OfficeMax Run 7/29/11

Sister C is going to start "abusing" the rewards program at OfficeMax now that we have a little extra cash to get started there :D

Today I bought...

2 Reams of Multipurpose Paper - $6.99 each

2 packs of pencil erasers - 1c each!

Total $14 + tax

Will receive $13.96 in Max Rewards

AND CRAP!  I had a 20% off coupon on my phone and I completely forgot to use it.  Dang it!!  I could have made money on the deal.  Another reason I need to read my list!  I just went by memory. 

PLUS, if you are a teacher, head to Office Max 7-31 or 8-1 to receive 20% off your purchase plus receive some freebies for the first 150 to show! 

CVS Run 7/29/11

Sister C made a run to CVS finally this week.  I had $9 in EBCs from last week I wanted to put towards the gas rewards deal they had this week. Here's what I got...

1 Papermate pack of pens - $1.99
4 Scott 12pk Toilet Paper - $7.49 each

• Used $9 in EBCs
• Used 4 - $1 off Scott Toilet Paper peelies (at Cub)
• Used $5/$25 CVS email coupon

Subtotal $13.95 + tax
Saved $32.20 today
Received...

• $1 EBC for Green Bag Tag
• $1.99 EBC for Papermate Pens
• PLUS, I didn't want one of the gas gift cards they were offering, so the cashier just put $10 back on my CVS gift card that I reuse!!!
• I also learned that for the gas deal, for example, to work, you just need your total to be within 5c, so I didn't need to purchase an unnecessary cheap item just to get the gas reward!
• Plus, I normally don't clear a shelf, but I only bought 4 bags of toilet paper and could NOT pass up basically paying $3.95 for everything!  So sorry!  I'm sure they have more in the back, so if you head up to the Madison Ave CVS, just ask if they have more in the back.  If not, sorry, but the deal ends tomorrow anyways :D

Financially Fit Friday

Have you started a money makeover?  What are you planning on paying CASH for?  What bill are you paying off?  Share a bit of your story!  No story is too small to share!  Real life stories keep Sister C motivated :D

Emergency Fund - Stocked

Indiana Fund (Goal is $500)

• We won't be stocking this fund again for a few months.  Grandpa will be visiting us instead.  Current balance is 0.

Colorado Fund (Goal is $250) - I leave August 15th!

• Deposited $21 Fun Money
• Total - $152.77

Best Buy Credit Card Beginning Balance 7/18/11 - $895

• Deposited $170 in leftover tips.
• Deposited $4 from a return
• Current Balance - $430.55

Credit Card Beginning Balance 4/29/11 - $6031.08

• Current Balance - Waiting for balance transfer to post ($4300)
• I realized that I never set a date for this loan to be paid off.  If any of you do goal setting, you know this is Rule #2!  So, this loan will be paid off before Halloween - October 31, 2011!

What's for Dinner? Southwest Black Bean Salad

This is a good recipe that my friend Ashley gave me for Day 3 of my raw food cleanse.  On day 3, I only had to eat raw food until dinner.  I altered the original recipe she gave me because I was significantly under my calorie budget tonight.  I'm putting the items I added in red so you can see how I made it, in addition to the original, lower calorie version.

Southwest Black Bean Salad

1 Cup Spinach, fresh
1/2 Cup Black Beans, canned
1/2 Cup Whole Kernel Corn, canned
2 Small Mushrooms, sliced
1/4 Cup Tomato Salsa  (I realized mid-prep that I didn't have salsa and substituted a light House Italian dressing, but only used about 2 Tbsp.)
1/4 Avocado, sliced
8 Grape Tomatoes, halved
4 Small Corn Tortillas

1)  Combine greens with corn and mushrooms.
2)  Toss with the tomato salsa.
3)  Add black beans to the top of the salad and serve.
3)  In my version, I added the beans to the greens.
4)  In my version, I scooped the salad onto 2 warmed corn tortillas and topped with avocado and tomato.

The original recipe was only 271 calories for the entire salad.  My altered version was significantly higher, at 671 calories. 

If you have a favorite recipe, we'd love to have you share it on the Facebook page.  Just look under the Discussions Tab.  Thanks!!

Transformation Tuesday - Late Edition

Greetings Friends!

I know it's Wednesday, but I really wanted to share with you how I'm doing on my "transformation."  I still haven't won a weekly prize in the Biggest Loser contest, but I am consistently losing about 2 pounds each week.  As of this morning, I was down 12 pounds. 

