Saving and it feels so good!

We officially have snow in Matthews! Bogey didn't know what to think about it this morning. She didn't like getting her paws wet. I'll let her play in it later. I'm enjoying my coffee and hulu inside for now. :)

Like everyone else during these troublesome economic times, we're making a huge effort to save money where we can right now. We're adapting the concepts from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace Univ. I had a friend ask me for some financial advice the other day, I said to look into Dave Ramsey's philosophy! We're still just getting started in it, but it makes sense! We're getting out of debt, spending to a zero balance in hopes to be able to give back in the end!

Some ways we're cutting back:

Making lunch- Sam likes his Bagel Bin in Huntersville every now and then as a treat, but I usually have a lunch made for him to cut back on lunch expenses. Obviously, as a teacher, I make my lunch in my black and pink polka dot lunch box every day! & it's a healthier choice!

Coupons!- Thanks to my resourceful Mom, she got me into coupon clipping. We get the Fri, Sat, Sun paper (the only option for the Charlotte Observer) just for the coupons! It's $10 a month and we get it back in savings! I love Harris Teeter, especially the BOGO specials. & they always double coupons under $1.00. I love triple coupon day, (waiting for one any day now!) My general rule is if I don't have a coupon or if it's not on special, I won't buy it. Of course, there are exceptions, but it's good to keep in mind. I've been saving $20-40 each trip!! Wow!




Farmer's Market- I love the Hillbilly Produce Market off Independence. It's literally a mile from our house and I can't get enough of it! We get whatever fruit/ veggies are in season from the market. It's cheaper, locally grown, and better for you! Why not? I usually get a week's worth of produce for $20. Easy.

Closet shopping- This is a new strategy I'm trying for my shopoholic tendencies! I've realized I have a lot of respect for some of my friends who can use what they have and make it cute! I realized I have years of clothes already in my closet that I can layer, mix up in a different way and it's like you have new clothes all over again! My goal is get a few wardrobe essentials for the season and then use what I have to combine with it. It forces me to use what I have instead of wanting more!

Cash!- We take out an alloted amount of cash each for spending money 2 times a month. I've found that I am more conservative with cash than with my debit card. I want to save that cash. It is a visual reminder of how much spending money I have. It works, try it!