Sure Deodorant Money Maker- Walgreen's

I went to Walgreen's tonight to get my free Sure deodorant and much to my surprise found some with a "Try Me Free" sticker on them. I not only got them for free from Walgreen's but now I get to send in for $2.99 rebate.

Saving For College

We just had a milestone in our family. One of our sons graduated from college with a bachelor's degree. He is the first person in my husband's family to ever get a 4 year college degree. When we first started having children my husband was very determined to save for our children's college educations. You see, he came from a family that told him it was stupid to go to college. We started our children's college savings accounts when the son that graduated this past weekend was born. At that time we had 2 boys and when our daughter was born we started hers. This is how we did it. We had an automatic debit come out of our checking account for 18 years for $100/month per child. There were many times when we wanted to stop it because things were tight but we made it work and knew that in the end it would pay off. Over the course of 18 years we put approx. $21000 in each of our kids accounts and when it was time for them to attend college they each had a little over $30000. WOW! I'm so glad that we were able to give our children this gift. It has opened up so many more opportunities for them to explore because they aren't saddled with tons of student loans and college debt.

I'm not sure who celebrated more, our son or us. I also want to give tons of credit to my son because he lived a very frugal lifestyle during his college years to make it work.

Why Don't We Get Out of DEBT????

Wow, what a question! This was posed to us in our Financial Peace University class last night. There are many answers to this question but one of my reasons is that I don't like saying NO. I don't like saying NO to my children. I don't like saying NO to my spouse. I don't like saying NO to my friends and family. And I especially don't like saying NO to myself. One of the things that was brought to our attention is that we've lost HOPE. That really got my attention. I want my hope restored and I want to get this heavy load off my shoulders. It's going to take work, HARD work and discipline. No more excuses. It's time to start saying NO to everything but the necessities for a time. That's right. It will just be for a time. We can do this and the rewards will be so worth it. Here are a few steps that will get us going with "gazelle" intensity.

1. Quit borrowing.
2. Get $1000 in an Emergency Fund.
3. Pray really hard!!
4. Start selling stuff.

Our heavenly Father is really rich and he loves us like crazy! He has a plan for us to prosper. We can only do His work if we are not in bondage to a lender.

Walgreen's OOP $3.81 for $82.61 Worth of Items

I did great at Walgreen's today.

Transaction #1 & 2

6 3M Packing Tape
1 Stayfree Maxi Pads
1 Plackers Dental Stix
1 Nestle Crunch Bar (filler)
Total OOP= $.32+ tax

Did this twice and used $2.50RR that I had from last week each time. I received back a $3RR and a $2RR from the above transactions x 2.

Transaction #3

8 Hallmark Graduation Cards
5 3M Packing Tape
Total OOP= $1.87+ tax
Used 2 $2RR and 1 $3RR from the above transaction. Received back a $5RR from the 8 Hallmark $.99 cards.

Transaction #4

2 Ziploc Freezer bags
1 Plackers Dental Stixs
1 Butterfinger
Total OOP= $1.30+ tax

This was actually a MONEY MAKER because I still have a $5RR and a $2RR from the last 2 transaction.

$3.19 MONEY MAKER

Walgreen's $.08 Money Maker

I did well at Walgreen's today too!

3 Puffs Tissue
8 Black Forest Gummie Bears
1 Kotex U Tampons

Total OOP= $2.42 but received back a RR for $2.50

Go To Meijer NOW!!!

I had an amazing trip to Meijer today. I did 4 transactions. My total OOP was $38.36 for $173.27 worth of groceries! Woooohoooooooo!!! Here's what I got:

9 Kraft Chunk Cheese
10 Betty Crocker Cake Mixes
8 Betty Crocker Frosting
4 Freschetta Pizza
4 (5 pack) Kraft Mac & Cheese
6 Kraft 100 Calorie Cheese Packages
6 Breakstone Cottage Cheese Doubles
1 gallon milk
2 1/2 gallons Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk
4 Capri Sun
2 (12 pack) Nabisco Snack packs
2 Greenworks wipes
4 Dial Hand Soap
2 Oreo Fudge Cremes
2 Bisquick
3 Sub Lunchables
1 Miracle Whip
5 Oscar Mayer Lunch Meat

I also did two of my transactions backward so I still have coupons for $6 off my next order. Thanks Saving Addiction for all of the match ups!

Coupon Teacher: 6 Ways to Help Your Favorite Blogger (Even if it isn’t me)!

Coupon Teacher: 6 Ways to Help Your Favorite Blogger (Even if it isn’t me)!

Go to the above link to read a great article by a fellow blogger on how to best support your favorite bloggers.

Pamper Yourself With Aveda

This would be a great idea for Mother's Day!!!!



Picture it: you steal away (somehow) one afternoon and slip into a soothing spa—you sip licorice-tinged tea while delightful attendants massage aromatic mango scrub into your hands, expertly loosen the kinks from your neck, deftly touch up your makeup and fill your surroundings with chakra-stimulating scents. Now imagine the cash register, where you stand ready to settle up for your treatments and the bottle of Aveda Hand Relief cream you now hold. And it rings up….zero…zero….zero.

As fantasies go, it’s a good one. But thanks to Aveda’s Stimulus Package, it can come true today. It’s one luxe freebie you should grab before it’s gone. Here’s how…


Your road to the Aveda Stimulus Package starts with printing out a coupon. It specifically entitles you to the following at a participating Aveda salon, spa or store:


a free five-minute stress-relieving neck and shoulder massage
a free Stress-Relieving Hand Ritual
a free makeup Finishing Touch
a free Aroma Sensory Journey
a free cup of Aveda’s (very tasty) Comforting Tea
a free "lavishly sized" sample of Aveda Hand Relief cream

I'll let you know once I do this!

