• Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4

    It was a blast having the girls shop with me and to have extra time together last week, but I must say I am glad to have Jake back.  I did manage to keep myself very busy while he was awhile so the week flew by quickly.   I am back to my “normal” schedule this week.    Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.

    Groceries Ingles and Save A Lot | RiteAid

     

    Ingles Groceries:
    • $16.10 at Ingles for 4 gallons of Pet Milk (marked down to $1 each), 2 Peach Tea, 1 Nectarine Juice, 1 bag Bananas, 1 container Tomatoes, 1 container Oranges / Grapefruits, 1 loaf Bread, 1 bag Snow peas, and 1 container Pork Filets,  (I was excited when the “milk” man marked down the already marked down milk to $1.00 each, I got 4 gallons and froze three of them when I got home.  Everything I bought this week at Ingles was on sale, marked down or on clearance including the produce, meat and milk!)
    Save-A-Lot |RiteAid Groceries:
    • $11.59 at Save-A-Lot | RiteAid for 24 pack Bottle Water, 1 pack Brown and Serve Rolls (12 count), 1 Cheddar Chex Mix, 1 box Toast Em Strawberry, 1 package Deli Ham, 1 package Roast Beef, 1 package Chicken Breast, 1 package Carrots (2 pounds), and 2 cans Pillsbury Biscuits.  (All the items purchased were on sale this week, for more information and coupon match-ups go to our  weeklySave-A-Lot page)
    Groceries from BiLo

     

    BiLo Groceries:
    • $5.51 at BiLo for 1 bag Southern Home Wavy Potato Chips and 1 gallon Milk (BiLo still has the best prices on milk on this side of town.  I picked up the chips for a snack for our Community Group.  Plus save $0.05 per bag for bringing my reusable bags.)

     

    Groceries from CVS
    CVS Groceries:
    • $0.75 at CVS for 4 bags Flava Puff Nacho, 1 bag Flava Puff Hot Party Mix, and 6 canisters Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips (I was able to get ALL of these items marked down on clearance for 75% to 90% off plus I used a $2.00 ECB coupon!  I should be good on chips for lunches the next couple weeks.)

    This week I spent $33.95 on groceries.  Even though I was a little under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on several items.  Thankfully I had extra wiggle room this week to help on future grocery purchases.  I hope that next week is an even better week and we can come under budget.  I was THRILLED to get milk for $1.00 a gallon (milk averages between $3 to $4 and this brand is close to $6 per gallon normally.  Thankful for an opportunity to stock up on several other items!

    It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks!  As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me.  I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too.  The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.

    Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances.  Life doesn’t always go as planned.  We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given.  Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life.  A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others.  There is so much more to life than having all the stuff.  We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.

  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 5 – 11, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   This week they are doing a big sale with a lot of great 10 for $10 products for you to stock up on.  You can mix and match any number of the 10 for $10 items and you are not required to buy 10 items in order to get the products for $1.      Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Eckrich Franks (16 oz) – $1.00

    Butterball Turkey Bacon (6 oz) – $1.00

    Ocean Market Fish Fillets (4 oz) – $1.00

    Gwaltney Rolled Sausage (12 oz) – $1.00

    Chicken Breasts – $1.49 per lb

    Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb

    Pork Roast – $1.49 per lb

    Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99

    Boneless Chuck Roast – $2.99 per lb

    Schooner’s Pollock, Whiting, and Tilapia Fish Fillets (2 lb package) – $5.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Eckrich Bologna (16 oz) – $1.00

    Budding Deli Cut Lunch Meat (3 to 4 oz) – $1.00

    Fisher Boy Fish Sticks (6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
    $0.25 each after coupon

    Oscar Mayer Lunchables – $1.00
    Use $0.55/1 coupon from tearpad found in stores
    $0.45 each after coupon

    Hormel Sandwich Sliced Pepperoni (3.5 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.55/2 printable coupon from Hormel
    $0.73 each after coupon

    Schooner Imitation Crab (8 oz) – $1.00

    Colburn Farms Grade A Large Eggs (1 dozen) – $1.00

    Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza (Pepperoni or Supreme) – $1.00

    Pillsbury Grands Flakey or Buttermilk Biscuits (16.3 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.30/1 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
    Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mills (Expires 12/3/11)
    Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Smart Source (Expires 12/24/11)
    As low as $0.67 each after coupon

