October 2011 Living off Your Stockpile Challenge~WINNER ANNOUNCED!

[to1drland]

Is anyone up for the OCTOBER challenge to live off of your stockpile and spend as little out of pocket as you can?

These are the guidelines:
*** We are going to do a one month challenge by living off your stockpile – only buying the bare necessities each week.
*** Post your results here.
*** you can chime in with your family's "living off stockpile" issues/results/recipes/receipts.

Exceptions:
1. Rolling RR, Catalinas, ECBs, existing gift cards
2. Rebate funds or proceeds from selling your existing stockpile that come in during the month.
3. Finding Items for FREE!!!


Can you do it?


what is included:

All food, alcohol and cigarettes. groceries, pops at the convenient stores cravings, fast food stops, Sam's club, one time a year co-op purchases, etc.
HBA/toiletries/cleaning products. hopefully we can all get the coupons we need and match them to the sales and rewards that go along with toothpastes, shampoos, cleaning supplies, diapers/wipes/formula etc.
pet food/care. For the most part, this is included in folks' budgets.
entertainment. Unless you specifically set aside money for entertainment, I consider it out of pocket, and then should be included.
couponing expenses. newspapers, magazines, stamps, coupons, envelopes, stickers, paper, printer ink, etc., all should be included in your oop.

what is not included: regular bills/loan payments such as mortgages, car payments, car repairs, gasoline, utilities: heating/cooling, gas, electric, water, cable/direct tv, phone/wireless, internet. Medical expenses.



Q&A's:
Q. What about fresh fruit, veggies, milk, eggs and bread?
A. Yes, these items would count in your out of pocket expenses. Buy all your necessities each week to go with what you already have in your pantry/freezer.

This is all about cleaning out your stockpile.

Q. Can we roll ECBs, RR, and Catalinas?
A. Of course! Only the out of pocket expenses count as what you have spent for the week.

Q. What about gift money? Or Rebate checks that come in during the month?
A. Simply speaking, my goal is to not spend money out of pocket, which IMO does not include Gift money or rebate money.

Of course we all have "standard" expenses, such as mortgage/rent, car payments, insurance, utilities, medications, etc. All 'other' money's: including groceries, fast food, hba, household items, entertainment, et al, that would make up your out of pocket expenses.

Q. My state taxes food. Does tax count into our oop?
A. Yes. Tax is part of our oop (unfortunately, for some of us )

Q. Do perscriptions count?
A. GOSH NO!!! PLEASE don't forego ANY medications or those for your loved one's. No. Perscriptions/meds do not count towards your oop balance.

Simply add your name & your goal amount to the wiki to join in!


A "mystery prize" goes to a random drawn participant that doesn't go "purple".

..........can you stay w/in your goal???

[everprincess]

In again-only needs this month pending the outcome of the new house situation.

[cody82414]

I'm in.

Just need to decide the amount.

Actually,
I am not going to give an amount.

DH's dog trial season starts Saturday, 10/1
so there won't be any money until spring

I just need to spend on only what is necessary.

So....

"FREES, MoneyMakers, or Necessities"

[to1drland]

I considered dropping my amount...but we have a big tailgate/bonfire party coming up so I think it shall stay @ $200

[actvmom]

I'm in! Can somebody add me to the wiki? The wiki doesn't like my ipad or my ipad doesn't like the wiki. I'm in for $500. Also, please add me close to the top so I can update later on.

[captainQpin]

im in just need to decide on a number .......does.anyone.have.the.farmers.almanaic?....h ow.is.winte.supposed.to.be?.tons.of.snow?

[jkeating]

I'm in for October but I will still be at my daughter's for the first week in October. I want to do another big shop or two for her while I'm still here so I'm not going to include her shopping in my October amount since I don't know how much those two shops will be. We did a shop yesterday but I want to go through her pantry again. Also she'll need newborn diapers before I leave. She has tons of size 1 but Catherine won't be in that size for a few more weeks.

I'm in $600 for myself an my son.

[SouthernBelle5]

I'm in! Can somebody add me to the wiki? The wiki doesn't like my ipad or my ipad doesn't like the wiki. I'm in for $500. Also, please add me close to the top so I can update later on.

I added you with decoration.

[actvmom]

I added you with decoration.

LOVE IT!!!! Thank you!

[kris*g]

I'm in. Added myself to the wiki.