Thanks Hip2Save!

Summer Fun!

Are you planning on making any jams or jellies this summer? My friend over at Saving Spectacular let me know about a catalina going on at Meijer from now until 6/13 if you buy Sure-Jell, Certo or any MCP pectins. There is also a tear pad for $1/2 by the product at her Meijer store.

Buy 2, Get $1 oyno
Buy 3, Get $2, oyno
Buy 4, Get $3 oyno

I'm going to scope out the coupons and put them aside to see if these products go on sale.

Do Your On Line Shopping Through Ebates and Get Cash Back!!!

I wanted to tell you about Ebates, a shopping site that gives you up to 26% Cash Back every time you shop online. You can shop at over 1000 stores including Barnes & Noble.com, Gap, Target, Buy.com and Expedia. Plus you get additional savings with exclusive coupons, free shipping offers, and limited-time sales! Sign up with Ebates today and we'll each get a $5 bonus when you make your first purchase!

Saving Money on Meat

Saving money at the grocery store meat counter is easy, just follow a few simple tips and tricks. Cutting up a large roast can be a real savings.

Start at the grocery store by looking at the cuts that are available. The difference between a large roast, and a steak, beyond size is price. That same steak that you pay 6.99 a pound for came from a roast that you would pay 4.99 a pound for. Go ahead and get the large roast, cut off some steaks, and maybe some stew meat, the rest can be a nice roast for another night. You will need to consider how much bone is in the piece of meat you are purchasing. Bones can make it harder to cut your roast into steaks.

Don't be afraid to ask the meat department if they have a large roast available, usually they will be more than willing to accommodate you. Learning the various cuts of meat is to your advantage. A roast with lots of bones will have a limited ways of preparing. On the other hand sirloin is more expensive, but you will have a greater variety of cooking options.

When you get your roast make sure you cut it right away (if you didn't already have the meat department do it for you). When cutting steaks, cut across the grain for the most tender steak possible. If you want thick steaks then stick with 1 to 2 inch thick slices. If you want thin breakfast or sandwich steaks, then partially freezing the meat is the best option. This will enable you to control the thickness a little easier.

When cutting stew meat, it is better to cut a thick slice and then cut into smaller pieces. Also make sure you cut your roast so it fits in your pan. Remember to leave some fat on the roast, steaks and stew meat for flavor, since most of the flavor is in the fat.

When buying a whole chicken to cut up make sure you compare prices of pieces. Sometimes it is cheaper to by leg quarters rather than a whole chicken. Cut the chicken in half, so you have breasts and thighs on one half, back and wings on the other. Next cut the wings off, and cut the back in half. Cut the thighs off at the joint. Cut the breast in half down the center. If you like drumsticks rather than leg quarters cut the drumsticks off at the joint.

One of your options is to ask the meat department if they will cut your beef or pork roasts for you. My local Meijer has cut pork loin and ham for me in the past. Don't be afraid to ask them at the meat counter for advise or assistance!

Is It Time For A Class?????

I have had many of you that I have shared my excitement about my deals say they would like me to teach them how to do the deals. I've been thinking about teaching a class but I need to know how many are actually interested in doing it before I make arrangements for a place to have the class. If you are interested in coming to a couponing class please send me an email or leave a comment. I would do the class somewhere in the Battle Creek/Marshall area of south west Michigan depending on where most of the attenders are coming from. There will be NO charge just a fun night of learning how to cut your grocery bill and ideas on saving money. Get excited. This will literally change your life!!!

Free Target Reusable Tote in Celebration of Earth Day

Remember...Today ONLY, Sunday, April 18th, Target will be giving away FREE Reusable totes in celebration of Earth Day!!

Also, check out the center pages of your Target flyer today. They are designed to help you do your part to save our planet. They’ll turn into an envelope for you to use to mail off 5 of your Target shopping bags. Simply fill out your information and mail them off to the following address to get a $1 off coupon for any reusable bag up to $1.49.

Terracycle
121 New York Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08638

Money Makers This Week

How did you all do this week with deals? I actually did several deals that I will be getting rebates back on. I also did the Rite Aid Benadryl deal this week to qualify for a $20 Rite Aid gift card and $25 SCR. Yes, that's right, I now have enough Benadryl for the next 10 years! I ended up spending $20 OOP for $80 worth of Benadryl but will receive back a total of $45 with the two above rebates/gift cards for buying it. I also did 3 SC Johnson deals and will be sending those each in for the $5 rebate. I bought Ziploc bags, Shout wipes and Scrubbing Bubbles.

I learned a very valuable lesson today. I went to Target to do a couple of my coupon deals. My daughter went with me and after our purchases were rang up I told her it cost me more than I thought it would. She just kind of smiled and told me that she had thrown a couple of things in the basket that I wasn't aware of. Serves me right for not paying attention to what she was putting up on the belt.

Dumb Budget Busters

I went with my daughter today to upgrade our cell phones. It always makes me anxious when we change our cell phone plans. It seems like it takes about 3 months to tweak the plan so the charges are correct. I found the article below that addresses several items to consider so you don't break your budget. Check it out!

Dumb Budget Busters

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Lovin' Scoopful & Bike Giveaway

Lovin' Scoopful and Scwinn are offering a giveaway in celebration of the ice cream new flavors. They will be giving away a Schwinn 700c Ladys Gateway bike worth $200 and $25 worth of Lovin' Scoopful coupons. Click on the link below to enter. Winners will be chosen on May 11th.

Lovin’ Scoopful Ice Cream & Bike Giveaway

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Johnson's Body Lotion

SWEET SMELLING DEAL!!!!

