January, 2010 Goal Update

I am still making progress which is the goal here. December was a little tough, and we had a little set back with the holidays. But, Bringing back up the debt payoff to 6.6% now. The one thing I did though at the end of last year was start a Christmas, 2010 Christmas savings fund, which I'm progressing nicely toward. I'm *hoping* by June for it to be fully funded!

I would love to pay off one debt every month. However, I'm not sure if that is realistic. One education debt is almost paid off, only need to pay $51 more dollers so that will paid probably next week and that is one down.

End of January,2010 standings:

Debt Payoff: 6.6%
Emergency Savings Fund: 34.8%
Christmas 2010 Fund: 33%

Financial Aspirations for February,2010:

Pay off debt "N"
To get Debt Payoff to 8% paid off by the end of February,2010
To build emergency fund to 45% funded
To build Christmas 2010 fund to 44% funded

Slowly but steadily, I'm getting it done!

Walgreens Info

All About Walgreens






You can find some Free and almost free items at Walgreens. But, maybe you don’t know how to “play the game”. I am here to help and show you how to do it!



REGISTER REWARDS (I usually refer to them as RR)

Register Rewards are coupons from the Catalina machine that print after you make a qualifying purchase in the same transaction. Most RRs are good on your next purchase. This how you will get items for free or almost free.



For example: This week Pert Plus for Men is on sale 2/$5, if you buy 2 you will get a Register Reward for $2, that is good on your next purchase. However, I have 2 coupons for $1.50 off each purchase for Pert Plus for Men. So, initially I will be paying $2 for 2, which by itself is a good deal. However, if you have Register Rewards from a previous transaction, like I do for the Pepsi deal, I am paying 0 out of pocket! So, that is free shampoo for my dear husband!



How you play the game



You will want to read the flyer every week. The goal is to combine the items that are on sale, with your coupons, and the Register Rewards. That is how you get the good deals. Also, when you find really good deals, go back and repeat the transaction and stock up. When you can score items for free or for pennies on the dollar, it is worth the extra trip. Plus if you don’t need the items yourself, think about donating them. Many Domestic Violene Centers would greatly appreciate toiletries, canned foods, and other items.



 Register at Walgreens
Weekly Ad

My Passion

You know what keeps me going and  inspires me every day?

You know what causes I support?

House of Ruth

Domestic Violence Center

Living Water International

Its never too late

In life, every day gives you a second chance. It is never late to start over or to transform your life. I know that from personal experience. That can be taken in many different ways. I know that in my life, I was given a second chance 18 months ago. With that being said, I learned that I would live a life I could be proud of and to help others and share my experiences so that others may learn from my mistakes. We cannot go back and erase the past or change things from the past. All we can do is live in the present and focus on the future.

Sometimes, life is a struggle. That is normal. People struggle every day. Some people struggle financially to pay the bills. Some people struggle emotionally, and it is a battle just to get through the day. Some people just struggle. That is life.

I think it is so important to live a life you can be proud of. Make wise decisons that will impact your life positively and impact those around you in a positive manner. Help others. Reach out to someone. You never know what a very small gesture, could mean everything to another person and could be the stepping stone to a life transformation.

I challenge you to evaulate your life. Set your priorties. Realize what is truely important. Let things that don't matter go. Forgive others. Work harder at improving your life in whatever area needs improvement. Don't give up.

I really hope in my life that I can help others.

Just remember, it is never to late.

Shopping At Old Navy

Old Navy is having a wonderful sale right now and with my employee discount (I work there part time) it makes the deals even sweeter!

1st Transaction:

1 infant cordoroy hat and 6 pairs of socks

Guess What I paid????

$1.84--including Tax!!!  The socks were only $.22 a pc! Awesome Awesome!

This is one of the outfits I got... This outfit cost a total $17.24 The pants were $12.75 (normally $29.50) which is about 60% retail. The shirt was only $4.49 (normally $26.50!!!)--so really about a 82% off retail!

