Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2009 GOALS

My blog friend, Phoebe, at Cents to Get Debt-Free has challenged her readers to post their goals for 2009, so here goes! I will try to give my readers an update at the end of each month (for my own accountability).

Spiritually
  • To set aside specific time alone with God each day, in prayer

  • To read through the entire Bible in 2009; I have made this easier on myself by purchasing a copy of The One Year Bible that our church was selling recently. It has daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.

  • To keep up with my prayer notebook, to make sure I'm specifically praying for each prayer request

  • Put my full faith in God and know that He will not fail me!

  • Pray for our government and nation on a daily basis

Financially

This is a tough area for me right now, because I will be a "full-time" student within the next few weeks. I'm not exactly sure what sort of income I will be able to generate. I have filed for financial aid, and we are planning to take out student loans for my school. Grand total should be no more than $10k. We've discussed our options, and this fits best for us. Anything that student loans and my income do not cover, we may have to charge on our credit card (i.e. health insurance that we will lose when I leave my job). While we are not at all excited about this, we are trying to work our way around it. But no matter what, I know that I am finally following God's plan for my life, and it will all be fine!

  • Continue to contribute no less than $15 weekly to our high interest savings account

  • Continue to pay an additional $30 per month towards my car note

  • Keep grocery budget at or below $50 weekly = $2,600 yearly

  • Find a carpool buddy for my school commute, if possible

  • Find a part-time job that I love :) and that works with my school schedule, and possibly offers tuition reimbursement

  • Reduce my cell phone plan to a lower plan, since I don't need the internet on it anymore!

  • Sell my used nursing books online to earn money back

  • Create an efficient method for organizing coupons

  • Donate any unused items to a charitable organization on a monthly basis

  • Track all money spent and saved

Home

  • Paint kitchen and hallway

  • Keep pantry organized throughout the year

  • Adhere to the cleaning schedule we've created

  • Create my own area in the office for couponing and studying

  • Purchase stockpile of toilet paper, paper towels, and other everyday items and designate a place for their storage

  • Purchase food staples for stockpile and designate a place for their storage

  • Watch no more than 6 hours of television per week

  • Keep cars washed and maintained

  • Paint front porch and front door

  • Keep closets organized

  • Plant and maintain garden (and have successful growth!)

  • Have at least one hour every night of play/family time

  • Hang laundry to dry during warm months

  • Maintain a weekly meal plan

Personal

  • Participate in at least one local mission ministry per quarter (the one's I'm thinking of so far are Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Jimmy Hale Missions, and a local event we have in our town)

  • Commit to a serious workout routine, involving cardiovascular and light weight training activities

  • Spend at least 6-8 hours each week studying for school

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes early for everything (this one might be a toughie!)

  • Maintain my 4.0 GPA

  • Become happier with my appearance

  • Do not take things to heart; this is hard for me sometimes especially when I think someone is blatantly being mean

  • Update my blog on every one to two days (for my readers!)

  • Wrap all birthday presents for children in wrapping paper (no gift bags)

  • Have all Christmas presents purchased no later than December 4, 2009

  • Read at least one non-school-related book per month

  • Have a date night every month (with my spouse!); this can be a pizza and movie rental night, just so long as we have a date night

  • Practice random acts of kindness

I know this looks like a long list, but these are not all things that we will have to do on a daily basis. Some are monthly, some are yearly. But these are my goals, nonetheless. I would love to see your goals! I'll post my first update to this at the end of January!

So Schick!

Another deal I found while browsing CVS today was the Schick Intuition razors. They are listed in the sales ad for this week for $8.99, but the ones at my store had $3.00 peelie coupons on them, making them $5.99. My cashier also accepted a $2.00 MQ for them, making them $3.99, and you earn $5.00 ECB on them this week! Even if she wouldn't have taken the $2.00 MQ, it would have only been $0.99!! Not bad!

Olay MM (Moneymaker!) TWO DEALS!!!

Now through January 14, 2009, you can receive a $15 gift card by purchasing two Olay Regenerist moisturizers or cleansers. CVS is running a sale this week for buy one, get one 50% off.

I picked up a Regenerist cleanser for $7.99 and got another for $3.99, totaling $11.98 out of pocket, and combined with a $5/2 coupon from last week's paper, bringing my total to $6.98. All I have to do now is submit for my $15 gift card, and just like that I earned $8.02!

But wait! There's more!

Now through January 28, 2009, you can receive another $15 gift card by purchasing any two Olay Definity products! CVS has the Olay cleansers marked down to $7.99 each this week (regularly $10.99 each).