    Banquet Brown & Serve Sausage (6.4 oz) – $1.00

    Tropicana Fruit or Berry Punch (64 oz) – $1.00

    Mr. P’s Pepperoni Pizza Bites (9 oz) – $1.00

    Banquet Dinners (4 to 10 oz) – $1.00

    Borden American Singles or Grilled Cheese Melts (12 oz) – $1.99

    Produce

    3 Pack Tomatoes – $1.00

    Carrots (2 lbs) – $1.00

    Celery – $1.00

    Red or Yellow Peppers – $1.00

    Caramel and Candy Apples – $1.00

    Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 pounds) – $2.99

    Klondike Rose or Goldust Potatoes (5 pounds) – $2.50

    Yellow Onions (3 pounds) – $1.49

    Household

    Puffs Facial Tissue (100 count) – $1.00
    Use $0.25/3 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    $0.92 each after coupon

    Angel Soft Bath Tissue (4 count) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    $0.50 each after coupon

    Bounty Basic – $0.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
    As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after coupon

    Bounty Select A Size – $1.79
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (10/31/11)
    As low as $0.79 each after coupon

    Mardi Gras Paper Towels (3 count) – $2.49

    Sparkle Paper Towels (6 count) – $4.49

    Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99

    Quilted Northern Bath Tissue (12 double rolls) – $6.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon peelie from packages found in some stores (Expires 11/30/11)
    $5.99 each after coupon

    Angel Soft Bath Tissue (12 rolls) – $3.39
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/14 Red Plum (Expires 11/14/11)
    $2.89 each after coupon

    Charmin Basic Bath Tissue (4 rolls) $2.39
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/1 coupon found in some packages  (Expires 8/31/12)
    Use $0.35/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/2 Proctor & Gamble (Expires 10/31/11)
    As low as $1.39 each after coupon

    Save A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 rolls) – $0.89

    Grocery

    Hampton Farms Roasted and Salted Peanuts (10 oz) – $1.00

    Sundia Fruit Cups (8 oz) – $1.00

    Kaskey’s Family Size Condensed Chicken or Tomato Soup (26 oz) – $1.00

    Chef Boyardee Canned Pasta (14.5 to 15 oz) – $1.00

    Use $0.50/2 coupon found in package (Expires 5/31/12)
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (Expires 11/15/11)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Toast Em’s Toaster Pastries (14.7 oz) – $1.00

    Mrs. Freshley’s Sugar Mini Donuts or Brownies (6 to 16 count) – $1.00

    Very Fine Juice Drinks (Fruit Punch or Pineapple Orange) (32 oz) – $1.00

    Chex Mix (8 oz) – $1.00
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from peelie found in some store (Expires 1/30/12)
    $0.75 each after coupon

    M&M and Mars Candy (3 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.50/2 coupon from September 2011 All You Magazine (10/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 10/31/11)
    As low as $0.25 each after coupon

    Pasta Roni (Assorted Varieties) (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00

    Rice A Roni (Assorted Varieties) (6 to 7 oz) – $1.00

    Betty Crocker Seasoned Mashed Potatoes (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
    Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
    Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
    As Low As $0.67 each after coupon

    Heinz Gravy (Beef or Turkey) (12 oz) – $1.00

    Red Gold Ketchup (32 oz) – $1.00
    Use $1.00/4 printable coupon from Red Gold
    $0.75 each after coupon

    Kraft Marshmallow Creme (7 oz) – $1.00

    Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Assorted Varieties) (13 to 15 oz) – $1.99

    Welch’s Juice Cocktails (Concord Grape or Orange Pineapple Apple) (64 oz) – $1.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Welch’s
    Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 12/31/11)
    As Low As $0.99 each after coupon

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.

  • Living Social: $20 Gift Card to Whole Foods Market for $10!

    Living Social currently has a great Nationwide Deal!

    $20 Gift Card to Whole Foods for $10

    Details of the Gift Card:

    How to get your Gift Card:

    1. Sign up or login into your Living Social account
    2. Available in Select Cities (if not showing up in your current location Go to Greenville, SC or Boston)
    3. Purchase the Whole Foods $20 gift voucher for $10
    4. Your virtual gift card voucher will be pending in your account until September 14, 2011
    5. The virtual gift card voucher will expire on 12/13/11
  • Save A Lot: Deals for the week of August 31 – September 6, 2011

    The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience.   You do not need any coupons to get the Save A Lot Today prices.    Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!