I found Johnson's body care Melt Away Stress Lavender & Chamomile Lotion 11oz. at Target tonight for $1.13. There is a $1 coupon in 3/28 RP.

My favorite lotion for $.13!

I Hooked One....

I love finding deals, saving and using coupons. My coworkers have heard me talking about all of the good deals I get. Some have been interested but not enough to catch the bug. Yesterday I helped one of my coworkers make a plan and provided her with the coupons to go out and get the deals she had listed. She sent me a pic and text earlier today that she got $101.87 worth of items for $28. This is AWESOME! Do you think she's hooked?????

Deer Interference

Well, I had good intentions of posting last night but on our way home from our Financial Peace class a deer ran into our car. Thankfully, we have full coverage on this one. I have driven this road multiple times a day for 20 years and never hit a deer. It was dusk and they were moving all over the place. We had to wait for the police officer for over an hour and a half because he was at 2 other deer hits. One of my husbands coworkers came and took the deer and will process it for venison.

So, let's talk about the emergency fund that we learned about in class. Dave says....you should start with $1000.00 in a savings account so that when an emergency comes up it ends up not being such an emergency and you won't have to use those dreaded credit cards to pay for your "emergency". If our incident last night had been our fault we would have had a $500 deductable or if we had been driving any of our other cars they wouldn't have been covered. This would have put us in a very tight spot without an emergency fund. Thankfully, we were able to sit there and wait and not worry, blame or argue about the financial cost of a silly deer not stopping for traffic.

Here are a few ideas to help you fund an emergency fund.

• have a garage sale


• work extra hours if available


• child care for someone


• eat out of your pantry for a month


• stop eating out until it's funded


• trim your grocery budget


• cut your cable to the very basic or totally out until it's funded (easier in summer)


• tell your kids !!!NO!!!!!


• sell a vehicle or "toy"


• do odd jobs for someone else

Money Maker at Target

Buy 3Travel Size Shout Wipes and Make $2.09 to $3.74

Buy 3 Shout 4-Pack Travel Size Wipes $.97 = $2.91
-$55 x 3 SS 3/21
Total OOP= $1.26 Submit to SC Johnson for the $5 rebate (can do 3 per household)
$3.74 Money Maker after submitting rebate

Still a Money Maker without coupons (some Target stores won't allow coupons on travel size products)

Buy 3 Shout 4-Pack Travel Size Wipes $.97
Total OOP= $2.91 Submit to SC Johnson for the $5 rebate (can do 3 per household)
$2.09 Money Maker after submitting rebate

Thanks Totally Target for this deal!

Serving Our Country

I am a very proud aunt! I have two nephews that are overseas serving our country and two nephews that are in ROTC. One of my nephews that is overseas called my husband today to let the family know that he is safe. He's in a war torn country but has talked about the beautiful scenery that he wakes up to every day (mountains). He talked about the children he sees and asked that we send crayons and coloring books. He told us the children's eyes light up if you give them a simple pen. This nephew of ours has turned into an amazing young man. He is one of a kind to be able to know that he's where God meant him to be and be able to find the beauty amidst the war.

Please pray for our solders. They are doing a very selfless duty by serving our country.

WE LOVE YOU!

Shopping Trip Today

WalMart

6 Scotch Brite Sponges
4 Benadryl Itch Sticks
1 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Wand
1 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel
2 Chicken Broth
1 Artichoke Hearts
Total OOP= $6.66 Total before coupons $28.44




Walgreen's

Transaction #1

1 Schick Shave Gel
1 Schick Razor
Total OOP= $2.98 I used a $5 RR I had from previously. I received back $5 RR and $3 RR.

Transaction #2

2 Carefree 56
2 Carefee 22
3 Ban Solid
2 Twizzler (Brent the black is for you)
Total OOP= $2.70 I used the $5 RR from transaction #1.

Transaction #3

3 Ban Solid
3 John Frieda Shampoo/Conditioner
3 bags Easter Candy
Total OOP= $11.21 It wouldn't let me use my RR from previous transactions.

Total OOP= $16.89 and I came away with $8RR. Total before coupons was $69.37.




Meijer

2 5 pack Mac & Cheese
2 Capri Sun
2 TGI Friday Snacks
4 Cottage Cheese
1 Chopped Spinach
1 Mushrooms
6 Mentos
Total OOP= $6.72 Total before coupons $29.76




Target

Transaction #1

5 Kellogg's Special K Cereal
Total OOP= $6.95 received a $5 gift card

Transaction #2

2 Gillette Fusion Razors
Total OOP= $ 1.52 I used the gift card from the previous transaction

Transaction #3

This one was a mess!!

2 Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaner
1 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel
1 Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Wand
I paid $13.77 OOP and realized once I paid that my coupon for a FREE toilet wand when you buy toilet gel took off the gel price which was less. I went to the service desk and she wasn't able to make the computer recognize it correctly. I ended up getting my $5 gift card from this transaction and she also gave me $6 customer satisfaction coupons to make up for the coupon not working.

Total OOP= $22.24 and still have $5 gift card and $6 customer satisfaction coupons. Total before coupons $41.14.

Because God said so......