I got two cleansers for $15.98. Then I used the Definity coupon from Sunday's paper for $5/2 making this $10.98 for two. Now I'll submit this one separate and earn $4.02.

Such a quick and easy way to earn $12.04 and get some Olay! Did anyone else get this deal?

Monday, December 29, 2008

Wags to Riches 12/29

I know. My title is a little cheesy, but it's all I could come up with! Here's what I got a Wags (Walgreens) today:
  • 4 Christmas tumblers (filler items): Reg. $0.30 each, clearance for $0.06 each = $0.24
  • 2 Garnier Fructis Conditioners: Reg. $3.99 and $4.99, clearance for $2.19 each = $4.38
  • 3 bags of Hershey's Kisses (Christmas candy):Reg. $2.99 each, clearance for $0.62 each = $1.86
  • 2 bags of Hershey's Bliss Chocolate: Reg. $4.29 each, clearance for $1.07 each = $2.14
  • 2 Listerine Whitening Mouthwashes: Reg. $5.99 each, sale for $4.00 each = $8.00
  • 3 Robitussin Cough, Cold, and Flu: Reg. $5.99 each, sale for $4.00 = $12.00
  • 2 Dimetapp Children's Cough: Reg. $4.99 each, sale for $4.00 = $8.00
Regular price: $67.66
After sales: $36.62

Coupons used:
- $2 Garnier coupon from EasySaver book x 2 = $4.00
-$1 Garnier MQ x 2 = $2.00
-$1.50/3 Hershey's MQ
-$1.00 Listerine MQ x 2 = $2.00
-$2.00 Robitussin MQ x 3 = $6.00
-$2.00 Dimetapp MQ x 2 = $4.00
-$2.50/2 Hershey's Bliss MQ

RR earned:
$10 RR for Robitussin/Dimetapp
$5 RR for Robitussin/Dimetapp
$5 RR for Robitussin/Dimetapp
$4.50 RR for Listerine

Subtotal: $14.62 + tax = $17.92
Walgreens GC used: $11.50
OOP $6.42 and earned $24.50 RR!!!

When you spend $20 on Robitussin/Dimetapp products this week, you are supposed to earn $10 RR back, but for some reason it prints a $10 RR and two $5 RR so this is 100% free!! If you use coupons, it's a money maker!!! WOW!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to wish you all a wonderful CHRISTmas! I pray for each of you to have safe travels and enjoy this time of celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ. I will be away for a few days, but when I return I'm sure I'll have lots to blog about! We are hoping to finally enter the 21st century and get the internet at home, so I'll be able to blog other than during my lunch hour! Woo Hoo!

Love to you all,
Lisa

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Coupon Schedule for 2009

Jan 4, 2009: 2 Smart Source inserts, 2 Red Plum and a Procter and Gamble insert
Jan 11, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jan 18, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jan 25, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Feb 1, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum, and a Procter and Gamble
Feb 8, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Feb 15, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Valentine's Day)
Feb 22, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Mar 1, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum, and a Procter and Gamble
Mar 8, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Mar 15, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Mar 22, 2009: a Smart Source
Mar 29, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Apr 5, 2009: 2 Smart Source inserts, a Red Plum insert, and Procter and Gamble insert
Apr 5, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Apr 12, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Easter)
Apr 19, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Apr 26, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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May 3, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
May 10, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
May 17, 2009: 2 Smart Source inserts and a Red Plum insert
May 24, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Memorial Day)

May 31, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Jun 7, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Jun 14, 2009: Smart Source insert
Jun 21, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jun 28, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Jul 5, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Independence Day)
Jul 12, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Jul 19, 2009: Smart Source insert
Jul 26, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Aug 2, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Aug 9, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Aug 16, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Aug 23, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Aug 30, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Sep 6, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Labor Day)
Sep 13, 2009: a Smart Source and 2 Red Plum
Sep 20, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Sep 27, 2009 : a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Oct 4, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Oct 11, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Oct 18, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Oct 25, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
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Nov 1, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Nov 8, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Nov 15, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Nov 22, 2009: Smart Source insert
Nov 29, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Thanksgiving)
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Dec 6, 2009: a Smart Source, a Red Plum & Procter and Gamble
Dec 13, 2009: a Smart Source and a Red Plum
Dec 20, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (Christmas)
Dec 27, 2009: No inserts are scheduled (New Year's)

Monday, December 22, 2008

My CVS Trips from the weekend!

