http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/ Coupons, coupon forum, printable grocery coupons, grocery store coupon matchups, printable coupons, coupon trading, coupon database, coupon trading, deals en Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:11:09 GMT vBulletin 720 http://static.hotcouponworld.com/forums/images_hcw/misc/rss.jpg http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/ http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/4151-spent-more-then-expected.html Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:26:15 GMT For some strange reason I went $18 over our budget and over what I expected to spend last week at the grocery store. An I almost cried. Maybe it is... For some strange reason I went $18 over our budget and over what I expected to spend last week at the grocery store.
An I almost cried. Maybe it is because I have been overly emotional lately. Or maybe it is because I am trying to be on such a tight budget.
Hostly though I think it is just because I was being to hard on myself.

I have been spending $25-$30 a week on food, pet and household items.
Last week I spent $48! :rolleyes24:
I did get a FULL cart full of items and saved 50% but of course I still did not see it that way.

I need to learn not to be so hard on myself over things like that.

Here is what I am putting in place starting this week to make sure I stay on budget and start using up items in our stockpile and freezer faster.

I joined the Living Off Your Stockpile Challenge for May with a goal of $200 for the month

I purged, sorted, and am re-organizing my coupon binder.

Making Mondays my coupon day. For cutting, sorting and getting my list ready for the week.

Make meal plans and sticking with them!!!!!


Any other suggestions, I would love to hear them. ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/4151-spent-more-then-expected.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/4142-new-beginnings-new-state-new-house-new-life.html Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:07:50 GMT I have sort of missed HCW the last few years. Even though I have popped my head in once or twice to read a thread or use the database. It is not the... I have sort of missed HCW the last few years. Even though I have popped my head in once or twice to read a thread or use the database. It is not the same as visiting every day, trading and contributing to the forums. I am so glad to be back.


So many things have changed in my life the last few years, but I know everything happens for a reason, and in the end it has only made me stronger and a better person.

My husband, Aaron and I now live in Michigan. (previously it had been PA) We both have new jobs, him as a service manager at a car dealership, and I am now in direct sales, selling for a company called Thirty-One Gifts.

We purchased our first home together, rather then renting. We were so happy to find a 100yr old home in a small rural community away from the city, an the commute is manageable too.

The biggest change is my coupon usage and stockpile has diminished to almost nothing. :(
Sadly our new house is lacking storage of any kind. I suppose families 100yrs ago did not have stockpiles large enough to sustain their families for years. lol

I have decided I need to get my life and house on a route and more organized. Which also includes getting my coupon binders cleaned out, revamped, organized and build my stock pile up again. As it felt great being able to go into our small stockpile a few weeks ago and donate 2 bags worth of items to our local library that they were in need of. (baby wipes, cleaning supplies, office supplies, etc.)

So here is to a fresh start!:smile:

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/4142-new-beginnings-new-state-new-house-new-life.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/1158-great-savings-night.html Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:36:52 GMT Made a quick trip out tonight two differant stores. Giant Eagle and Shoppers Choice Giant Eagle: Went tonight and made out well. Was trying to... Made a quick trip out tonight two differant stores. Giant Eagle and Shoppers Choice

Giant Eagle:
Went tonight and made out well.
Was trying to use up some coupons that expire 4/30
This is what we got:
4 7up 2Liters (Had 2 BOGO IP)
1 Mission Tortilla (Had 1 $1)
4 Musselman's apple sauce 6pk (Had 4 .75/1)
8 Relish (Had 8 $1 IP)
5 French's Brown Mustard (Had 4 FREE wyb & Found one on the shelf)
5 French's Yellow Mustard (Had 5 .50/1)
1 GE 1/2gl Milk
28 Suave Shampoo/Conditioners (Had 14 .50/2)

Before Coupons: $84.35
After Coupons: $28.80

Need to go back for a RC for more Relish since they were out of dill,
CS was closed and our cashier was not the friendlest with all our coupons.