Have you ever had the feeling that God was telling you to do something? Do you listen and look for opportunities where he tells you to bless someone else? I just had an experience where I thought God was telling me to do something. I can tell you right now I'm sure I've missed many of these opportunities and I questioned this one a couple of times. Here's what happened. I was shopping at Meijer and picked up 1 Kraft Mac & Cheese 5 pack with the coupon that you can get juice drinks for free that givemeneither posted on her blog. While I was getting the juice boxes I thought I should get 2 and do the deal twice. I don't have any little ones in my house anymore and we rarely eat Mac & Cheese. I bought both and headed out to my car. As I was walking to my car a young dad and his daughter were walking behind me. His daughter looked to be about 3 and he was talking really sweet to his little one. A thought popped into my mind that I should bless them with one of my Mac & Cheese and juice boxes. I thought no I can't do that. He's going to think I'm crazy. I continued walking to my car and guess who was parked next to me? LOL! I unloaded my groceries and was starting to get in my car all the while listening to this young dad and his daughter. Once again I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to give them to him. OK God, here it goes. I put the two items in a bag and asked him if they like Mac & Cheese. I handed the bag to him and he had this crazy smile on his face. He thanked me and told me to have a great day. Was it worth it? Absolutely!! I hope God appoints me for more opportunities like this. If you've had something like this happen to you I would love to hear about it.

Rite Aid

I made my first trip to Rite Aid and did two transactions.

Transaction #1

4 Benadryl $4.99 x 4= $19.96 + tax= $21.19
- 2 $5/2 Benadryl
- $5/$20 Rite Aid Video
Total OOP= $4.96+ tax

This total will go towards the two rebates that are available on Benadryl and allergy medicine.

Transacton #2

1 Schick Hydro Razor $8.99
1 Crest 3D Toothpaste $2.99
1 Complete Contact Solution (B1G1 Pack) $7.99
1 Visine $4.99
= $24.96 + tax= $26.46
- $5/$25 Rite Aid Coupon
- $3 Schick Disposable
- $1 Crest 3D
- $3 Complete
- $2 Visine
-$2 in-ad Visine
Total OOP= $9.96 + tax

Will get back:

Schick SCR $8.99
Complete SCR $7.99
Crest 3D SCR $2.99

Money Maker $5.05

Rite Aid 4/11 to 4/17 MONEY MAKER Scenario

I have a Rite Aid scenario that should be a HUGE money maker. Right now you can get back a $20 Rite Aid gift card for purchasing $75 worth of Benadryl or Zyrtec and you can also get a $25 SCR for buying $50 worth of allergy medicine. There is a great deal this week that will qualify you for both of these deals.

4 Benadryl $4.99 x 4= $19.96
1 Trident Super Pack $1.50
= $21.46
- $5/$20 Rite Aid Video Reward
- 2 $5/2 Benadryl (RP 4/11)
- 4 $1 RA Video March
- $1 Trident (SS 4/11)
= $1.46 + tax if you don't have the video values from March it will be $5.46

Do the above deal 4 times and you will qualify for both of the above allergy medicine rebates. You will pay $5.84 with the video values from March and $21.84 OOP if you didn't print them. This should be either a $39.16 or $23.16 MONEY MAKER.

You can also do the above deal with the Rite Aid $5/25 from HERE and it will look like this:

6 Benadryl $4.99 x 6= $29.95
-$5/$25 Rite Aid coupon HERE (use zip 43666)
- 3 $5/2 Benadryl (RP 4/11)
= $9.95

Do this deal 2 times and the first deal once. It will still be a $19.64 MONEY MAKER and that's without the Video Values from March. You can purchase additional coupons from HERE to do this deal.

A Spending Plan!

Doesn't that sound so much better than the dreaded "B" word? A spending plan and budget are one in the same. We have been avoiding making/following a budget for over a year now. I have been scared to death to even write down our expenses. We had a crazy year last year and we have felt like our finances were out of control. We went back to Financial Peace last Wednesday and our first homework assignment is to make our budget/spending plan. Today was the day. You know what? We CAN do it! I am actually feeling like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. We wrote down all of our expenses and debt and we have a plan. It's going to take a while but we can do it. Isn't it amazing how much energy and anxiety we waste with the unknown? Our situation isn't near as bad as I thought it was. It's very managable if we stick with it.

I have always been the kind of person that just did things "by the seat of my pants". I've never made lists or followed a plan. Planning and organizing our spending and household is really making sense to me now. WOW! I love the challenge of making our money work for us instead of feeling controlled by our spending. I always thought that I could just work a little more then I could keep up with our bills/spending habits. It didn't work. One of the things that they tell you in Financial Peace is to get a second job to get things going. I would strongly advise to first make your budget and cut as much and where ever you can before considering this. Please put a price tag on your time at home with your family before attempting this. I worked for 4 months straight without a day off last year and now look back and think how much I missed with my family. I know it must have helped our situation financially but I really am not convinced it was worth the sacrifice.

So, I'll be sharing with you all our successes and failures as we take this journey.

KMart Super Doubles Rundown

Wow, I just finished compiling all of my purchases from the week. I ended up purchasing $237.27 worth of products over 6 days with 2 KMart Rewards cards. I spent $10.79 OOP for all of these items. I will receive a $10 gift card and my son will receive a $10 gift card from the P&G promotion for our purchases made this week.

Grand Total........$9.21 MONEY MAKER

KMart ....Day 6....Last Hoorah!!

Very successful end to the KMart Super Double week for me.

Transaction #1

1 Gillette Body Wash
1 Crest Pro Health Toothpaste
1 Oral B Toothbrush
2 double pkgs. Reach Toothbrushs
1 Hunt's Snack Pack (KMart Kching Surprise coupon FREE)

Total OOP= $.26
Transaction #2

2 Oral B Toothbrushs
2 Reach Floss
2 Snuggle Fabric Softener
1 Sunchips
3 pk. Cracker Jack's (KMart Kching Surprise coupon FREE)

Total OOP= $2.00

KMart...Freebie Day 5 Friday

Yes, I got everything for FREE today!

5 pkg. Kotex Maxi Pads
5 Crest Pro Health Toothpaste

PLUS>>> Bonus>>>Free Hunt's Snack Pack 4-pkg and Free Cracker Jack Triples 3 pack

And yes that's sunshine in Michigan shining on my products!!!