Don't laugh. I made 3 CVS trips this weekend. They were all on our route to Christmas parties except one, which was my weekly, scheduled trip. Here's what I got:

Stop #1: (Saturday, CVS in Cullman, AL)
  • Gift tags: $1.99
  • Rolaids x 4: $2.49 +$2.89 +$2.89 + $2.99 = $11.26
Regular price: $13.25
Used Rolaids coupons $1 x 3 (I had four coupons, but apparently she only scanned 3. I didn't notice until I got home.

= $10.25
Paid using ECBs = $5 (I had more, but they wouldn't scan. The manager came over and said CVS just issued a new coupon policy and wouldn't allow me to use any more coupons. I was upset, but no worries. Apparently it was just this store!)
OOP = $5.25 + tax
Earned ECBs = $2 for each Rolaids = $8.00 (still not a bad deal!)
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Stop #2: (Saturday, CVS in Moody, AL)
  • Revlon Nail Polish x 2: $4.99 x 2 = $9.98
Regular price: $9.98
Revlon marked BOGO! I used 2 coupons for $2 each =

= $0.99
Paid using ECBs = $0, since I didn't have any for this small of an amount
OOP = $0.99 + tax
Earned ECBs = none for this trip; I just got this stuff because it was so cheap!
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Stop #3: (Saturday, CVS in Birmingham, AL)
Transaction #1
  • Listerine Cool Mint 16.9 oz. x 2: Reg. $4.29 x 2 = $8.58, sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, earned $2.99 ECB x 2 = $5.98
  • Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant x 2: Reg. $9.99 x 2 = $19.98, sale for $6.00 x 2 = $12.00, earned $6.00 ECB x 2 = $12.00
  • Sleepinal Capsules: Reg. $8.99, sale for $8.49, earned $8.49 ECB
  • Excedrin Express Gels: Reg. $5.49, sale for $3.99, earned $3.99 ECB
  • Benefiber Drink Mix: $7.29, earned $7.29 ECB
Regular price: $50.33
Less sales, Excedrin coupon for $1, and CVS $5/15 coupon = $31.75
Paid using ECBs = $ 24.99
OOP = $6.76 + tax
Earned ECBs = $37.75
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Stop #3: (Saturday, CVS in Birmingham, AL)
Transaction #2
  • Listerine Cool Mint 16.9 oz. x 2: Reg. $4.29 x 2 = $8.58, sale for $2.99 x 2 = $5.98, earned $2.99 ECB x 2 = $5.98
  • Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant x 1: Reg. $9.99, sale for $6.00, earned $6.00 ECB
  • EAS Advantage Chocolate Shakes 4-pack: Reg. $7.99, sale for $7.49, earned $7.49 ECB
  • Halls Naturals Cough Drops: Reg. $2.79, sale for $2.59, earned $2.59 ECB
  • Alteril: Reg. $9.99, earned $9.99
Regular price: $39.34
Less sales and CVS $5/15 coupon = $27.05
Paid using ECBs = $26.47
OOP = $0.58+ tax
Earned ECBs = $32.05
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Stop #3: (Saturday, CVS in Birmingham, AL)
Transaction #3
  • Listerine Cool Mint 16.9 oz. x 1: Reg. $4.29, sale for $2.99, earned $2.99 ECB
  • EAS Chocolate Chip Bar: Reg. $1.99, sale for $1.69, earned $1.69 ECB
  • Zantac 150: Reg. $5.19, sale for $4.99, earned $4.99 ECB
  • Right Guard Professional Strength Deodorant x 2: Reg. $9.99 x 2 = $19.98, sale for $6.00 x 2 = $12.00, earned $6.00 ECB x 2 = $12.00
  • SlimQuick Energy Drinks 2-pack: $4.99, earned $4.99 ECB
  • Zip Fizz Drink Mix 3-pack: $5.99, earned $5.99 ECB
  • Sally Hansen Nail Polish x 2: $5.99 x 2 = $11.98
  • L'oreal Eyeshadow Duo x 2: $6.99 x 2 = $13.98
  • Edge shaving gel: $2.69
Regular price: $71.37
Less sales= $61.30
Paid using ECBs = $43.33
OOP = $17.97 + tax
Earned ECBs = $58.61
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My last transaction was actually supposed to be split into two transactions, but I miscalculated it since they didn't have the Arm and Hammer cleaner. I'm not disappointed though because I got some great stuff!

My weekend totals:
Regular price: $181.27
OOP: $31.55, and I now have $58.61 in ECBs!!!