    Meats and Seafood

    Sugardale Shank Portion Bone In Ham – $1.29 per lb

    Pork Country Style Ribs – $2.99 per lb

    Fresh Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 per lb

    Beef Country Style Ribs – $3.99 per lb

    Sugardale Super Dogs (5 lbs) – $4.99

    Ground Beef (3 lbs or 5 lbs) – $1.99 per lb

    Sugardale Bone In Center Sliced Ham – $2.99 per lb

    Sugardale Sliced Bacon – $1.99

    Farmington Roll Pork Sausage – $1.99

    Holten Quarter Pound Beef Patties (2 lbs) – $3.99

    Schooner Cod, Pollock, Tilapia Fillets – $2.99

    Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).

    Fridge and Freezer

    Fast Fixin Breaded Chicken (31 to 43 oz) – $3.99

    Tombstone Pizza – $2.50
    Use $1.00/1 coupon from insert 8/14 Smart Source (Expires 9/17/11)
    Use $1.50/3 printable coupon from Nestle Family
    As low as $1.50 each after coupon

    Totino’s Pizza Roll  (40 count / 19.8 oz) – $2.50
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.40/2 printable coupon from Coupon Web
    Use $0.40/2 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    Use $0.60/3 coupon from insert 8/7 General Mills (Expires 10/29/11)
    As low as $2.00 each after coupon

    Snack-A-Tizers Pepperoni Pizza Bagels – $4.99

    Peak’s Pick Orange Juice – $3.99

    Morning Delight Sausage Breakfast Bowl – $1.99

    Mantia’s Deep Dish Mini Pizza’s – $3.99

    White Castle Cheeseburgers – $3.99
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/28 Smart Source (Expires 11/26/11)
    $3.49 each after coupon

    Wylwood Mixed Vegetables – $1.19

    Wylwood Potato Puffs – $1.89

    Produce

    Red, White or Black Grapes – $0.99 per lb

    Peaches, Plums or Nectarines – $0.99 per lb

    Tomatoes (6 pack) – $1.99

    Ginger Gold 0r Paula Red Apples (3 lbs) – $2.49

    Household

    Wrightware Foam Plates – $1.19

    Luster Facial Tissue (160 count) – $0.99

    Grocery

    Malt-O-Meal Cereal (Coco Dyno Bites or Frosted Flakes) – $1.88
    Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Malt-O-Meal
    $1.50 each after coupon

    Maxwell House Wake Up Roast Coffee (11.5 oz) – $2.99
    Use $1.00/1 coupon booklet from Kraft Food & Family (found at Food Lion & BiLo) Expires 12/31/11
    $1.99 each after coupon

    So Cheezy Family Size Shells & Cheddar (24 oz) – $1.99

    Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail (64 oz) – $1.88

    Campbell’s Chunky Soup – $1.50
    Use $1.00/4 coupon from insert 8/14 Smart Source (Expires 9/25/11)
    Use $0.50/4 coupon from insert 8/14 Smart Source (Expires 9/25/11)
    As low as $1.25 each after coupon

    Maruchan Ramon Noodle Cups – $1.88

    Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce – $0.99

    Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding Cups – $0.99

    Long Grain White Rice – $1.69

    Wescott Canola Cooking Spray – $1.49

    Ginger Evans Deluxe Fudge Brownies – $1.49

    J Higgs Potato Chips – $1.19

    J Higgs Microwave Popcorn – $1.79

    LeCour’s Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – $2.39

    J Higgs Oyster Crackers – $1.19

    Morning Delight Buttermilk Pancake Mix – $1.59

    Morning Delight Syrup – $1.49

    McDaniel’s Enhance Coffee Creamer – $1.69

    Morning Delight Toaster Pastriess – $1.89

    Mountain Holler Avalanche Soda – $0.75

    Splash Out Juice Drink Boxes (8 Pack) – $1.49

    Ginger Evans Chocolate Chip Cookie Muffin Mix – $0.79

    Spam (12 oz) – $2.49

    Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats – $2.19
    Use $0.50/1 coupon from tearpad (Expires 12/31/11) (May be doubled up to $1.00 at some stores)
    Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 8/7 Red Plum (Expires 10/2/11)
    As low as $1.19 each after coupon

    Little Hug Assorted Fruit Drinks (160 oz) – $2.99

    Baby

    Being Well Baby Tickles Diapers (Size 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6) – $5.99

    Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals!  Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.

    For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here.  If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.