4.84
3 French Yellow Mustard .59 each or 71% off
Kroger loaf of bread .78 Manager's Special
9 Finish (Electrasol) dishwashing tablets- 20 count .49 each or 87% off
Kroger Chocolate Milk 1/2 gallon- FREE from that promotional game I posted earlier
Kroger Salad Mix- $2.99

Total: $20.52 and saved $69.56 or 78% off.
Still have a few more promos to take advantage of this week. Pantry will be stuffed after this week!

Money Maker at Walgreens!

Did the weekly shop tonight and got Sure deodorant for free and then applied for a $2.50 rebate!

Using the in ad coupon plus a coupon from the 1/24 SmartSource the Sure for Mens is Free. Look for packages that have a Try Me Free sticker on it. Then you can apply for the rebate good up to $2.99. Or if you can't find the sticker- go to www.trysurefree.com. Print the rebate out and send in for a moneymaker!!

Coupon 101: The Buy X Amount/Get $X Back deals!

It's a fun week at Kroger and I think it's affiliates too because the infamous Buy 10 Get $5 Back Promotion is this week.

You have to have a game plan for these deals to know you are going to make your 10 so here are some tips to maximize your savings.

1. Take advantage of these promotions! If you are buying more than one paper or collecting multiple copies of the inserts then this bonus on top of the savings is awesome! Group your items into groups of 10 on your list you printed from your source for the best deals this week.
2. Plan out your attack. Go do your list so you know which items are at their lowest price this week and you are interested in. Coupon Mom definitely identifies the items that not only are at their lowest, where the coupons are in which insert but if the item is part of the promotion.
3. Clip your coupons and figure out how many coupons you have and how many of each item you can purchase. Then you group your shop into 10s. If you are short to make a final group of ten then revisit the list and find items you can use that are still a good deal but aren't at their lowest price of the sale cycle yet. Try to get as good a deal as possible though or purchase something you would have bought or needed regardless.
4. Find out how many promotions you can do in one shop. It's usually 3 but check with your manager when you get there. Once the manager didn't know because no one had to tried to do multiples yet. He came over to the line and watched so he could override three if it didn't work. It was fine.
5. Be ready to have to go to Plan B. If you are planning to 5 Electrosol tablets and 4 Capri Suns plus 1 French mustard- you might not find 5 of the tablets. Just be organized and prepared to change things up a little.
6. Be prepared to do more than one shop. If you have multiple groups for the promotion this week then your best game plan may be to hit the store a couple of times this week. It's worth it to save this much on items you use!
7. Play nice- if you have to do multiple transactions to take advantage- don't pick a busy time, be unorganized or have a long line behind you. Wait until it's slow or do one, take it outside and come back in to do the next one. Little extra effort but stores won't do promotions like this if it causes headaches and managers will get weary of weeks like this and become difficult.
8. Remember if you don't hit 10 when you checkout then you won't get the promotion. And you're adding .50 cents to each item. Stop before you get in line, count out your 10 and make sure you have enough, go through your coupons and make sure you have everything before checking out. We find a quiet aisle, group the 10s, check the coupons and make sure we are good to go.
9. Watch the monitor. Make sure that $5 comes off at the end. And while you shop- make sure you see the signage at each item. I remember one time Hormel Chili was included but the Chili without beans wasn't. I grabbed that then realized my mistake and if I had checked out- I wouldn't have gotten the promotion. Just double check yourself through the whole shop.
10. And finally- if you are doing your lists- make sure you pay attention to which items are part of the promotion. If you don't want to participate, remember that the final price shown is the assumption that you are getting the $5 off from the promotion this week. Just add .50 cents to each item to figure out the final price.

These are fun weeks as a shopper and good deals to stock up. If you have any questions- please comment and I will address or email me!

Free or close to it at Walmart- EPT Pregnancy Tests

Knocked up or thinking about it? People laugh when I speak and promise you can get almost anything for free- yet another example!

Go here for a $5/1 pregnancy test.

I'll price Walmart but while the coupons are available to print- wanted to share.

"Everything has a price" and in these days "Everything has a coupon."

Hospitality Free Job Website

Found this website and wanted to share if you know anyone looking for a job.

www.hcareers.com

Tons of jobs and the website is free!

HOT!! Double ECBs at CVS for CVS brand and prescriptions.