Last time, I told you about the raw food cleanse I was about to start.  Well, I'm on day 3 and so far it's going okay.  I can't honestly say I'm enjoying it, but I'm not miserable and Scott is also doing it.  I didn't think he'd make it past the first day without milk and Raisn Bran, but he's doing great!  Tonight for supper, we were able to have our first non-raw food for the week.  I chose to make Southwest Black Bean Salad and eat it on corn tortillas.  It was really good.  I'll post the recipe later.

Here's how I did on last week's goals:

1.  Losing another 2-3 pounds - I lost 2 pounds
2.  Eating 200-300 calories for breakfast - I'm doing okay on this one.  It takes a little more effort than I thought it would though.
3.  Preparing for the 5 day cleanse by getting appropriate groceries - Scott and I went shopping on Sunday night.  I spent more that I usually do on groceries, but I really overbought.  I'll definitely have leftover veggies next week.
4.  Increasing water to a minumum of 4 bottles (12 cups / 96 oz) of water per day - I've learned to pace it out to make sure I can get this in.  It's been easier this week since Dr. Pepper isn't allowed on the cleanse diet.  :o)

Well, that's it for this week.  I'll be back next week with another update.  

Bread Run 7/27/11

Sister C made a run down to the Sara Lee Bread Outlet down on 169.  Remember, every Wednesday you get 10% off!  Here's what I snatched up...

3 loaves Soft & Smooth $1.25 each

2  bags Blueberry Mini Bagels 99c each

1 loaf Wheat 45 Calories & Delightful

2 bags Soft & Smooth Hamburger Buns 50c each!!

1 loaf 100% Multi-Grain 45 Calories & Delightful FREE WYB $7 worth of items

• You're total needs to be $7 after the discount.  She said I was close enough :D

Total after discount - $6.95

They have all kinds of breads - 100% Whole Grains, 100% Whole Wheat, reagular Whole Wheat, regular plain ol' white bread, hot dog buns, etc.  I saw mustard for 50c for a 9oz bottle.  They also have sweets - donuts, rolls, etc. 

Financially Fit Friday

Have you started a money makeover?  What are you planning on paying CASH for?  What bill are you paying off?  Share a bit of your story!  No story is too small to share!  Real life stories keep Sister C motivated :D

Emergency Fund - Stocked

Indiana Fund (Goal is $500)

• We won't be stocking this fund again for a few months.  Grandpa will be visiting us instead.  Current balance is 0.

Colorado Fund (Goal is $250) - I leave August 15th!

• Deposited $20 Fun Money
• Total - $131.77

Best Buy Credit Card Beginning Balance 7/18/11 - $895

• This card has been a 0% APR, but that promotional period will end in January, 2012 and the other portion sometime next summer.  So, we're going to start making large payments on this one to get rid of it before we get all that back interest attached. 
• Deposited $195 in leftover Escrow Funds (Received an overage check from the bank!  It's been 2 years since we've gotten one of these! Too bad I have to use most of the rest to pay for two months of health insurance.)
• Deposited $13.53 in spare change
• Current Balance - $600.55

Credit Card Beginning Balance 4/29/11 - $6031.08

• Current Balance - $4,373.46
• This amount is almost $70 higher than last week.  I'm not paying anything on it until next pay check so make sure I know the ending balance once the transfer takes place.  Plus, I used the wrong account to pay a different bill, so I need to get to the other bank and get the money to pay this card.  Oops. 
• I also did a balance transfer to a new credit card.  I can NOT pay another nearly $100/mo in interest.  It was a 0% Fee 0% APR for a year.  I will be cancelling the other card after it goes through and cutting up this card once I receive it.
• I realized that I never set a date for this loan to be paid off.  If any of you do goal setting, you know this is Rule #2!  So, this loan will be paid off before Halloween - October 31, 2011! 

     *If you follow Dave Ramsey, he says no matter what to pay down your next lowest balance.  This is not our next lowest balance, but it's our highest interest rate one.  Now that we've paid off so many loans in the last 2 years, we believe this is a better route to go, where as our other loans have such a small interest rate on them, this is by far the worst "loan" we have.  So,  Ready...Set...GO!

Hy-Vee Run 7/21/11

Sister C ran up to Hy-Vee today.  I received a NOWWOW code, so I waited to go shopping until today to use it.  I had to meet a $25 minimum purchase, but didn't need that much in groceries so what I did was use up my FREE item coupons and also a few items from their clearance area.