Shoppers Choice:
20 Boxes of Hamburger Helper
10 Bags of Chex Party Mix

Before Coupons: $29.98
After Coupons: $9.98

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:
Can't wait for next week at Giant Eagle
FREE L'oreal Kids!!! :hectic1: ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/1158-great-savings-night.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/1137-rough-year-i-hope-gets-better.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:24:38 GMT This has not been the best year so far. An it is only April. Started out looking good. Until my mom and grandpa both became ill (unrelated... This has not been the best year so far.
An it is only April.
Started out looking good.
Until my mom and grandpa both became ill (unrelated illness)
An then my grandpa passed away suddenly at the first part of March.
My grandpa was like a dad to me, and I lived next door to him all my life. So he was a daily part of my life. It has been very hard loosing him. An dealing with the fact that he is not here anymore with us.:frown:

As hard as it seems to be, I have been trying to get back into the swing of things. An the daily grind of life.

I have not missed cutting the coupons all out from 10 papers every weekend. lol
But I have missed hunting down and getting the deals.

I do want to get back with the organizing thread. Even if no one else joins me. Because
if we happen to move sometime in the future,
I need to have this house cleaned out!!!

So dh and I went and recycled 100lbs of Newspapers the other night. That is a start!
This weekend we were hoping the weather would hold off so we could go and sell at the flea market. It still might. But we are suppose to be getting rain. So crossing our fingers for next weekend.

I am planning on getting some things up on ebay this coming week. After I get this house cleaned tomorrow.

An I can't wait to get newspapers this weekend. Heres to hoping there are some good coupons. Since we haven't gotten any coupons in well over a month or more. lol

Enough of my babbling. ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/1137-rough-year-i-hope-gets-better.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/656-savings-spending-2008.html Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:24:44 GMT Currently my computer is having problems, and I am unable to use excel on my comp. So going to start keeping track of my Savings/Spending for 2008... Currently my computer is having problems,
and I am unable to use excel on my comp.
So going to start keeping track of my Savings/Spending for 2008 here in my blog.

Updated: 1/3/08
----------------------------------------------
Savings:

$705.17

----------------------------------------------
Spending:

$20.64

---------------------------------------------- ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/656-savings-spending-2008.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/636-new-things-new-year.html Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:21:32 GMT In the past month alot of things have happened, changed, talked about, etc. Instead of going into details about some sore subjects. This is some of... In the past month alot of things have happened, changed, talked about, etc.
Instead of going into details about some sore subjects. This is some of what happened, and is going to happen.

I didn't list anying on ebay the whole month of Dec. because I was simple burnt out from it.
When you feel ebay is taking over your house,
and you feel the presure that you HAVE TO SELL it does not make it fun any more.

Dh and I have agreed that from now on,
if I at least sell a few things a month that is good. I can list what and when I want, less pressure= less stress for me.
(Also more time to coupon, and save our family more money)

We have also decided to take back our house.
Clutter and "stuff" for ebay had taken over.
Which in turned caused alot of stress is our marriage. An it never seemed to get better.

So in 2008 we are going to declutter the whole house, and basement/garage.
Already started on this, and hope to make some real progress after the new year.

I say, simple life, less stress, more time to enjoy the life and the ones you love.
No amount of money or number of things can or will ever make you happy.

Some things I did today to get organized are below. (pics included)

1) Wrapped the remaining gifts I currently have for my family. (Our Christmas party is 1/20/08)



2) Clean off and sort the coupons on our side table.



3) List something on Craiglist. Money to go towards our winter fuel fund.
(Listed, and pending picked/sale tomorrow)
2 Chairs - $15

]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/636-new-things-new-year.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/522-updates.html Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:15:31 GMT Well dh got a part time job doing papers in the morning. Which is an extra 150+ each week. Did alright so far this month on eBay but not as good as... Well dh got a part time job doing papers in the morning. Which is an extra 150+ each week.
Did alright so far this month on eBay but not as good as I had hoped.
But that was because I didn't list things every day like I should have.

eBay Sales: $718.95 (So far)
We were lucky to make one sale of $450 for some old RARE photos. An about $80 of that is
for items I sold for my mom.

I have to update and figure out our totals for
grocery budget this month. I know it was still much lower then expected.

We resisted the urge to go out black friday shopping. Except for CVS which oop we spent less then $2.00

We didn't got to Michigan either this month.
An I am already dreading going next month for Christmas because of the high gas prices.
We might have to skip the trip until Jan.
But we will see.