Enter your CVS Extra Care Card here and receive double ECBS now until March 15, 2010.

You won't receive the extra ECBs when you make your purchases but will be combined with your quarterly CB earnings. NOTE that this is not on weekly and monthly ECBs but on CVS Brand and prescriptions. But still- sign up and get the extra ECBs!

Here's the information:
Double Bucks Program Details

The program runs from January 17th through March 15th, 2010. Individual earnings start from the sign-up date. Extra Bucks will not be rewarded retroactively. Your Double Bucks earnings will be combined with your quarterly Extra Bucks payout, beginning April 1st.

4% BACK ON CVS/PHARMACY BRAND ITEMS*


Instead of earning 2% back on CVS brand items, your earnings will Double to 4% back.

$2 EXTRA BUCKS FOR EVERY 2 PRESCRIPTIONS PURCHASED**


Instead of earning $1 Extra Buck for every 2
prescriptions, your earnings will Double to $2 Extra Bucks for every 2 prescriptions purchased.

AWESOME!!

Living Smart 101: Ways to save when you travel

Obviously, very few of us are making spontaneous travel plans and that's a good thing! You can plan ahead and find ways in advance to save money but still have fun. We are planning a trip to Charleston for our school system Winter Break and here's what I've already started doing to get ready.

1. Check every point system you have.

Delta Miles, Wachovia Rewards, Hotel Points, My Points etc. etc. See what you have accumulated and what you can cash in for. Maybe a restaurant gift certificate, a couple of free nights during your stay, a gas card, tickets to an attraction- anything! Just make sure you do it about 6-8 weeks out so you know you'll get the reservations or reward on time to plan to use it.

2. Check out www.restaurant.com for the area you are headed to.
Even if you can't find great restaurants where you live- check out the area you are traveling too. I checked out Charleston and found some great places to check out. My family is from Charleston and I lived there so we do have our habitual haunts that we have to go to while there but there are meals that need to be covered and could take advantage of the savings. The best thing about Restaurant.com is you can view the menu and do google searches to find out reviews about the different restaurants being offered for an area. I found some great places around the Market that would be perfect to take advantage of the savings and try some new places at the same time!

3. Start watching the grocery lists for deals on snacks and things needed to travel.
When you have time ahead- it's great to watch the deals and the lists before your trip to take advantage of items you can utilize and enjoy on your trip. Snacks, water, personal effects, even deals on clothes etc. will "magically" appear when you get the mindset to be on the lookout for them. Taking snacks, packing a cooler full of water will keep you on the road, not spending money on the "little things" and get you to your destination faster! Plus the higher price of said items at gas stations makes the seasoned couponer cringe!!

4. Prepare your vehicle.
If going by road then you have to do a maintenance check and make sure everything is working at 100%. Tires are rotated if needed, fluids are full, oil is changed so that you risk nothing going wrong. Can still happen but the best bet is to do a check and take care of things in anticipation versus fixing the problem in a town where you don't know who is good, who is fair, the cheapest etc.

5. Plan ahead if you are traveling by air.
Research the security wait lines, review the policies and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. Know you have tickets, know the weather and any delays. And especially if you are flying to a cruise- make sure you give yourself "wiggle room" to get to that ship if you get bumped or delayed in any way. Planning smart and even waiting around on the end of your journey is much less stressful than screaming at a gate attendant because you are going to miss your ship.

6. Create a travel binder.
I do this for even a day trip. I have my hotel confirmation, coupons, tickets, gift cards, directions etc. in this folder and it's the first thing I put in the car. I have all in a central place so if any part of the itinerary changes then I have the information at hand, numbers to call to get directions, tell a hotel we are going to be late etc. can be done with ease and little stress.

7. Make a Packing Spreadsheet.
Sounds a little OC/AR but weeks before your trip, sit down and make a spreadsheet of what everyone needs to go on this trip. Sounds nerdy/dorky I know but you have a clear head 2 weeks out versus the day before. I have a Disney spreadsheet and a Beach spreadsheet saved. I sit down and think of everything needed for everyone, the electronics going, the kitchen stuff and what's needed to either hit the beach or the parks. I've said before- Who wants to hit the Walmart everyday on vacation? And you're hating it that you are spending money on things you have left at home and now have a duplicate of.