3 Cheesy Jalapeno Puffcorns $2.22 each = $6.66
4 Kraft Mac & Cheese 68c each = $2.72
Cantadina Pizza Sauce $1.24
8 pk Gatorade $5.99
Jif TOGO Peanut Butter $1.99
Eggs $1.65
Keebler Granola Bars $2.89
Pepperoni $2.99
Kraft Cheese w/ Philly $2.29

Used the following coupons

• Sack Refund - 20c
• $1 off Kraft Cheese w/ Philly from Kraft First Taste NLA
• 75c off Keebler Granola Bars from Snackpicks
• FREE Jif TOGO from Target NLA
• FREE 8pk Gatorade from Hy-Vee NOWWOW

Total $31.42
Total Coupons and Discounts $9.93
Spent $21.49
Will send in Keebler Rebate to receive $2.89 back - This is on a tear pad on Cub ;o)

CVS Run 7/20/11

Sister C also ran to CVS last night.  I think I have better luck shopping during the daytime than at night lately lol  The Clear Care is the only contact solution Hubby R can use, so I like to snag them up whenever they are on sale! 

2 Dr. Pepper & Sierra Mist $3/$10 = $10

Edy's Ice Cream (Mmmm) $3/$10 = $10

Clear Care = $14.79

Wart Remover = $10.79

2 CVS Toilet Paper (Not Pictured Obviously) $3.49 each = $7.58

Used the following Coupons

• $10/$50 Purchase from the MCP
• $10 EBC from last week
• $1/2 Edys SS 06/12/11 exp 9/12/11
• $2/2 Dr Pepper 12 packs Peelie

Total $29.57 + tax

Saved  $38.13 - I printed a coupon for Compound W that said it would be off any product, but it specified 2 products on the coupon itself.  I wasn't happy.  Oh well. 

Received $9 in EBCs

Cub Run 7/20/11

Sister C ran to Cub last night.  I spent a few more dollars than I had planned, but I need to run back there and check a few prices (Ronzoni & Chips Ahoy!). 

2 Creamette Quick Cook $1 each = $2

4 Ronzoni Garden Pasta $1.50 each = $6 (I thought sign said 3/$3)

2 PopSecret $3 each = $6

2 Jambalaya Rice - $1.67 +$1.66 = $3.33

Dean's Guacamole Dip = $1.79

3 Chips Ahoy! Cookies $2 each = $6

1 Chips Ahoy! Cookies = $2.99

Bar-S Corn Dogs = $5.99

6 Danimals $2 each = $12

2 Cub Milk $3.59 each = $7.18

Suave Professionals = $3.29

Log Cabin Syrup = $4.93

Used the following coupons

• $3 off in Catalina's left by other customers :D
• 2 - $1 off Chips Ahoy! Gooey printable (NLA)
• $1/2 Chips Ahoy! Peelie on package
• $1 off Danimals SS 06/05/11 exp 7/31/11
• 5 - 50c off Any Dannon product from 5-A-Day response
• 50c/2 Zataran's Product from 5-A-Day response
• 3 - $1 off Ronzoni Garden Delight printables (NLA)
• $1 off Ronzoni Garden Delight SS 05/15/11 exp 9/10/11
• 2 - 55c off Creamette Quick Cook (expired)
• 2 FREE milk Catalina printouts from Hy-Vee that expired in March and April - glad I held on to these!
• $1 off Log Cabin Hang Tag
• $1/2 PopSecret RP 06/19/11 exp 7/31/11
• FREE Suave Professionals (NLA) up to $3

Total $34.46 + tax

Saved $27.28 in coupons

Received $4 in Catalinas.  This should have been more, so I'll ask about it when I question the pricing on a few items when I go back today. 

I really wish Cub's receipts would list how much it was for retail and then your sale price, it's fun seeing how much you save! 

Also, I snagged some amazing coupons while I walked the isles!  Maybe I'll do a coupon giveaway shortly :D

Pay it Forward Giveaway

Hi Friends! 

I'm sorry for not posting this last night.  Scott was working on my laptop so I can print from upstairs again and I was so tired, I fell asleep.  All this dieting must be wearing me out!  :o) 

So, here's the give away.  I like it because it's not only for you, but if you win, so do your friends.  Remember the cool 10 salad tee I wanted so badly?  Well, I got it, and I'm using it, and then I'm giving it to one of you so you can have free lunch, on me.   Then you get to bless a friend with a free lunch too.  Here's how it works:

Contest opens NOW and goes through the end of the day tomorrow, Friday, July 22, 2011.  By end of the day, I mean 8 pm.  Here is how you can enter and get multiple chances to win:

• 1 entry for telling us why we should pick you, posted under this blog entry
• 1 entry for telling us why we should pick you, posted under the Facebook post that lead you here. 
• 1 entry for each friend you refer to the blog who mentions your name in their entry.
• 1 entry for each friend you refer to the Facebook page who mentions your name in their entry.
• 1 additional entry if you  or your referral “likes” our Facebook page for the first time.
• 1 additional entry for anyone who becomes a "follower" of the blog.

