Swagbucks - Great Opportunity to Earn Free Stuff

I recently discovered Swagbucks.  This site rewards points for internet searching.  This morning I was reading how to utilize Swagbucks to earn points on Money Saving Mom.

Frugal Way of Life

My Shopping Trip to CVS & Target by Master Momma

For approximately a month now, I have taken up the hobby of being frugal.  Money Saving Mom has been my source in receiving tips and information on stretching my dollar.  Since last August, my husband completely took over the finances since I was not doing a good job at tracking our money.  I am only giving a few dollars to work with and it seems like a struggle to have more than $20 in my wallet at a given time.  Some of you might be in an uproar about my husband restricting me from having money.  However, this was my request.  We are working towards buying a house and if I had continued to run the finances, this goal would not be met and our bills would continue to fall in the arrears.   I didn’t expect him to be so strict with allowing me to have money.  At times it is frustrating not having funds to fill up the gas tank or having to wait to buy necessities that I might need immediately.  Also, the embarrassment of having to put a product back due to the lack of money while checking out.  However, this has taught me to think before I buy and to stretch my dollar.  Then I started thinking, how can I get more for the little money I have?  That’s when I discovered the Frugal Way of Living.  In the matter of a month, I have saved an average of 50% of every store visit.  I created a comprehensive spreadsheet that lets me visualize what I am actually saving and figuring out the best possible deal.  OK, enough of my rambling.  What I am really excited to share is my shopping trips to Target and CVS yesterday. 

Drum roll please………….I saved 100% at CVS and 95% at Target.  I was experiencing cabin fever and needed to get out of the house.  With only $4.40 of change, I started looking at the ads, on-line coupons, and other coupons in my coupon holder.  From there, I generated my shopping lists for these stores. 

TARGET

Clorox Wipes (35ct) - $2.24 – Used $1.00 Mfr Coupon & $.75 Target Coupon – Final Cost = $.49

2 Crunchy Nut Cereal – Sale $2.50 - Used $1.00 Mfr Coupon & $1.00 Target Coupon – Final Cost = $1.00 2 Boxes

Extra Strength Excedrine (20ct) - $3.39 - Used $1.00 Mfr Coupon & $3.00 Target Coupon – Final Cost = Overage $.61

Coffee-Mate Creamer (32 oz) - $3.09 – Used my free Coffee Mate coupon – Final Cost = $0

2 Coffee-Mate Creamer (16 oz) – Sale $1.50 each – Used $1.00 off 2 – Final Cost = $2.00 for 2

2 Jeans (Junior Size Jeggings) – Clearance $4.98 – Used $5.00 off Denim – Final Cost = $0 for 2

Total Bill w/ Tax = $3.03

CVS

Misc. Valentine’s Day Stuff – 75% off – Final Cost = $1.50 for 5

Clairol Foam Color - $7.99 – Used free coupon – ECB $1.00 – Final Cost = Overage $1.00

Softsoap Body Wash - $2.99 – ECB $2.00 – Final Cost $.99

Travel Toothbrushes – Clearance 75% - Final Cost $1.24

Clinical Crest Toothpaste - $3.29 – ECB $3.29 – Final Cost $.0 for 2

Toddler Wipes (48ct) - $1.49 – Used Red Scanner Coupon $1.00 – Final Cost $.49

Milk – Final $1.89

Used $14.87 ECBs

Out of Pocket Total - $1.43 (w/ ECB’s Total = $0)



New Addiction

Christmas Chewy Elf!

I am addicted to saving as much money possible.  Recently I have been following a blog relating to a frugal way of life.  My enthusiasm has been so great I want to share my experiences and be able learn from each other.  Please be patient  while I develop this blog site and if you have anything you would like to contribute please contact me.