Meijer

My grocery trip to Meijer was great. I spent $29.34 and saved $45.72. I think we'll be set with pasta for a long time. Here's what I bought:

6 Barilla Piccolini Pasta

6 Barilla Whole Grain Pasta

5 Meijer Pasta Sauce

1 bag Onions

1 Baking Powder

1 Lawry's Season Salt

2 Pompiean Olive Oil

2 Pkg. Chicken Thighs (10 in each pkg.)

2 gallons Milk

2 Hidden ValleyFarmhouse Dressing

2 Lunchables

2 Frank's Hot Sauce

3- 32oz Coffee Mate Creamer

Many stock pile items!!

KMart...Day 4 Much Better!

Transaction #1

6 boxes Tampax Pearl Tampons

Total OOP=$7.34 + tax

Will submit for the $10 Visa gift card for buying $25 in P&G products.

Transaction #2

1 Beach Towel (We have a pool and I had to throw away most our of towels)

1 Soft Scrub

1 Crest Pro Health Toothpaste

4 pkg. Ziploc containers

1 Ziploc Sandwich Bags

Total OOP= $2.08 + tax

I had two $5 coupons from my transactions yesterday. One went towards the towel and the other towards my total purchases.

How Much Are You Willing to Sacrifice?

My husband and I attended an introduction class for Financial Peace University last night. We completed it over a year ago but really needed a "kick in the butt" to get back on track. One of the discussions that we had as a group was are we willing to get our priorities in order and live the way God meant us to live. This morning one of my friends forwarded me the following story.


I'll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12, and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money. By 1946 my older sisters were married and my brothers had left home. A month before Easter the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially. When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. We thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn't listen to the radio, we'd save money on that month's electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us babysat for everyone we could. For 15 cents we could buy enough cotton loops to make three pot holders to sell for $1. We made $20 on pot holders. That month was one of the best of our lives. Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we'd sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so we figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering. The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change. We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before. That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn't care that we wouldn't have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering. We could hardly wait to get to church! On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn't own an umbrella and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn't seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet. But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt rich. When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us kids put in a $20. As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn't say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills. Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn't talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn't have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night. We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn't have a lot of things that other people had, but I'd never thought we were poor. That Easter day I found out we were. The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn't like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed--I didn't even want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor! I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew that we were poor. I decided that I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time. We sat in silence for a long time. Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn't know. We'd never known we were poor. We didn't want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn't talk on the way. Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun dried bricks, but they needed money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, "Can't we all sacrifice to help these poor people?" We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week. Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering. When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn't expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, "You must have some rich people in this church." Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that "little over $100." We were the rich family in the church! Hadn't the missionary said so? From that day on I've never been poor again. I've always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus!

Do you want to live as though you are "rich" or "poor"?
It doesn't matter how much money we make if we aren't using it as a good steward. It's time for our family to get our financial house in order and live the way God intended us to live!!!!

KMart....Day 3.....Not so SMOOOOTHH!

I went to do the Soft Scrub deal that I had posted last night. I was so excited! They only had 3 of the Soft Scrub Total Kitchen but had plenty of the regular. That was OK because I had coupons for all of it. I didn't think the Total Kitchen was included in the deal so when I added up my products to reach $30 and they rang up on sale I didn't reach the $30. Also, the cash register wouldn't take all of my B1G1 coupons. I was told that KMart won't accept a coupon in a B1G1 scenario for the product you're buying and that's how their computers are programmed. BUMMER. I still made out pretty good but it didn't end up being the money maker that I thought it would be.

Transaction #1

4 Dove Deodorant
1 Bumblebee Tuna Pouch
Total OOP= $.91 + tax
Received a $5 off my next purchase for purchasing the Dove
$4.09 MONEY MAKER

Transaction #2

9 Soft Scrub
2 Dentyne
Total OOP= $6.97 + tax
Received a $5 off my next merchandise purchase for purchasing the Soft Scrub.
$1.97

OK, so now I look at these numbers and laugh at myself because it really was a GREAT deal for all that I bought!!

Also, I had talked to the manager yesterday asking where the rebate forms were for the P&G gift card. He told me that they didn't have them and if it didn't print from my receipt I woldn't get it. LOL! I found the rebate form today in his store on an end cap in the Tide display.

KMart Soft Scrub Deal

**UPDATE:

Spend $20 on participating items, listed below, receive $5 Catalina Coupon off your next shopping order (25% savings)
Spend $30 on participating items, listed below, receive a $10 Catalina Coupon off your next shopping order (33% savings)

Buy selected products before April 12th, Get a Catalina coupon off your next order:
Offer is good on ANY size, scent or variety of these featured brands: Dry Idea, Dial, Brawny, Purex, Quilted Northern, Renuzit, Dixie, Right Guard, Sparkle, Soft Scrub, Angel Soft, Tone, Coast, Zout, Vanity Fair.









If you're heading to KMart for the Super Doubles there is a deal on Soft Scrub where you should be able to get 4 for FREE and it will only count towards 2 of your coupons!

Go HERE and "join the club" and then go to special offers. You will be able to print off 2 coupons per computer for B1G1 Soft Scrub Cleanser and also 2- $2 Soft Scrub Total Kitchen Cleaner.

KMart.....Day Two

Another Great Day at KMart!!!!


Transaction #1

2 Gillette Men's Body Wash
2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Deodorant
1 Bumblebee Tuna Pouch
Total OOP= FREE + tax


Transaction #2

2 Pedigree Denta Bones
2 Dentyne Gum
1 Stayfree Pads
1 Soft Scrub Cleaner
2 Dial Liquid Hand Soap (these were clearance for $1 and I had a internet coupon for -$1)
Total OOP= $.78 + tax

April's Meal Plan

I usually only try to plan our dinner each night. For breakfast we usually grab something quick like cereal, hot oatmeal or yogurt. For lunches we take leftovers from our dinner. I have a stock of the glad containers that I dish leftovers. That makes it easy to grab and go in the morning.