That's a lot of chances to win if you share the contest and help spread the word about our blog (http://www.supersavingsisters.blogspot.com/) and Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Super-Saving-Sisters/162338777146520).  A few pieces of additional information - 

If you do not live in Mankato, I will mail the shirt to you, but probably not until Monday, July 25th.

All entry comments must be attached to the contest post.  Just posting on the Facebook page will not count.

The shirt is an adult XL.  I don't think you actually have to wear it.

You can view where the shirt goes if each participant logs it on line.  I'll explain how to the winner.

I think that about covers it.  If you have questions, let me know.  I'll be back this afernoon to answer them.  In the meantime - get your entries in so you can have free lunch!!!

FREE Mug from Shutterfly Ends Today!

Enter the code YFVX-07HN-TRCC-H9RZUZ to receive a FREE mug (either 11 or 15oz) from Shutterfly!  Just pay $5.99 for shipping, which is still a good deal for a photo mug!  Don't tell Grandpa Z, he'll be getting one of these in the mail.  He misses the kids and being 500 miles away and not sure when we'll see him again, I hope this brightens his day.  He loves coffee!  I snagged one of those Dunkin' Donuts gift cards for him that was on Saveology the other day (NLA). 

Mailbox Suprise - Love it!!!

Did any of you hear about the Noodles giveaway a few weeks ago?  They were giving away free t-shirts to the first 50 customers?  I went and tried to get one.  I got there 5 minutes before the store opened and they were all handed out already.  I was really bummed, but got a coupon for a free salad anyway.

I went online and saw that you could request a shirt, but that you were not guaranteed to get one.  So I signed up.  I never heard anything from them, so I assumed I didn't get chosen.  Then today, I got a mystery package from New Berlin, WI in the mail.  Guess what????

It was a Noodles "I'm a Salad" t-shirt!!!!  I am so excited!!!  I can't wait to go get one of their summer salads.  Yeah.  It's kind of a huge shirt.  Payton volunteered to hold it up so you could see what it looks like.  She could probably use it as a blanket!  Oh well. I guess it doesn't matter what size it is if it gets me a free salad.  I am so excited!!  (Have I mentioned that yet?)

I love getting mailbox suprises!!  What's the best suprise you have ever gotten in your mailbox??

Transformation Tuesday - Week 3 - I think??

Hi Friends!!

Sister K here.  It looks like I missed a whole week.  You would think I had to work 45 hours last week, run kids to Sports Life Camp 5 days in a row, and attend / help coach 6 of 10 softball / baseball games or something, all while trying to keep up with housework and meals.  Hmmmm............

Anyway, I'm back with an update.  :o)  The transformation is going well.  I've consistently been losing a couple pounds each week and I'm down 9.8 total.  Only about 89.2 to go!!!  My personal "Jillian," Ashley, drafted a raw food cleanse I am going to try next week.  She and I agreed I should start on a Monday in order to be the most successful.  Scott says he is willing to do it with me.  I'm not sure he'll be able to give up milk and cereal for 5 days in a row, but we will see. 

Last time I wrote, I had some goals.  Here's how I did:
1.  Lose 3 more pounds - I think it was 2, but I've been consistent for the last 2 weeks
2.  Eat a healthy breakfast every day - I'm doing okay with this.  I'm not naturally a big breakfast eater, but Ashley says I need to get a couple hundred calories in here to get my body moving and keep the metabolism from slowing down.  I am at least eating something each day, which is an improvement.
3.  Drink at least 3 bottles (24 oz each) of water each day - This one has been easier than I thought.  I had to time it out at first to make sure I'd get them all in, but now I can easily get 3-4 bottles in each day. 

For next week, I'm going to work on:
1.  Losing another 2-3 pounds
2.  Eating 200-300 calories for breakfast
3.  Preparing for the 5 day cleanse by getting appropriate groceries
4.  Increasing water to a minumum of 4 bottle of water per day

Well, that's it for me.  Are any of you working toward a weight loss goal?  I'd love to hear about your successes or struggles.  Your success motivates me and your struggles let me know I'm not alone.  Together we can work toward a healthier us!!!