8. Check Couponmom.com for lists in the area you are going.

HUGE savings- we did it when we went to the beach in September and killed on the list of essentials we needed for the beach week and still rocked some deals. And if you really like to coupon- it's fun to do it in another state and at stores different than your own.

I have more ideas but will address later. Bottom line is a little research, a little maintenance and a little planning can make a trip less stressful, save money so you aren't dreading coming home to bills and more relaxing plus fun in the process.

Sign up for Poptarts Sprinklings Fun Club!

Click here to register and for more information.

You'll get unique access to special promotions, select values and offers, product coupons and new flavor releases!

Old Navy- 50% off Clearance

I haven't been yet but you might want to check your local Old Navy to see if their clearance is 50% off. I've read several people are really hitting the jackpot!

$1 Coupon for Smuckers Uncrustables

Click here for your $1.00. Just sign up and print!

HOT! Ralph Lauren Paint at Home Depot CHEAP

If you can get to Home Depot tomorrow there is a $5 off 1 gallon rebate at Home Depot here. Rebate ends tomorrow for purchase of paint to qualify.

The deal around here (decide to check on your own) is it seems that Ralph Lauren paint is being phased out for a Martha Stewart line and people are reporting finding what was once $40 a gallon for under/around $15 a gallon PLUS the rebate! We did our entire first house in Ralph Lauren paint and the quality is wonderful!

We're in winter months with little to do so great times to tackle those projects around the house. Check it- I haven't verified but definitely motivated to see what I want to do around the house.

Coupon 101: Quick little Walgreens to roll and see how it works

Here's a little, easy and quick Walgreens roll to do this week.

Buy 2 Wet Ones (40-pack) at $2 each, Get $1 Register Rewards
Get 2 $1.50/1 Wet Ones printable coupons (create 2 different email sign ups)
Free after Register Rewards, the 2 coupons you printed and the in-ad coupon from this week's circular.

Lindsay Olives--$0.99 each after in-ad coupon
Use $1/2 Lindsay Olives printable coupon
$0.49 each after coupon

Just so you understand, you do 2 transactions. Buy the Wet Ones first and get your Register Reward. You're using $3 in coupons on 2 40 count pack and getting $1 back in Register Rewards so you're spending $1 out of pocket plus tax.

Then you buy the 2 cans of olives, you have 1 coupon for $1 off 2, your in-ad coupon plus the RR. You should just pay tax after everything goes through.

I'll try the deal tomorrow and let you know. But a quick simple, printable example to see how easy you can "roll" the RRs at Walgreens.

Test Products for Johnson & Johnson

Go here to fill out an informational survey to become a Friend and Neighbor of J&J. Test products and in some cases- get paid to do so!

It's back- SeeHere.com 24 cards shipped for $2.49

Create a new account- will work if you have another adult in your household and use the code NEWBABY.

There are Valentine's designs so what a need and cheap way to make Valentine's cards for family and friends!

www.seehere.com

Coupon 101: Shout out to the International Farmers Market

I posted earlier about the International Farmers Markets but today was a great example of how much you can save shopping for produce here!

Rick Bayless is a rock star chef in our opinion and we love watching his shows on PBS. We saw the show this past week and wanted to make the Raw Tomatillo Salsa that was featured. Here's an example of why you save big by venturing out of your comfort zone.

IFM (Int'l Farmers Market from here out)
Tomatillos were .99/lb and $4.99/lb at Kroger
Serranos peppers were $1.99 a pound and $6.99/lb at Kroger
Onions were bought last week for $1.49 for a 3lb bag

Avocados are .50 each versus 10/$10 at Kroger on sale.

So Mike got the makings for the salsa (already had the garlic) for less than $2.00. And it was awesome. And made enough to enjoy for awhile.

Don't be scared of these places! They follow the same regulations as a retail chain store- they have to! The seafood is incredible, we've been pleased with the meats- still stay with USA raised meats but the prices can't be beat! You learn every time you go and you can't go with a prepared list- you kinda roll with the punches and see what the deals are and they change constantly especially in the produce.

It was fun to re-create what we saw on TV and to do it so cheap with a little effort- even better!

Deals on Wii Fitness Games

It's January and the gyms are maxed out to their capacity. Won't be in a couple of months but if you don't like gyms, the rage right now is the Fitness Games for Wii. We have several and yes,they kick your butt.

