Accounting Dude and Frugal Chick

Need Ideas

2010-05-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have tons of packs of tuna, I've gotten for free. I was hoping some of you could help me. You see I need some recipes to use it up. So any ideas would be welcomed.

More Home Projects

2010-05-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Frugal Chick and I have put hardwood floors in our house, installed tile in three rooms, painted several rooms, refurbrished and repainted outdoor funiture and taken on many other projects. We have talked for some time about putting up a wooden fence in our backyard. We watched videos on it and listened to advice from people that had done it themselves. In the end we went with a professional. Our yard is on a fairly steep slop and we were unsure how uniform we could have made the fence. We both believe in doing it ourselves and saving money, however, neither of us believe in sacrificing quality just to save a few bucks. If you can do it yourself it is the right and responsible thing to do. Another responcible and adult thing is knowing when a job exceeds your limitations.

Just a little shopping

2010-05-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I got at Publix this week for $48.00.

The items I got at CVS. I know I made money on this weeks order.

Tip on Tuesday

2010-05-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dawn is an amazing product. Not only does it do a wonderful job cleaning dishes - it also removes grease from clothing.
Sunday, I got grease all over a brand new pair of short and Dawn took it right out. Next time you think you have ruined a piece of clothing with grease - try a little Dawn on it.

I haven't forgotten you

2010-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of deals posted lately. Accounting Dude and I have been busy working in the yard. It took us several nights to put together this tent. Then we have planted a few shrubs and other items. After we come in I'm just to tired to post anything. I hope to get better at posting again next week.

Mothers' Day and Menu Monday

2010-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Monday: Grilled Salmon, Green Beans, and Baked Potato

Tuesday: Fish Sticks and Mac & Cheese (Didn't get to eat this last week.)

Wednesday: Breakfast

Thursday: Pork Stir Fry (Didn't get to eat this last week.)

Friday: Sunday School Social

Saturday: I have know clue.

The picture below is what I got my mom for mother's day. She loved it. I think it is pretty cool and my have to go get myself one sort of like it.

Outdoor Gazebo

2010-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

After spending 2.5 hours putting together our new gazebo, which I used my birthday money to pay for, a very important piece broke. The small center hub which holds the canopy. At first we got frustrated then we thought about it. Our first solution was take the part back to the Home Depot and see if they could exchange it for a new one. That didn't happen...they were sold out of our model in the district.
Before our last resort which was take down the entire thing and take it back to the Home Depot we called the manufacture and they are sending us a replacement part. The bad part is it will take 7-10 days for the replacement to get to our house.

In the mean time we have a half put together gazebo in our backyard. Sometimes - time is more valuable than money. I'm so glad we don't have to take this down and put a new one back up again.

Have you ever had a time when something like this happened to you? Was the item made right?

Tax Exemptions

2010-04-29T14:13:00.001-07:00

If you are geting substantial money back from the IRS every year it means you are giving the Federal Government an interest free loan. I assure you they will not return the favor. The solution is to go to your employer and revise your W-4 form. This form can be downloaded from the IRS's website and by their standards is fairly easy to understand. There are several ways you can estimate the number of exemptions you should claim on your W-4 depending on charitable giving, mortgage interest, state taxes and income bracket. If you come up with a number you are not totally comfortable with simply back it down one expemtion. It is always an option to revisit your exemption status after the following tax year.

Earth Day Tips

2010-04-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Since it is Earth Day Frugal Chick and I decided to go over the things we do that save money and are also Earth friendly. I am by no means the most green person out there (just last week Frugal Chick and I argued over the use of Sevin Dust in our garden) but, I do consider myself a conservationist. Here are some of the things we do to save money and the Earth's resources.

We try to use energy efficient bulbs in our house and try to turn off unused lights and appliances. Frugal Chick makes our own detergent which does not have any harsh chemicals and is is much cheaper than store bought detergents. We installed a programable thermostat which really saves us energy late at night and during the day. Most programable thermostats have 8 hour cycles and weekend settings. Plants around your house provides oxygen to the air, looks good and cools your house. We have installed ceiling fans and have a space heater which helps cool and heat the house without using the energy drain that is the heat pump.

A few years ago our hot water heater died we purchased an energy efficient hot water heater. If you have the opportunity I would suggest (if price feasable) a solar powered water heater, a friend of mine had one in his old house and just raved about it. Another way to conserve water is by using low flow shower heads. We have used these for several years and there really is no dicernable differance. Our biggest energy and dollar conserver is carpooling (we work a couple of blocks apart and have the same work schedule), if you can possibly find someone to carpool with it will save both gas and cash.

As I stated at the begining I am not the greenest person out there, but I am a conservationist and there is another kind of green that I always like to save.

Block The Sun

2010-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

When Accounting Dude and I first meet he already had a house and I lived in an apartment. So it made sense that I would move into his house. Well, lets just say that it was a man's house, and it was decorated by a man in his late 20s-early 30s. Meaning - big TV and white wall, not much more.So I had to make some changes. I started with the inside, but eventually moved to the outside.