1. Hot dogs in a blanket/cantaloupe
2. Green Chili Chicken Casserole
3. Goulash
4. Broccoli Cheese Soup
5. Small Group Dinner (1st Friday of every month)
   

1. Smoked Sausage & Potatoes
2. Chicken & Dumplings
3. Spaghetti
4. Ham, Mac & Cheese
5. Beef Stroganoff

1. Jambalaya
2. Grilled Chicken
3. Vegetable Beef Soup
4. Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
5. Turkey Pot Pie

1. Chicken Stir Fry
2. Chili/Cornbread
3. Oriental Chicken Pasta
4. Sloppy Jo
5. Grilled Steaks

Every Sunday I make a big noon meal. This month I will plan to make:

1. Roast with carrots and potatoes
2. Ribs
3. Turkey Breast
4. Oven Fried Chicken

A couple of standbys that I always try to have the ingredients to are:

1. Chicken w/wild rice soup
2. White chicken chili
3. Tuna Noodle Casserole
   

I won't follow this list verbatim but I do much better having a list to pull from. I will also add a vegetable/fruit to each meal and we are big on cut up cheese, cukes or green peppers with our meals.

Monday Madness: Win a Complete Air Convertible Carseat from Safety 1st

Monday Madness: Win a Complete Air Convertible Carseat from Safety 1st

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Walgreen's MONEY MAKER

I went to Walgreen's today to do the Frixon pen deal. I did 2 transactions and spent $.57 x 2= $1.14 and will send in for 2 rebates of $4.50 each. This will end up being a money maker of $7.86.

The rebate states that only 1 per household. I will submit 1 of the rebates under one of my children's households so they will get a small surprise in the mail.

KMart.....Day One

Things went very well at KMart for me this afternoon. I did 2 transaction because I have 2 KMart rewards cards that I am able to use.

Transaction #1

4 Dove Ultimate Deodorant $3.79 x 4= $15.16
1 All 50oz Laundry Detergent $4
Total OOP= FREE + tax
Received $5 off my next order for spending $15 on Dove Products


Transaction #2

5 Tampax Pearl 18ct. $4.79 x 5= $23.95
1 Satin Care Shave Gel $2.50
I used the $5 off from transaction #1 on transaction #2
Total OOP= $.45 + tax

I will be able to send in the receipt from transaction #2 for the $10 P&G gift card for spending $25.

MONEY MAKER>>>>$9.55

Simple Rite Aid Scenario

Here's an easy scenario for Rite Aid this week:

Buy:
1 Crest toothpaste, $2.29
1 Gillette Fusion Razor, $8.00
1 pkg Gillette Mach 3 disp. razors $5.99
1 pkg Gillette CustomPlus razors* $5.99
Subtotal: $22.27

*The exact type of disposable razors aren't important so long as they are included in your coupons and the $5.99 sale.

Use:
-$5/$20 Video Values HERE
-$1 off Crest (from 4/4 P&G insert)
-$4 off Gillette Fusion (from 4/4 P&G insert)
-BIGI FREE Gillette Disp. Razors (from 4/4 P&G insert)
-$2 off Gillette Disp. Razor (package insert, 3/7 P&G insert).

After Coupon Total: $4.28 (before taxes)

Total Single Check Rebates: $5.50 ($4 Gillette Fusion, $1.50 Crest) Making this a moneymaker. This is also a great scenario for newbies, since most of the coupons are in this week's paper or printable. If you don't have the $2 off coupon, your total will be $2 higher, but still a great deal after the rebate.

Thanks Scrapper Mom!

Rite Aid 4/4 thru 4/10

It appears that Rite Aid and Walgreen's take turns having the best deals. This week it looks like a good deal week at Rite Aid. Here are a few of the deals that I have found that I want to take advantage of:
Gilette Fusion Power or Manual 1ct $8
$4 PG 4/4
$4 SCR (limit 1)
FREE

Crest or Oral B Products $2.29
B1G1 Oral B Advantage Toothbrush PG 3/07
$2 Oral B Advantage PG 4/04 (for the one you are paying for)
$1.50 SCR (limit 1)
$1.21 Money Maker

Pampers Swaddlers or Cruisers $9.99
$2 RP 3/14
$2 SCR (limit 1)
$5.99

Proctor & Gamble Deal- $5 SCR when you spend $25 (limit 1)

Bounty 15 rolls $12.99
$1 PG 3/07
$11.99

Charmin 24 Big Rolls $12.99
$1/2 PG 4/04

Pringles $1.44
$1/4 PG 3/07, 4/04
$.50 Snack Stack PG 4/04

Tide 75 oz $8.99
$1 PG 3/07, 4/04

Allergy Rebate- $10 Gift Card when you buy $25 or $25 Gift Card when you buy $50
Benadryl, Zyrtec or Allergy Products- get a $20 Rite Aid Gift Certificate when you spend $75

Zyrtec Allergy $18.99
$4 Zyrtec Liquid Gels RP 3/21
$2.50 Zyrtec 12ct or larger SS 2/28
$4 Zyrtec 24ct or larger SS 2/28

Children's Zyrtec $9.99
$2 Zyrtec Children's Product RP 3/21

Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops or Claritin Eye Relief $12.99
$2 Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops RP 3/21
$4 HERE

