How much do YOU save?

[$Saving!]

I've been saving a lot of money through couponing. I had no idea I could get so much free stuff (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes etc)! Also, I'm a lot more careful with my money. I hate buying stuff if I don't have a coupon for it! I used to be terrible with sticking to a budget, but I've gotten so much better since I've started couponing.

You mention a budget, and to be honest, that is key to all household expenses. We started budgeting back in 1983 when we got married and bought our first house (at 15.75% mortgage interest no less!!!!!!! Ugh, that was horrible)

And we never stopped. If you don't know the goal, you can't stick to it

As to the spreadsheet approach, I've used one for a few years now and every January when I begin a new year, I look at overall savings % from the year ending and try to see if I can bump that up a couple % points - but make it a realistic goal too.

To me, I have to know where I'm trying to arrive in order to get there realistically. It's a financial necessity

[Gertie2u]

I love the spreadsheet budgeting! I can't tell you how many times I have been glad I had information from the previous year easily available. It has saved me a good bit of money here and there, as well. I save important receipts by stuffing them in a binder by months. A quick search of the spreadsheet using find tells me when we had that car repair so I can pull the receipt to get it repaired again on warranty, or that computer part replace on warranty, or whatever. Really easy filing system, and great at tax time, too.