What's In Your Grocery Cart This Week?

Sister K ran to Cub and Hy-Vee after work today to pick up a few good deals. 

Since I started couponing in January, I have completely changed how I buy groceries.  Instead of buying what I need THIS week, I buy what I know we will use in the FUTURE when it's on sale.  I make a list and stick to it, figuring out exactly how much I will be spending before I ever leave home.  No more check out lane anxiety for me as I wait to see my total.  This week, I mis-calculated my total at Cub, but it worked out okay because I got some bonus catalina coupons I wasn't expecting and I used them to lower my Hy-Vee total.  I didn't take photos, but thought I would share my shopping list for the week.  I'd love to hear what was in your cart this week and any great or unexpected deals you came across.

Cub List:
(2) Go-Gurt on sale with Cub Coupon Book for $1.88, used $0.75/1 MQ = $3.01
(2) Fresh Express Salad with Cub B1G1 coupon = $2.99 for 2
(2) Grape Tomatoes with Cub B1G1 coupon = $2.99 for 2 packages
(1) Frigo Natural String Cheese on sale for $3.49 (no coupon, but makes a healthy and filling low calorie snack)
(4) Honey Nut Cheerios on sale 4/$10, used 2 $0.55/1 & 2 $0.50/1 coupons = $7.90**  this deal was better than it appears because I got 1 gallon of free milk and a $2 catalina when I checked out and it will make my kids very happy as they have been asking for this specific ceraeal for 3 weeks.
(4) Nature Valley Granola Thins on sale 4/$10, used 3 $0.75/1 & 1 $0.50/1 coupons = $7.25**  this deal also generated free milk and a $2.00 catalina - yeah!  Plus, these are really yummy treats I can substitute for candy or junk when I need a snack at work and they are only 80-90 calories each.
(2) Cub 1 gallon milk, FREE with catalina above - rang them up in a second transaction to use coupons.
(2) 20 oz Chicken Breast on sale B1G1 with Cub coupon, used 2 $1/1 printable coupons = $4.99 for 2 packages.
(1) Cub Whole Grain Bread = $2.09.  I really need to get to the bread store to save $$ on bread.  I just can't seem to get there.....

My total was $34.72 and I saved $23.91.  I also got a total of $9.00 (not sure what they were all for) in catalinas which I took to Hy-Vee........

Hy-Vee List:
(1) 1 dozen eggs = $1.51
(1) Portobello Mushroooms 8 oz sliced = $1.88
(2) Hy-Vee frozen Ravioli = $2.99 each
(1) Hy-Vee Raw Almonds = $3.49 for 8 oz.
(1) Hy-Vee Ketchup = $0.69
(1) Post Waffle Crisp Cereal = $1.68 - complete impulse buy because I miss the kids while they are on vacation with grandparents.
(4) Hy-Vee yogurt = $1.20
(4) Green apples = $1.73

I used all the Cub catalinas at check out, which brought my total down to just $7.36.  I saved $11.00.

Combined with what's in my kitchen cupboards, these few groceries will provide us with 5 dinners, 10 lunches each for Scott and I at work, and 5 days of lunch and snacks for the kids.  6 months ago, I never would have believed it was possible to feed my family for as little as $42 a week.   Now, I wonder how I could ever have spent $100 a week and still run out of food by Thursday.....

What's in your Grocery Cart this Week?  How have coupons changed the way you shop?

Money Makeover Monday

Hi Friends! 

So, it's a little difficult to write a blog post on a money makeover when you aren't doing your homework.  On one hand, it shows I'm human and struggle with $$ just like everyone else.  On the other hand, I'm really not setting a good example for anyone right now.

We haven't made any improvements in our money makeover yet.  I'm not sure what the problem is.  I know we both want to keep moving forward, but we seem to be stuck at the end of the diving board with not enough guts to jump.  I'm going to try a new approach for the next week.  I found a spreadsheet I can print out.  Then we each can record bills or purchases as they happen and at the end of the week, I can enter them and we can review them.  I think part of the problem is finding a large enough block of time alone to really discuss finances. 

So, for now, here’s how our Money Makeover is looking:
Baby Emergency Fund:  Stocked plus a little extra
Vehicle Loan :  Need to get a more exact number on this
2011-2012 Tuition:  Starting to save now for the 1st half which is due in September.
Budget Tracking: F - or maybe I should give us an "incomplete" for not getting anything at all done?