Benadryl Allergy Relief 20-24ct $4.99
$1 RP 3/14


DEAL IDEAS

Transaction #1
2 Zyrtec Itchy Eye Drops $12.99 x 2= $25.98
-$4 printable coupon
-$4 printable coupon
-$5/$25 HERE (use zip 43666)
Total OOP= $12.98

Transaction #2
2 Children's Zyrtec $9.99 x 2= $19.98
1 Benadryl Allergy Relief = $4.99
1 Gillette Fusion Razor= $8.00
-$2 x 2= $4
-$1
-$4
-$5/$25 HERE (use zip 43666)
Total OOP= $18.97

Transaction #3
5 Benadryl Allergy $4.99 x 5= $24.95
2 Oral B Advantage Toothbrush $2.29 x 2= $4.58
-$1 x5 = $5
B1G1 Oral B -$2.29
-$2
-5/$25 HERE (use zip 43666) will need 2nd computer
Total OOP= $15.24

Receive $25 Gift Card for spending $50 in Allergy Products SCR #552
Receive $20 Rite Aid Certificate for spending $75 on Zyrtec, Benadryl or Allergy Products
Receive $4 SCR for Gillette Fusion SCR#43
Receive $1.50 for Oral B Products SCR #55

MONEY MAKER $3.31 for $88.48 worth of products

KMart Doubles

There are several items that you can get for free at KMart this week. Unfortunately, there are many "rules" to the game. Go HERE to get a complete list and the rules. Following are some of the items that I see that I want to go and get.

Dentyne Gum 12-18 ct. $1
$1/2 SS 2/28

Hall's Cough Drops 20-30 ct $1.55
$1 SS 3/28

Reach Toothbrush $1.50
$1 RP 3/07

Reach Floss $1.49
$1 SS 3/07

Stayfree Maxi Pads 24ct $3.49
$2 RP 3/28

Sure Deodorant for Men $2.89
$1.50 SS 2/28

Gillette Body Wash $4
$2 PG 3/07

Bic Disposable Razors $3.99
$2 SS 3/28

All Detergent 50oz $4
$2 RP 2/07

Soft Scrub $2.99
$1.50 SS 3/07

Pedigree Dentastix $3.99
$2 RP 2/14

Walgreen's

I just got back from Walgreen's and most of the items that I was going to buy were out of stock. I did end up with:

3 John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo/Conditioner
1 Dove Conditioner
4 Campbell's Soup
2 Hall's Cough Drops
1 Warm Delight

Total OOP= $7.89 and came away with a $5 RR

Expectations

We just returned from a week in Orlando and I had all these awesome dreams that I would go and score TONS of deals while my husband, son and grandson sat by the pool. I made it to Walgreen's once and that was just because I didn't bring my shampoo and conditioner and somehow lost my hairbrush. I have realized that if I'm not in my normal routine I have a hard time getting out and shopping for the deals. It also might be that that little grandbaby of mine "needs" me at all times when we're together. OK, so that's probably not true but I just can't seem to pull myself away from him to go shopping. I guess it's all about priorities. Now that I am home I'm going to head to Walgreen's to see what I can find.

Good Friday

Today we see problems and failures with eyes just like the disciples did. They thought that their 3 year journey with Jesus had ended with the crucifixtion and also their hope. Even knowing that God is able to do things beyond what we can imagine, when we look at a "failure," we often only see an ending. God, however, sees an opportunity for a new beginning. Let's take the things that we have "failed" at and look at them through God's eyes. Let's celebrate Easter knowing the truth in our hearts. With God all things are possible.

He is Risen!
He is Risen indeed!

Epcot

We're in Florida visiting our son and grandson. We also came here to meet our exchange student daughter from Brazil. She lived with us in 1999/2000. Her and her family came to Orlando for vacation to go to Disney. We hadn't planned on going to any of the parks but her family wanted to treat us to a day. I am just amazed at God's encouragement. She told us she wanted us to go with her to the Magic Kingdom. We arrived at the parking area 15 minutes after her and they stopped people from entering 7 cars in front of us because they said the Magic Kingdom was full. We were given a voucher for our inconvenience for FREE parking at another park and 50% off one meal. We ended up going to Epcot instead. We saved $14 on parking, $25 on food and got a 20% coupon for merchandise which saved us another $5. I'm going to take this as God's encouragement that we're on the right road to getting our finances where they need to be so we can do his work.

They highlights of the day were going through the international areas and riding on the ride Soaring.

YEAH! Kinder Surprise Giveaway winner.

I'm so excited to send these out. The lucky winner is.........Darth Mama. I went to random.org and the lucky number was 7. Thank you all who entered! Have a very Happy Easter.

Planning

My goal for April is making household plans that will help me be more organized and save money. I am planning on making a list of all the items that we currently use so that I'm not just shopping for "things" just because they're on sale or a bargain.

My first plan will be for our menus. I find that I can print out a calendar and write on each day a meal. I don't necessarily follow it day to day but I do much better just having the calendar there to pick which meal I am going to fix. I am going to prepare the list of meals that I will make this month and then I can check my pantry to see the grocery items that I need. I can then watch the sales and pick things up as they go on sale.

The other pantry items that I need to keep track of are our personal care items. I have been able to stock up on these things but have given many away also. I need to sit down and determine how much our family actually uses so that I don't go overboard...a problem of mine when I get excited about a sale.

My cleaning items are sparse right now so I need to watch for sales on these items. I have tons of "smelly" things and really don't need to get anymore of those.

Homemade Granola

Yummmm!

I just finished a batch of homemade granola. I discovered this recipe at Christmas time and have been making it ever since. It is so much better and cheaper than the store bought kind. We eat if for a snack or put it in vanilla yogurt. It's really, really good.

