I did pretty good at CVS but realized a couple of minor mistakes afterward. At first it upsets me when I realize I could have done better. Then I think about how well I have done and how much it would have cost me full price. In other words, I have learned to not let it bother me enough to ruin my day anymore.

I purchased the following:

3 Dawn Hand Renewal (9.5 oz) on sale for .94 (regular 1.69)
1 Sunday newspaper 2.00
1 12 pack Aquafina  on sale for 2.99 (regular 4.98)
1 Crest sale price 3.29 (regular 4.99)
1 Charmin (9 rolls) Ultra sale price 4.99 (regular 7.49 )
1 8 pack Bounty sale price 5.99 (regular 7.99 )

Total $22.09 (No Sales Tax in NH)
Coupons:
$4 off $20 or more CVS coupon
$6 EB’s from last week’s visit
$1 off Crest manufacturer coupon
2 $0.50 off Dawn manufacturer coupons
1 $0.25 off Dawn manufacturer coupon
$1 off Bounty manufacturer coupon
$1 off Charmin manufacturer coupon

Total =$7.84
Receive $3.29 EB for Crest
Total after EB’s =$4.55=79% savings (off of sales prices)

I have become extremely careful with finances the last few years. As a matter of fact, for over a year I was completely engrossed with everything related to personal finance (books, articles, podcasts, money boards). I have backed off a bit but am grateful for all I have learned along the way. It seems as if budgeting is hard for some or it scares them enough that it is a totally taboo subject. I am no expert but I have found what works for me, especially now with erratic income (long term sub and tutoring part time).

The biggest issue I come across when reading blogs posts, articles, etc. is how to stay within ones spending limits. Cash seems to be the way for many. The big complaint in regards to going to cash is pumping gas (inconvenient). I solved that problem for myself. I opened a checking account at a separate bank (I use ING and really like them and they pay higher interest than most). I transfer a set amount each week to that account (in my case $150). This is my weekly budget for gas, groceries, and spending money. I feel no guilt if I spend it all but I know it is all I have. I leave my debit card from my regular credit union account at home. This has worked very well and is much like using cash but allows me the convenience of using a card at the pump. Because I am a frugal shopper (I especially love my CVS deals), I usually have money leftover. I am seriously considering lowering my spending budget another $20 (then again gas prices are rising:( ).

What budgeting technique works for you?

                                                       Free Hot Samples Hoppin’ Weekend:

         Just Married with Coupons and Debbie Does Coupons Saturday Stalk Remix:
    
 

The Blog Entourage and The Unexpected Mothers’ Crazed Fan Weekend Hop:

Do you have an Etsy shop, sell something on your blog, or simply want to promote your blog? I am looking into writing posts (either for you on your blog or to advertise on my blog via a post) for my fellow bloggers. I don’t claim to be the world’s greatest writer. However, I am an English teacher so I do have some experience.  I believe in us all helping each other. Therefore, I am working at a very affordable price.

I am charging 3 cents a word with a minimum charge of 100 words. You can find my stats at the bottom of my blog. I recently purchased my domain so my Alexa score is different if you put in the url with blogspot as opposed to without it (although you land in the same place either way). If I write a post for you I will mention it on Facebook as well. The only other thing I ask is the person I write for is (or becomes) a follower of my blog.

I look forward to working with you and thank you in advance. You can contact me at agoddessoffrugality at gmail dot com if you have further questions.

Laura