That’s it for this week folks.  I'll be back next week to let you know how we're doing. 

Barnes and Noble Book Club

Sister C and Son D stopped at Barnes and Noble to hand in his Summer Reading Program papers.  All he had to do was read 8 books to get this FREE book!  There wasn't a book that he liked, so he decided to get his sister a book.  What a sweet boy!  He's saving it for her for Christmas.  Atta boy, gotta train them young to save freebies for Christmas and birthdays! 

Hubby R and I decided that we'd spend a little money a month and get the kids new books from Barnes and Noble if they read.  I'm thinking instead of spending that much, I'd take them to the thrift store next time and they can get a few books.

I also signed the kids up for the kids club - so I will receive a 30% off coupon just for signing up, plus future coupons.  Each kid will also receive a treat for their birthdays!

The Summer Reading Program is still going - so get your kids reading!  Even if you don't tell them they get a FREE book, take the paperwork in and get them a FREE book for Christmas :o)  It is July you know.  So start thinking Christmas!

Target Run 7/17/11

Sister C went to Target also today.  We ran out of light bulbs.  We've splurged on those light bulbs that look like spirals and cost more to save us money - but guess what?  Over half of them burnt out within a month and another 1/4 exploded when we turned on the light.  So, I went with el cheapo brand and I bet they last 20 years.  Or 5.

Light bulbs $1.24
4 BIC Pens 50c each
Total $3.24

• used 2 - $1/2 BIC Stationary

Total $1.24 plus tax
I used my $5 Gift Card for referring some friends to a deal site, so technically I didn't spend a penny of my own.  Thanks, Friends!

*Reminder*  Make sure to print off your coupons from Swagbucks to earn 10 Swagbucks for each one you redeem!  Or from your MyPoints account to earn 10 points!  (If you want to help Sister C in her MyPoints, send me your email so I can send you a referral link!)

CVS Run 7/17/11

Sister C made a run to CVS tonight.  I was emailed a $5/$25 and you can now have that coupon added to your CVS card instead of printing it off at home.  It will print off at the Magic Coupon Scanner.  Speaking of the MCS, did you know you can scan your card a few times - just keep scanning it until it says there are no more coupons.  I received a $5/$25 AND got a $10/$50 when we scanned my card a second time :o) 

Anyways, I had a whopping $1 EBC, so I decided that it's time to start getting more EBCs.  I'm sure I'll be hitting up CVS again this week...

So, we needed milk since I've been gone for a week and a half, that was pretty much the only "we must have" item this week, besides Cheerios, which I'll get later. 

Milk $2.59
Salsa on clearance for $2 (we have several bags of chips leftover from vacation)
2 Benefiber $9.99
Total $24.57
(I cleared buying to Benefibers to total $19.98 that I'd still receive the $10 EBC when you bought $20, plus she still let me use the $5/$25 even though I was 43c short - I love my CVS girls on Madison Ave!)

• used $7/2 Benefibers (NLA, however there is a $3 off coupon that will still get you a good deal)
• used $1 EBC
• used $5/$25 purchase from email

Total $11.57 + tax
Saved $19.57
Received $10 EBC!

Plus, at the Madison Ave location, in the back left corner of the store there is a shelf on an endcap full of clearance items.  Many are infant pain relief.  If you get a $5/$25 or $10/$50 and need a little extra to put towards that total, consider grabbing some of them and donating them if you don't need them.  It comes to about $2 a box.

Stay tuned for more posts as the week goes on!  I only live about a mile from CVS...

Money Makeover Monday (Late Edition)

Hi Friends! 

It’s been a rough week at the Richtsmeiers.  Our “Budget Committee Meeting” is two weeks overdue and I can feel us slipping a little bit.  We’ve been saving receipts, but not recording them in the spreadsheet we have set up.   It’s been a busy two weeks, and we tend to waste more when we don’t have time to plan well.  I’m hoping that we can buckle down and get back on track this week.

So, for now, here’s how our Money Makeover is looking:
Baby Emergency Fund:  Stocked plus a little extra
Vehicle Loan :  $4500.00 – I was a little off last week, a payment is planned for next week.
Budget Tracking:  D+, we definitely need improvement before next week

That’s it for this week folks.  I'll be back next week to let you know how we're doing. 