I have to get better updating this.
Will update next weekend with final monthly totals.
Back to ebay listing I go. ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/522-updates.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/428-grocery-budget-meal-plans.html Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:43:48 GMT Grocery Budget & Meal Plans

NOVEMBER Budget: $300
MTD Spent: $63.81

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meal Plan - Week 1 (Mostly from out freezer & pantry)
Our idea is to make enough at dinner for leftovers the
next day for lunch, otherwise cost would be lower per meal/person.

(Price - Total/Person)

1- 2lb Ground Turkey, 2 HH, 1 frozen veggie (2.78/1.39)
2- 1 Boneless Ribs, Mac & Cheese, 1 Frozen Veggie (4.34/2.17)
3- 1 Chicken, 2 HH, 1 Frozen Veggie ($3.54/1.77)
4- 1 baken chicken legs, 1 Cheesy Hashbrown, 1 frozen veggie (3.23/1.62)
5- 1 Hiilshire Farm Light Sausage, 1 Box Pasta, 1 Pasta Sauce, 1 Can Tom. (3.97/1.99)
6- 1 Pillsbury Grands, 1 Tomatoe Sauce, Some Cheese (1.45/.73)
7- 1 Pork Chops, 1 Frozen Potatos, 1 Frozen veggie (2.05/1.03)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spent Week 1:

Week 1 $63.81 - Got some great deals on Kraft Cheese & Ritz crackers, Free Glucerna cereal, some cheap Pillsbury items, .09 cat food, and at least $25 worth of meat on sale.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meal Plan Week 2

1- 2 Pasta Salad, 1 Can Chicken, 1 Veggie
(4.17/2.09)
2- 2 Spanish Rice, 1 Sausage, 1 Black beans, 2 diced Tom. (2.95/1.48)
3- 1 Pasta Suace, Spagetti, 1 Veggie (1.99/1.00)
4- Chicken Tenders, Ginger Sauce, 1 White Rice, 2 Stir Fry Veggies (2.45/1.23)
5- 2 HH Lasagna, 2 Ground Turkey, 1 Veggie
(3.28/1.64)
6- Chicken Theighs, 2 HH Stir Fry, 1 Veggie
(3.00/1.50)
7- Pork Chops, 2 Chicken Rice, 1 Veggie
(3.03/1.51)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spent Week 2:



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meal Plan Week 3
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-
6-
7-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spent Week 3:



------------------------------------------------------------------------- ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/428-grocery-budget-meal-plans.html http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/427-becoming-debt-free.html Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:43:08 GMT Home from a weekend in Michigan. My two auctions ended pretty well. (Lots of goodies coming from them) An dh and I have decided to get VERY serious... Home from a weekend in Michigan.
My two auctions ended pretty well. (Lots of goodies coming from them)
An dh and I have decided to get VERY serious and follow the Dave Ramsey's
envelope system, and GET OUT OF DEBT!

So I am going to use this thread to keep track of our debt, spending, etc.
It makes it easier for me if I keep it all in one place to keep track of.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So here goes nothing...(Our VERY rough draft of Nov. Budget)

Unemployment: $1688
eBay: $700

So our combined income
Is roughly: $2388 (sometimes more depending on eBay sales)

Nov. Budget:

Rent: $630
Car Loan: $470
Car Insurance: $113
Cable & Internet: $112 (looking for lower cost)
Electric: $110
Oil: $1200/Year ($100 a month)Groceries: $300 (Should go down next month)
Gas: $300 (I know, seems high, rough estimate)
Cell Phone: $20

TOTAL: $2155

($233 Left- All towards Heating Oil this month)

Other Debt - Will add more as I go through our credit reports.
Lowest First (Payments for Nov)

($0.00) $50.00 2006 Taxes
($0.00) $1050.00 Grand D Personal Loan
($0.00) $1100.00 Mom J Personal Loan
($0.00) $2000.00 Mom P Personal Loan

--- will be adding more this weekend ---

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BABY STEPS -

Baby Step 1 - Start a Emergency Fund of $1,000
Nov. 1 - $39 / $1,000



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Things in Progress

Looking for cheaper Cable & Internet (Dh looking into)

Need to go to Library and check out some frugel living books (Going this weekend)

Sort out our credit scores (Need to print off - out of ink)

Make a meal plan each week (3 weeks down, 1 to go)

Make $1500 - $1600 on eBay (Nothing listed yet)
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ]]> MablesTable http://www.hotcouponworld.com/forums/blogs/mablestable/427-becoming-debt-free.html