I just got the Your Shape featuring Jenny McCarthy and the camera system is awesome! It really works you out and it's a motivator watching yourself on the big screen.
It's been marked down to $49.99 at Amazon.com here with Free Super Saver Shipping and use the code YOURSHPE for an additional $10 off.

The other deal I read about is The Biggest Loser for Wii and I've read reviews that say it's great! I don't have it but heard it's good. I read a deal on a money saving post that a woman bought it at GameStop and it was marked at $40 but when it rang up, it was $19.99. She was told it was on sale but not advertised. Don't quote me on this one but if you have a GameStop nearby and just happen to be in the shopping center, you might want to check it out to see if it can work for you.

These games are a great way to stay in shape or get in shape. You can workout in the privacy of your home and a good investment if you REALLY use them!

80% off at Restaurant.com

Use the code INDULGE to get $25 gift certificates for $2.

Love this website- if you are new- go to the restaurant.com labels to see how this great program works!

Free Milk!! (1/2 gallon Chocolate Milk)

Go to www.whymilk.com and enter the Milk's Great Gallon Give- Instant Win Promotion.
You can enter once a day through 02/08/10.

Once you enter, you will get an email to let you know if you win or not. At the bottom is a link for a free 1/2 gallon chocolate milk coupon!

Look for the ad in the middle to the right of the home page.

Free 1/2 gallon any brand up to $3.00. If you are in Cherokee- this is a great way to treat your family to Cagle Dairy Chocolate Milk and just pay a little out of pocket for it!

Mark Your Calendars- Free IHOP

IHOP has announced that Free National Pancake Day is 02/23/10 this year.

Krafts First Taste

Go to www.kraftfirsttaste.com

Register and then log in to your account and there should be a coupon for a free Digiorno 200 Calorie Portions pizza.

Great program to join for chances to try new products, get money saving coupons and take surveys/polls.

Living Smart 101: A Prepared Pantry is a Pure Pleasure!

Many of you experienced the frigid cold and our first snow/ice in Georgia for 2010. I’m thinking there are a couple more to follow before Spring finally thaws us out!
One of the neat things about stockpiling, buying multiples of items and trying new items when they are at their lowest price is you are 99.9% prepared for just about anything. Weather is never “for sure” in the South so what’s the first thing we do? Head to the grocery store to get bread and milk! But already having that- it was neat to just look in my pantry and find everything we needed to rough it out until the snow and ice melts.
I had a chili starter kit and diced tomatoes so a huge pot of chili was started. I had the makings for baked potato soup so those two were perfect for the low temps and comforting when we came in from playing in the snow. Then the girls and I had fun baking cookies, breads and cakes because I had all the different kits and such in the pantry! People make fun of us snow rookies but it’s nice a couple of times a year to just have to stop and do nothing. We had fun in the kitchen and afterwards, had everything cooked and ready to go so we could relax and enjoy our unexpected family time.
The stockpile brings peace of mind also during inclement weather. I know I have supplies of medicines in case someone gets sick. I have my first aid stockpile, all the various personal items so there is no one risking getting out on the icy roads. Having the essentials always at hand is a comfort all the time but even more so when you’re stuck with no way to go!
The best about the pantry was the fun the girls had “shopping” and making goodies. It’s a nice feeling to be able to create memories and fun times with little effort. Many comment that couponing takes a long time or not worth the hassle but few think further into the fact that the effort you make on a Sunday and follow the system rewards and benefits you and your family in many many ways.
And if you ever experienced a bunch of crazy eyed Southerners fighting over white loaf bread and milk in a Piggly Wiggly (insert visual here)- you might consider re-thinking this coupon thing!

Working the deals at Walgreens this week!

I put together an interesting deal to spend very little out of pocket and get free items at Walgreens this week.

Shop1:
Buy 1 ThermaCare Heat Wrap (there's a printable here) and get a $2.49 Register Reward.
Pay $1.66 and get $2.49 back

Shop 2:
Buy 2 Triaminic Medicine using 2 coupons from 12/6s
Buy 2 Geisha Mushrooms or Mandarin Oranges which are .50 each with in ad coupon
Use the 2 coupons plus the register reward (remember you need as many items as you have coupons which the register takes RRs like they are a coupon thus the oranges thrown in)
Pay $5.23 (we have 7% sales tax) and receive a $5.00 RR

Shop 3:
Betty Crocker Warm Delights (printable at coupons.com) plus in ad coupon
4 Lubriderm Lotion
4 Aveeno Lotion Both have coupons in 1/10S
Or mix and match Lubriderm, Aveeno and Roc products to get up to $30 before coupons
Use coupons and $5 RR and your total should definitely be under $10
Go to coupons.com and print out the J&J Beauty For All Ages form for a $10 rebate when you spend $30.