Financially Fit Friday

Ok, I "edited" my last version instead of making a new week's Financially Fit Friday.  "Good thing" I didn't add anything to it to make it any different than last week's since I'm on vacation.  Oops :o)

Have you started a money makeover?  What are you planning on paying CASH for?  What bill are you paying off?  Share a bit of your story!  No story is too small to share!  Real life stories keep Sister C motivated :D

Emergency Fund - Stocked

Indiana Fund (Goal is $500)

• We won't be stocking this fund again for a few months.  Grandpa will be visiting us instead.  Current balance is 0.

Colorado Fund (Goal is $250) - I leave August 15th!

• Deposited $0 Fun Money
• Total - $111.77

Credit Card Beginning Balance 4/29/11 - $6031.08

• Deposited $0 since we're on vacation.
• Current Balance - $4317.93 
• I realized that I never set a date for this loan to be paid off.  If any of you do goal setting, you know this is Rule #2!  So, this loan will be paid off before Halloween - October 31, 2011!  That is just over 3 months away!

     *If you follow Dave Ramsey, he says no matter what to pay down your next lowest balance.  This is not our next lowest balance, but it's our highest interest rate one.  Now that we've paid off so many loans in the last 2 years, we believe this is a better route to go, where as our other loans have such a small interest rate on them, this is by far the worst "loan" we have.  So,  Ready...Set...GO!

Workout Wednesday

It's Wednesday again.  Time to 'fess up on how I've been doing with my exercise.  I think I'm doing okay.  I still don't like exercise but I've been keeping my walking date at 3 whenever possible (I missed 2 days because of meetings) and even took an evening walk with Scott last week.   This morning I added a 10 minute morning walk to my day.  Small step, I know, but I was pretty proud of myself.  My exercise goals for the week are simple:
1.  Keep the afternoon walk
2. Add the morning wak
If I can do this, I'll be up and moving 20 minutes a day more than I was before.  I've got to go for tonight, but I'll be back next week to tell you how I did.  In the meantime, go check out the Facebook page and see how many great deals we have found this week.  See you soon!

Transformation Tuesday - One Week Down, 11 To Go....

Hi everyone!  Sister K here.  Week one of our Biggest Loser Challenge is now complete.  Results and winners will be notified soon.  I'd really like to win, but even if I don't I am happy to report that I dropped 4 pounds this week.  I wish it was more, but I got a little lazy on Monday with the holiday and didn't log my meals like I should have.  I've also been slacking on the daily walks the past 2 work days, so I'm going to work hard on that this week. 

Here are my goals for the coming week: 
1.  Lose 3 more pounds
2.  Eat a healthy breakfast every day
3.  Drink at least 3 bottles (24 oz each) of water each day

They sound easy, right?  I sure hope so!!  I'll be back tomorrow with another progress note and I'll let you know how my effort to exercise is going.........

Money Makeover Monday

Happy 4th of July! 

I hope you are all having a fantastic Independence Day with family and friends.  I am celebrating another week closer to being financial independent from debt.  This past week I got rid of a small, but stupid debt that I never should have had.  In my effort to  "save" money I opened a Target credit card to get the extra 5% discount.  I THOUGHT I would charge my purchase and then walk to the front desk to pay the balance.  No interest, no statements, no problem....... until the day there was a line at the service desk.  Fast forward a couple months to interest, a late fee and I've saved nothing.  Paid the dumb thing off today and plan to cancel it on Tuesday.  Lesson learned.  Katie cannot have a credit card for any reason.  Some of us just need to learn not to bring temptation into the wallet. 

So, in case you are keeping track, that's one car loan and one credit card taken care of for Sister K.  Next on the hit list is the second car loan.  This one is on Hubby's vehicle.  I don't know the exact amount, but it's about $4,000.00.  If we let it go and made regular payments, we'd have a year and a half left on it.  I'd like to cut that in half and be rid of it no later than February.  We're snowballing it, according to the Dave Ramsey plan and making the regular payment plus what we've been spending on the van.

Also, like I mentioned last time, Friday was July 1 and we started tracking all our spending.  So far, not too much waste going on.  Yeah!  So, here's where we stand:


Baby Emergency Fund:  Stocked plus a little extra
Vehicle Loan :  $4000.00 give or take (I'll try to be more exact next time)
Budget Tracking:  So far, so good.

I'll be back next week to let you know how we're doing.  In the meantime - enjoy your holiday!!!

Preparing Meals While on Vacation

Sister C's family is renting a large cabin in Northern Wisconsin here shortly, and is wondering how to make meals for a family on vacation.  We will have full access to a kitchen, appliances and most utensils/cookware.  Each adult is taking turns to cook one night during the week for everyone - 7 adults, 2 teenagers and 3 little ones, plus a baby.  Since I'll be taking another week unpaid from work, and I'm leaving 2 days earlier due to a wake and funeral of a dear friend, I'm looking for ideas that are cheap.  I'd like to look around town for items needed to fulfill this task ahead of time, as I'll have more time to look for sales, instead of buying it full price. 

