Friday, December 18, 2009

Looking back. Looking forward.

I have had so much fun writing my blog. It has provided me a place to "talk-out" my money woes. I have gained so much in the last 12 months. I have learnt to budget with the income we have.

I learnt in 2009:

1. We are not victims of circumstances with finances.
2. Credit Card debt is a no-no.
3. Couponing is not for the nerdy.
4. I have a duty to instill postive money habits in my children.
5. Waste nothing.
6. Do not be brand loyal. It can cost you more.
7. Focusing on needs not wants makes you a "richer" person.

I have achieved in 2009:

1. To halt all credit card spending.
This has meant relatives have gone without gifts, cards.

2. Not to buy clothes.
Until my current ones have no more wear.
Note-to-self: If clothes are tight, this does not mean new clothes. It eans get thin.

3. To extreme coupon.
I stuggled with this in November, and am slowly making my way back.

4. Freecycle.
Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. This has added perks besides

5. I don't keep up with the Jones'. They probably had it all on credit anyway.
The green-eyes-monstor has slowly diminished.

6. We have gone 12 month without a cellphone, of any kind.
And have managed to communicate with everybody!

So what for 2010? What will be of Budget Bella?

I think 2010 will be entirely dedicated to following the Dave Ramsey programme. We need a plan. He has one. Budget Bella will no longer be blogging about coupon deals (even though these will be happening away from the blogosphere). There will be no stock-pile pictures. Nope. I want 2010 to be about getting debt free. Thanks everyone for following. I hope you will continue to support me on my journey.  I want it to be a journey to a better way ....


 
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Last Minute Gift Ideas! Amazon Gift Card!!

It really is that easy! I have friends and family abroad and in the past we have exchanged amazon giftcards via email. Amazon gives you three options to send your giftcard. If your a last minute panic shopper like I am, this is a perfect stress free option. Especially for teenagers, das .. you know all the ones wh are hard to buy for!




Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!
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Sunday, November 29, 2009

If she hadn't of mentioned it ...

I had no desire/urge/need to visit CraigsList today ... untl CJ Simes made a comment about her use of it. I am constantly following rabbit trails (eailsly distracted), and so off I went to CraigsList. And boy I am glad I did. I was able to pick-up this afternoon an IKEA storage system for $10!! They are in excellent condition too!

Here is what I got:


Two units worth $61.99 each! I got two! Already assembled!




















Two large bins worth $5.50 each!!

















Five medium sized bins worth $3 each!!






If I had gone to IKEA today and purchased everything above I would have paid $149.98!! And I would have to assemble the thing myself. So I'm seeing this as a saving of $139.98 --- better than any Black Friday Sale I know of!

Thanks CJ Sime ... for unknowlingly leading me down a rabbit trail ...
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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Freecycle ... I'm addicted!

Do you freecycle? Pat yourself on the backs if you do. If you don't, why ever not!? Freecycle for those that do not know is .. and I quote ...

" ... a nonprofit organization and a movement of people interested in keeping good stuff out of the country's landfills. Check out freecycle.org for other cities and information on the movement!"

This week I lucked out and was the lucky reciepent of three offers. I received a Little Tikes Basketball Goal (in good used condition, some fading). A bag full of school supplies (manilla file folders, envelopes, blank sentence strips, index cards and three children's journals). The third item was a Crayola Crayon Maker that has only been used once. The previous owner didn't have the patience for it, so kindly offered it on Freecycle!!

How's that for frugality and budget-makers?! I'm off now to return the good deeds of others and offer some items on freecycle too!!
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

IKEA HOUSTON THANKSGIVING DEALS

I was getting worried after seeing all the other sites that were harping on about IKEA deals for everywhere BUT Houston. Panic over I just got the ad in my inbox ... and now here's the link for you!

http://info.ikeahouston.com/
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Saturday, November 7, 2009

Apologies

I have not been posting lately. I have been run-down and with birthdays, thanksgiving, christmas (oh and The Husband coaching Lacrosse) all descending I have taken to curling up on my sofa from 7pm. I haven't clipped coupons in two weeks, and with tomorrows inserts that will make three -- eek!
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Friday, October 30, 2009

Pull! Grab! Dash! 11/01/09

Time limited? Kidies in tow? Pull your coupons now, put into seperate envelopes, write the list on the front and off you go!

WAL*MART 11/01-09:

Item & QuantitySale PriceCouponFinal Cost
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce 10 oz2.48

$2.00/1(9/27 Red Plum)

.48 ea
Reeses Candy Single Pack 0.65$0.55/1 (8/23 Smart Source.10 ea
Revlon Compact Tweezers1.88

$1.00/1 (10/18 Smart Source)

.88 ea
Reach Floss 55 yd$1.12$1.00/1 (10/18 Red Plum); $1.00/1 (10/4 Red Plum) .12 ea
Kotex Light Days Pads $1$1 off any homemailerFREE

TARGET 11/01/09:

Kellogs Cereals $2.66 (see weekly ad for details)

Buy 4 boxes for $7.98
Use 3 $1/1 coupons and 3 $1/1 Target Web Coupons
Final Price: $0.66 a box

IF your store allows coupons on free boxes:

Buy 4 boxes for $7.98
Use 4 $1/1 coupons and 4 $1/1 Target Web Coupons
Final Price: $.02 Profit

WALGREENS 11/01/09:

Campbell's Soup* $ .50 (limit 4)

Use $1.00/4 (9/20 SS)

Final Cost $ .25 each

*see weekly ad for products


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Sunday Coupon Preview

Sunday Coupon Preview has the 11/01/09 coupon inserts lists ready for you!

Click on the button to find out what will be in this weeks P&G, RedPlum and SmartSource.

I was personally hoping for a few more coupons to go with the Kroger Mega Deal Promotion. But I am blessed with my last trip, which saved $143.


Be sure to check my GRAB & DASH LIST this afternoon, for all the busy Mom's with only a few seconds to spare in each store!
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