Here's to Change in More Ways Than One

This new system of paying with cash is going great so far. We had $16 and some change left over between our two categories. I'm still not where I want to be on our grocery budget, but I have to remember one change at a time.

Well..

So, far so good. I had a total of $37.50 left over from the first two weeks of paying for everything but gas in cash. It has made me stretch some and think about my purchases a little more. It has also made menu planning a must. I have felt a little stressed. I think as time progresses that will go away and this will just be the way we do things. There is an incentive to not spend everything budgeted in order to save up for a trip or a big ticket item. We haven't figured out what we are saving for but it will make it more exciting when we do and give me even more incentive to think about what I am buying.

We are almost through with the second two week period of paying in cash, and we are still under budget even with a birthday in there. 3 more days left!

The Beginning of Something New

Today I'm starting a new chapter in budgeting by using a simplified envelope system. The reason I say simplified is because I am only going to have groceries and other, rather then breaking it down into several categories. We'll see how it goes and adjust accordingly.

We are going from putting everything on our credit card to earn rewards to a cash system. I think in the end we will end spending less money overall and if that is the case then the rewards we were earning don't matter. The best of both worlds would be that we are able to control our spending and use the credit card and get rewards, but knowing us it's not the case. We don't spend beyond our means, but we don't save as much as we could. Hopefully here goes something!!

Walgreens Revisited

Tonight I went to pick up a couple things since my registered rewards were expiring. The original price of bought of what I bought was $16.71. I was able to get (2) toothbrushes (2) hand soaps (1) floss for $2.26. And in addition receive $5 in registered rewards for my next visit.

I've learned that you have to have an item for each manufacture coupon and each register reward seeing as Walgreens registers read register rewards as manufacture coupons. At least it worked this time and it seems to be the consensus on other blogs. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Ok, Not So Easy

Now that I have tried doing a Walgreens transaction involving registered rewards as part of the payment I'm finding it to be very frustrating. The stores don't know what the policies are for using manufactured coupons and registered rewards together. So, I ended up paying way more out of pocket then I expected for diapers and toothpaste. I came home and tried to find their policy, but do you think they would have it posted so everybody can be on the same page? NO!! So, I looked at some other blogs and am hoping that I have information that will work at the stores here for my next trip. I'm not giving up yet, but you can only take so much frustration.

Learning Walgreens

Where have I been, huh? Well, we are doing the South Beach diet right now, which is a little on the pricey side. For now I'm not trying to pinch pennies in the grocery budget. However, I'm trying to get into the drug store game and get our personal products and home products for very little.

So, here is the deal I got today with some mistakes.

(1) Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion $6.99-$1.50 coupon=$5.49 received $7 RR

(1) Oral-B Advantage Toothbrush $3.00 received $3 RR

(1) Chapstick Fresh Effects $2.99 received $3 RR

(1) Gillete Fusion Razor $8.99-$4.00 coupon=$4.99

(1) Gillette Venus Razor $7.99-$2.00 coupon=$5.99 received $4.00 RR

(1) Herbal Essence Shampoo $2.99-$1.00 coupon=$1.99 received $2.00RR

(1) 80ct Bounce $3.99-$1.00 coupon=$2.99

The original total was $39.14. Would you pay almost $40 for this?!? I hope not. I realize Walgreens is expensive if you don't know the deals. So, this how I ended:

$39.14-$5/$25 Walgreens Coupon-$9.50 in manufactured coupons-$5.54 in gift cards=$19.10

That still sounds like a lot, but I received $19 in Registered Rewards (RR) to use on my next trip, so I actually paid $0.10. Not bad but could have been better.

Did make some mistakes. I thought I had a $1.00 coupon for the tooth brush. I had $4 in registered rewards from a previous time, that I couldn't find, which would have meant less out of pocket. And on the Gillette Fusion Razor if I was paying better attention I would have gotten $6RR on it if I would have gotten the MVP. I would have had $14.10 out of pocket and $25 in RR.

This probably sounds as clear as mud. I'll try to think of a better way to present it next time.

Slipping Into Old Habits

This month is not looking so great. I have gone back to going to the store too often. I'm doing my main grocery shopping every two weeks, but too many little trips are happening. I must regain focus and get back on track. We have what we have and do with it what we can. I need to dedicate more effort in the planning stage, because if the foundation isn't sturdy the plan will crumble. I can do this and I know it worth it. We work too hard for our money. Ok, now that I have given myself a pep talk time to get back on track.