3 cups oats
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup cashews
1 cup craisins
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Mix the above together in large bowl

1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
Mix these 3 ingredients in a small bowl and heat in microwave for 30 seconds. Pour over oat/nut mixture and mix really good. Spread on large cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes or until oats brown. Stir every 15 minutes. Cool and stir frequently while cooling. Enjoy!

IKEA

We went last night to the IKEA store. WOW! If you are shopping for your home this is the place to go. The prices were crazy inexpensive. We checked the tags many time not believing that they were accurate. The quality of the items appear to be really nice too. I purchased a few small items but will find the IKEA store nearest to our home in Michigan next time I want to make a purchase of any homegoods and make the drive. It will be well worth it.

Kinder Surprise Giveaway

Oh, I am so excited! We met up with our exchange student daughter yesterday and she brought the Kinder's. You have a little more than 24 hours to enter my giveaway. Leave a comment here or on my previous post.

Walgreen's $4 Money Maker

I just made my first run of the week to Walgreen's. We're heading out of town and I wanted to get a few things for our house.

1 Dove Shampoo
1 Dove Conditioner
5 Airwick I Motion

I did 2 transactions and paid $4 OOP and I have $8 RR to spend in Florida. Wooohooo!

$4MM

Walgreen's 3/28 to 4/3

Here are the highlights that I have found for Walgreen's this week:

Dove Shampoo & Conditioner 12 oz, Styling Products 7-9.25 oz.- $4
3/28 RP $1.50/1 Daily Treatment Conditioner
$4 RR
$1.50MM

Dulcolax Balance 14day- $10
1/24 SS $1 or $2
$4 HERE
3/7 SS Get free bottle of H2O with purchase of Dulcolax Product
$4 MM

Lysol Neutra Air Freshmatic Kit/Airwick I Motion 50% off- should ring up $4
3/7SS $4
FREE

Cottonelle 12 rolls- $5
$1 April Coupon Book
$4

Post Cereal- $1.99
$2 HERE
FREE

Crest 3D White Toothpaste & Toothbrushes- 3/$9
Buy 3 get $3RR
P&G 2/21 $1 off Crest Premium Toothpaste
P&G 3/7 B1G1 Oral B Advantage Manual Toothbrushes
$.66 each after RR

Dentek Floss- $2
$2RR
SS 1/17 $1
$1 MM

Walgreen's Multi Vitamins- $3
$3 RR
FREE

Garnier- $5.99 Buy $20 get $10RR
RP 3/7 $2 Herba Shine
RP 3/7 Shampoo & Conditioner
$1.49-$2.49 each

Betty Crocker Cake Mix, Frosting or Warm Delights- $1
SS 3/28 $.75 Cake Mix & Frosting
GM 2/7/2010 $.50 Frosting
$.50 HERE Warm Delights

Filler Items: Easter Candy $.39 w/in ad coupon, Easter Tumblers or Gift Bag $.13 w/in ad coupon

Scenarios:

Transaction #1

1 Dentek Floss $2
$2
-$1 coupon
= $1 + tax
get $2 RR

Transaction #2

1 Dove Daily Treatment Conditioner $4
1 Easter Candy $.39
$4
$.39
-$1.50 coupon
-$2 RR from transaction #1
=$.89
get $4 RR

Transaction #3

1 Dulcolax $10
1 Easter Candy $.39
$10
$.39
-$4 coupon
-$4 RR from transaction #2
= $2.39
get $10 RR

Transaction #4

1 Walgreen's Multivitamin $3
1 Crest 3D Toothpaste $9 for 3
2 Oral B Advantage Manual Toothbrushes
1 Dentek Floss $2
1 Betty Crocker Cake Mix $1
1 Betty Crocker Frosting $1
$3
$9 for 3 Crest products
$2
$2
-$1 toothpaste
-$3 B1G1 toothbrush
-$1 floss
-$.75
-$10RR
=$.25
get $3RR, $3RR, $1RR= $7RR

Total OOP= $4.53 for $32.78 worth of product and go away with $7 RR

$2.47MM for above 4 transactions

Free Financial Peace Lesson

I received confirmation today of the free Financial Peace FREE lessons available in our area on April 7th. I can't wait to go to refresh and reenergize us on this journey to become debt free! Go HERE to see if there's a class in your area.

Shopping in Orlando

OK, so let me tell you that I am super excited to go to Orlando today. We will be there visiting our son and grandson but there are tons of stores within a 5 mile radius of their home that I never get to shop at. My son was telling me about going to IKEA. I am an IKEA virgin. Yes, that's right. I hadn't even heard of the store until reading some of your blogs. I can't wait to go there and see what they have.

Other stores that I'm going to go check out that I never get to shop at are CVS, Publix and Super Target. I have been checking out blogs of people who regularly shop there and I'm excited to see if I can go score some good deals. I definitely need to set a budget so I don't let my enthusiasm carry me away. Also, paying cash and not using the debit card will be a must. I will let you know how it goes.

Finding Ways to Cut Expenses

Are you trying to find areas in your budget where you can cut expenses? When we did Financial Peace University last year we went over all of our expenses with a fine tooth comb. One of the areas that we were able to cut significantly was our auto and home insurance.

Our auto insurance has been outrageous since our kids started driving. All 3 of them started driving in less than 3 years. When we had them so close we anticipated different expenses and planned and prepared but auto insurance wasn't one of them. Last year we were advised to check out an independent agency. I was shocked at how much they were able to save us. We had been insured with a well known agency for many years and had shopped around several times during these years and hadn't been able to find anyone that could touch the rates that they gave us. Boy, was it a surprise when the quotes came back from the independent agency. Every 6 months we are paying what we had been paying for 2 months for the exact same coverage. Check it out and see what you come up with. It's worth the time!!

Our home policy premium remained the same but we increased our coverage for the same price.