So you do all three- you've spent very little out of pocket to get all these great products!

Free Sample of Purex 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets

http://www.trypurex.com/Purex_3-in-1_Free_Sample/

Click above for a 2 load sample!

Living Smart 101: Green = $$Green$$

Green equals green as in bucks! Sure, we are all conscience of the environment but one of the benefits of trying to be kinder to the planet is it saves you money!!

I had planned to talk about being green and ways to save money for the New Year but with this cold front- I waited for a reason because I've gotten more creative in the process. Here are some tricks I always do and some new ones I've learned this week dealing with the cold and trying to save on my overall household expenses.

Unplug, unplug, unplug.
If you don't use it all the time or everyday- unplug it! Do you know that anything plugged in still draws an electric current and cost money over the long run?
Lamps, mixers, anything just sitting and rarely used will cost you money in the long run don't have to be plugged in! I posted about this last year and we do budget billing on our electric bill. We do an average and pay the same amount year round and settle up or down in May each year. This time last year we were at about +$360 overage for our billing year and would normally come out right about even as we approached May. We are currently only about +$130 so this obviously works!

The other idea I added this year was a quick check when we were leaving the house or going upstairs/downstairs and asking the girls to turn off TVs and turn off ceiling fans. Again- I noticed fans running 24/7 in rooms never used and TVs that just ran constant with no audience. I made this a habit for the girls and they now take care of it without being asked.

I've also put humidifiers in all of the bedrooms and that has made a huge difference also.

Pay Attention to Cold Areas in your home.
My office sits right across from the garage and the cold air/draft is unreal! Well it was until I came up with the clever idea to put a thermal curtain panel on a tension rod in front of the entry way to the garage. What a HUGE difference! So much that I bought more panels and covered the sliding door to the patio/backyard. I closed all of the curtains around the house and with these little "green" changes- we have kept the setting on the thermostats at 66 degrees through this cold spell and snow all week! We are seeing unusually low temps this past week with little change this weekend. And the panels don't look that bad- obviously self explanation to company with the weather we are having but they definitely work, worth the cost because of the money they will save on our heating and cooling bills (if we decide to keep them up and see what they can do) in the long run.

Using Re-usable Plastics versus Disposable Plastics.
I still get great deals on sandwich bags, freezer bags etc. and keep myself stocked but I'm working more at using my plastic containers as much as possible to save money and the environment.

So these are just a few simple ideas- the thermal curtain panels have been the huge idea this week but my point is you can be friendly to the environment by thinking outside of the box and your bonus is that you will save money! Or if you are like me- You can save money by thinking outside of the box and the bonus is helping the environment!!

HOT HOT HOT! Get your papers tomorrow- LOTS OF COUPONS!!

There will be tons of coupons and more inserts than usual in this Sunday's newspaper.
I have a review I plan to post this weekend about how to get started and you can go to Coupon 101 and start reading from the first post to learn how to get started if you can't wait!

Buy 2 double papers tomorrow and do that every week and by 12 weeks- your pantry will be stocked to the hilt! You'll be saving at bare minimal- 40% a week and I'm shooting way low with that number.

If you are an old pro at this by now- you are excited about the lists coming out and all the coupons- January is gold for deals and coupons. If you fell off the coupon wagon sometime last year and wanting to get back on or a newbie ready to take on the coupon world- take baby steps, ask questions if you have them and I'll walk you through it.

Some think that those weekly inserts only help for the next couple of weeks but in about 5 weeks when you need that coupon to get dishwasher tablets for 24 cents and you didn't get papers... you are going to be mad!

Memorize: "I must get papers tomorrow, I must get papers tomorrow."

Note: Some ask why I say 2 doubles. For a family of four- I think that stockpiles our household so we can stay true to the 12 cycle and get items at their lowest sale price with a coupon on top of that. A couple- 2 copies would work great. Tomorrow- I'm going for 3 doubles.