I was thinking chicken, but that's been snatched by my sis and bro.  Pulled pork is also on the menu.  Since I'm not positive on which cookware they have available to us, I was thinking either stovetop or grill.  What would you make?

Saturdays used to mean Scrapbooking

Sister K here.  I really like to scrapbook, and used to spend a lot of Saturdays at crops and workshops staying current on all my albums.  Somehow, over that last couple years I got behind and stopped working on my photos.  Today I decided to sit down and do some pages.  What I discovered was that my photos are a mess online and my scrapbook supplies are a disaster.  I have way more junk than I need and I can't find what I want.  I almost packed it up and gave up.  But, instead, I ordered a few prints from Walmart and am planning to get some pages done tonight. 

Then, I noticed Sister C's post about Ebates.  I hadn't checked them out yet, so I signed up.  I was really excited to find that there is a promo on Ebates for 16.5% back from Snapfish.  I clicked through and discovered another suprise - Snapfish has a promo right offering 9 prints for $0.99.  As I write this I am uploading 447 vacation pics that I plan to print out for under $5.00.  You really can't beat that!  You should definitely check it out.  If you don't click through Ebates, you can still get the great deal HERE.  Just upload your prints and enter code JULYPENNY99 at checkout. 

Just out of curiousity, how many of you are scrapbookers?  For those that aren't, where do you keep your photos?

Ebates & QVC

Today, throught Ebates, you can earn 5% back on all your purchases on QVC!  This was my mother-in-laws favorite channel.  I even watch in honor of her every now and again :D  I, Sister C, do like their jewelry.  I have a stash of it upstairs lol 

If you aren't a member of Ebates, you should join now!  You'll get a bonus gift card just for signing up and making your first $25 purchase!  I received my check from them a few weeks ago from my online purchases.  It wasn't a lot, but it's not the holiday season yet when I'll be doing more online shopping starting in just a few short months!  Hubby R made an online purchase and got an ear full because he didn't go through Ebates first!  Oh I was ticked lol 

Stores on Ebates, just to name a few, are QVC, JCPenney, Kohl's, Walmart, Target, Barnes and Noble, The Children's Place, Teleflora, etc.  Go check them out.  The extra money you save up on Ebates can help you in your Financially Fit Friday story! 

Hormel Porkloin Sale

Sister C made a quick run to Hy-Vee and found Hormel Porkloins on sale for only $3.99.  Use the $1 coupon from some paper in the last 2 weeks - sorry, can't find which one it was in, but since I haven't had my coupon purse for 2 weeks, it's been recent :D  Total - $2.99.  This was the Downtown Hy-Vee, and there were lots of them.  I grabbed the Honey Mustard flavor - it's yummy :D

Financially Fit Friday

Have you started a money makeover?  What are you planning on paying CASH for?  What bill are you paying off?  Share a bit of your story!  No story is too small to share!  Real life stories keep Sister C motivated :D

Emergency Fund - Stocked

Indiana Fund (Goal is $500)

• We won't be stocking this fund again for a few months.  Grandpa will be visiting us instead.  Current balance is 0.

Colorado Fund (Goal is $250) - I leave August 15th!

• Deposited $15 Fun Money
• Total - $81.77
• Man, this is slooooowly adding up.  I hope I have enough fun money to spend! 

Credit Card Beginning Balance 4/29/11 - $6031.08

• Deposited $6.25 in spare change
• Deposited $105 in leftover income
• Deposited $652 in leftover Vehicle Fund money
• Interest accumulated - + $91.64 Ick.  I noticed this has only gone down by $2 since last month.  I think I'm going to call the bank and find out why.  That doesn't seem right.
• Current Balance - $4435.85
• It has now been two months since we started knocking down this debt.  We've paid off just shy of $1600!  Not bad for a family of six on two part-time incomes!  Although both of us may be full-time here very shortly!  :D 

     *If you follow Dave Ramsey, he says no matter what to pay down your next lowest balance.  This is not our next lowest balance, but it's our highest interest rate one.  Now that we've paid off so many loans in the last 2 years, we believe this is a better route to go, where as our other loans have such a small interest rate on them, this is by far the worst "loan" we have.  So,  Ready...Set...GO!