Week 3 - Shopping and Tracking: Annual Savings $87
For week three, you should start tracking all of your spending. Create a spreadsheet and make as many categories as possible (gas, groceries, clothing, etc). This will help you realize how much you spend each month and give you perspective on what you may be spending too much money on. I track it on a monthly basis simply by inputting receipts at the end of every week. It’s important to know where your money is going and it’s a great tool for setting personal goals and budgets.
Shopping is a necessity for many things in life, so I’ve compiled a list of ways to save money. Remember – research and patience can really pay off.
1) Sign up for email notification on sales and coupons from the stores you frequent. This can include grocery stores, clothing stores, big box stores – you name it. When sales and coupons are offered make sure it’s really a good price and then stock up. Remember: 30% off an item at one store may not be cheaper if you can find it at another store for 40% less.
2) Sign up for point rewards cards from stores you frequent as well. This will allow you to get special member only coupons and cash back discounts. My favorites are CVS and Toys R Us (which will send you additional $10 off coupons on your kid’s birthday).
3) Buy items at the end of season for next year. With growing kids, I have saved a lot of money buying items at the end of each season. This applies to clothes, decorations, gift wrap, etc.
4) Before any big purchase, make sure to do your research. Compare prices; look for coupons, rebates and free shipping offers. If purchasing from a name brand store, you can also purchase gift cards on-line for 9-10% of the value. Here are a few websites to help:
Gift Cards: Coupons: Rebates: Freebies:
eBay.com* mommysavesbig.com ebates.com Ilovefreethings.com
plasticjungle.com cheapstingybargins.com mrrebates.com freesnacher.com
cardpool.com couponmom.com bigcrumbs.com freemania.net
cardwoo.com currentcodes.com pennyful.com all-freemagazines.com
befrugal.com
*eBay caution: I have always had good experiences on eBay, but I am careful. Before bidding on an item, examine the seller’s credentials. Do they have a good feedback rating (98% or above)? If not, why? Also, make sure they have been a member for a minimum of 6 months and have at least 20 transactions. Buying from a reputable seller will ensure a good experience.
5) Buy and Entertainment Book from a locacal seller or online at entertainmentbook.com. This book (which I purchased for $20) is loaded with coupons and savings for a variety of intems including restaruants, travel, clothing and so much more. It can also open you up to new experiences and restaurants (part of the FUN factor).
All data found on this website is Copyrighted by MOMTHATSAVES. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
For week three, you should start tracking all of your spending. Create a spreadsheet and make as many categories as possible (gas, groceries, clothing, etc). This will help you realize how much you spend each month and give you perspective on what you may be spending too much money on. I track it on a monthly basis simply by inputting receipts at the end of every week. It’s important to know where your money is going and it’s a great tool for setting personal goals and budgets.
Shopping is a necessity for many things in life, so I’ve compiled a list of ways to save money. Remember – research and patience can really pay off.
1) Sign up for email notification on sales and coupons from the stores you frequent. This can include grocery stores, clothing stores, big box stores – you name it. When sales and coupons are offered make sure it’s really a good price and then stock up. Remember: 30% off an item at one store may not be cheaper if you can find it at another store for 40% less.
2) Sign up for point rewards cards from stores you frequent as well. This will allow you to get special member only coupons and cash back discounts. My favorites are CVS and Toys R Us (which will send you additional $10 off coupons on your kid’s birthday).
3) Buy items at the end of season for next year. With growing kids, I have saved a lot of money buying items at the end of each season. This applies to clothes, decorations, gift wrap, etc.
4) Before any big purchase, make sure to do your research. Compare prices; look for coupons, rebates and free shipping offers. If purchasing from a name brand store, you can also purchase gift cards on-line for 9-10% of the value. Here are a few websites to help:
Gift Cards: Coupons: Rebates: Freebies:
eBay.com* mommysavesbig.com ebates.com Ilovefreethings.com
plasticjungle.com cheapstingybargins.com mrrebates.com freesnacher.com
cardpool.com couponmom.com bigcrumbs.com freemania.net
cardwoo.com currentcodes.com pennyful.com all-freemagazines.com
befrugal.com
*eBay caution: I have always had good experiences on eBay, but I am careful. Before bidding on an item, examine the seller’s credentials. Do they have a good feedback rating (98% or above)? If not, why? Also, make sure they have been a member for a minimum of 6 months and have at least 20 transactions. Buying from a reputable seller will ensure a good experience.
5) Buy and Entertainment Book from a locacal seller or online at entertainmentbook.com. This book (which I purchased for $20) is loaded with coupons and savings for a variety of intems including restaruants, travel, clothing and so much more. It can also open you up to new experiences and restaurants (part of the FUN factor).
All data found on this website is Copyrighted by MOMTHATSAVES. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.