Other goodies I got...

• Blue floral blouse for $6.29 (normal price $26.50)
• Diva Trouser Style Jeans $8.54 (normally $34.50)
• The Flirt Jeans $10.12 (normally $34.50)
• Smocked blue blouse $2.68 (normally $24.50)
• Pair of pajama bottoms (not that I needed them, but I am a little addicted to comfy pjs!) $2.47 (normally $15.00)

If I would of paid full price (which I never do!!!!) it would $211.50+ tax!!!!

But, I only paid $38.51

That is a total savings of 82%!!!!! Wowser!!!!!!!

My Walgreens Shopping Trip 1/26/10

Here's the deal...

I bought 6~12 pks of pepsi for $20. I paid $20+tax

Received $10 Register Reward. After RR, its only $1.66 each 12 pk! What a deal!

Free Subscrption to Forbes Magazine

No credit card required!

http://www.rewardsgold.com/mags/forbes_celeb_em/sg_forbes_pg1.htm

CVS Challenge by Mrs Frugalista

Thanks for the inspiration Kingdom First Mom

Here is my deal for CVS this week, at least so far! :)

1 Crest Toothpaste $1.99 and receive 1 ECB back

2 Dove Ultimate deoderant at 2/$7
Use 2 $2 off coupons for Dove Deoderant and receive 2 ECBS back

Totals:

$1.99+$3.00=4.99 OOP
-.50 ECB Reward from the fall
Grand Total OOP $4.49
and I'll receive 3 ECBS for next shopping trip!


Happy Shopping All!!

Printable Coupons

Happy Friday, all!

Here is a list of some printable coupons, as well as newsletters you can sign up for to get more coupons!


Country Crock-$.50 off 1 coupon; You can print two.
http://www.countrycrock.com/Promotions/




Dove Men+Care products; $1/1
https://secure.dove.us/mencare/Registration.aspx?utm_source=demcoupon&utm_medium=demcoupon&utm_campaign=2010_q1_dove_mencare




Spin for your skin
http://content.dove.us/dimensions/matchmaker.aspx




Various Dove coupons
http://content.dove.us/dimensions/coupons.aspx

Dove Diminsions—Register to access the following:

• Exclusive coupons

• Free gifts and special promotions

• The latest beauty news and features

• Tips, quizzes and much more!

https://secure.dove.us/dimensions/register2.aspx?DD_SessionUID=501b09e8-51e6-4481-bdae-faf161387a85


Lever2000 coupons
http://www.lever2000.com/Coupons.aspx




Degree Women

https://ssl.unilever.com/degreewomen.com/Women/Ultraclear-Coupon-SignUp.aspx


Sign up for Klondikes newsletter… should get coupons in there!
https://ssl.unilever.com/klondikebar.com/Freezer/Newsletter.aspx




Sign up for Popsicles newsletter and for special offers
https://ssl.unilever.com/popsicle.com/Sign-Up.aspx




Hellmans Mayo Print $.75/1 coupon
http://www.hellmanns.com/promotions.aspx


Caress—sign up for their mailing list
http://www.caressskin.com/ce/default.htm

Step 2: Stop Adding to new debt

So, it is a new year and you want to change your ways and transform your financial life. As I've stated before, you must follow some steps.

I will go over step 2: Stop Adding to debt.

So, what does that mean exactly?

You will want to stop using your credit cards. Pay cash instead. I know that may be hard to do, as it is so much easier just to "pay later". I honestly believe that if you don't have money to pay for it in cash (or debit card) than you shouldn't buy it at all!

Don't apply for new credit cards, lines of credit, New cars,etc...   You don't need those things. Start paying off your existing debt and start increasing your savings.

If you think your car is going to "die" so to speak, in the near future... Then, start NOW saving for a car. You will feel so much better being able to buy one in cash without financing it. Your wallet will thank you,too! Really think hard and long if you really need that 2010 brand new shiny car!!