You see this brick wall behind the azaleas gets nothing but afternoon sun beating down on it. For the longest time it had nothing in front of it until I realized that it would help our cooling cost if we planted something along that wall to help cool it. Azaleas are some of my favorite plants so that is what I choose. I know they don't look that big now, but in a few years I hope that they cover most of this wall and help with our cooling cost. So is there somewhere around your house that a few plants could help reduce your cooling cost?

Tip on Tuesday

2010-04-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

To days Tip - Don't toss out pantyhose or knee highs that have a run in them re-use them to help your plants stand up straighter.

This strong, soft, and stretch material works great as a support without cutting into the plant.

Earth Week

2010-04-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

This week won't be a normal week of saving and spending. This week we will be talking about different ways that Accounting Dude and I try to be green and save money while doing it. I'll let you know right off the bat we aren't the most green people out there, but we do try!
Up first this week;
The new trees we planted this weekend. We planted two pear trees. Actually, we got them at a really good deal. I'm a member of the Home Depot garden club. You should join if you aren't already a member because they send out some great coupons.
This club sent me a coupon to buy one tree get one free. Well, Home Depot didn't have pear trees and that is what I really wanted to plant. Like most cities Home Depot is right next to Lowes, so Accounting Dude and I drove to Lowes went in to customer service and asked them if they would match the coupon. The manager read the coupon several times and then said sure. So for $18.96 AC and I got two pear trees. Let me tell you we picked the two tallest and strongest looking trees they had.
We were prepaired for the manger to say no about the coupon, but we were pleasantly surprised when he said yes.
Now, we just hope that the trees will live and that in a few years we will have some fruit.

2010-04-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

Tip on Tuesday

2010-04-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

I had this wonderful tip I thought about sometime last week. Accounting Dude and I even talked about it, and now we both have forgotten what it was.

So moving on to our money saving tip that we can remember.

Yes, it involves The Home Depot. The other day we went there and purchased several things for our garden. Well, we ended up not using them. So we wanted to take them back, but we couldn't find our receipt. We had decided that is Home Depot would only give us a store credit we would be okay with that, but since we paid for them with our debit card Home Depot was able to look up our purchase price and give us the correct amount back in cash. Accounting Dude and I were so excited.

Money Saving Tip - When purchasing something a The Home Depot that you are not sure you want to keep and you are bad a keeping up with receipt pay with your debit card instead of cash.

Menu Monday

2010-04-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Our week is packed with activities so we, meaning Accounting Dude, decided to grill as much as possible for the week last night. So if there is a theme it is grilled meat. I wish the sides were that easy.

Sunday - Grilled chili cheese dogs and mac and cheese

Monday - Grilled Hamburgers not a clue about the side but I'm sure I can find something

Tuesday- Grilled Chicken with corn and green beans

Wednesday - Left over Chili cheese dogs and mac and cheese.

Thursday - Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup

Friday - Pizza and a Movie

Saturday - not sure it is up in the air because I may have a new niece.

Sunday - not sure about when my new niece will come.

CVS

2010-04-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

I got all of this plus 3 cases of Diet Sunkist for around $12.00 plus I have $3.00 ECB to send next week.

Vegetable Garden

2010-04-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Frugal Chick and I love to garden, over the last four years we have planted cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes, squash, eggplants, peppers and various spices. Some of the things we have planted provided us with good fresh produce and some of the things we tried to grow did not pan out. We live in the South and some crops just can not take our heat. Growing fruits and vegetables are not always cheap. Seed, feed, fertilizer and when necessary herbicides have to be purchased. If you plant in the ground then you will need something to break and till the soil and if you use pots and hanging baskets those items will have to be purchased.

There is some trial and error to gardening and as I mentioned earlier there can be considerable start up cost, but once your garden takes off you will not have any additional cost except for watering. When you grow your own food there is also a sense of accomplishment that a supermarket does not provide. You will know exactly what chemical products were used on your vegetables when you grow them yourself.

It is very enjoyable to get outside and work in a garden, it helps to go outside and get away from our daily grind. I am not sure if we have saved much money by gardening, but I doubt we have lost much either. What we have gained is the knowledge of how to grow our own food, as well as, the peace of mind of knowing what is in it. I would highly recommend giving a garden a try for anyone who enjoys being outside or who enjoys their fresh fruits and vegetables.

Menu Monday

2010-04-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday - Easter with Family

Monday - Rotel

Tuesday - Pineapple, Shrimp, and Bacon Pizza

Wednesday - Tacos - This has been on my menu for several weeks because I have purchased all the ingredients, but they keep getting bumped.

Thursday - Southwestern Spaghetti Pie

Friday - Eat Out

Saturday - Father in Laws Birthday

Tuesday Tip

2010-04-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

Money Saving Tip - Enjoy some down time.
I know what you are thinking, How can downtime help you save money?

Well I'll tell you it will help you stay focused. I know that when we have down time we are more likely to eat at home and stick to our menu. We are also less likely to just want to go shopping.

Just remember down time also pays.

Weekly Shopping

2010-03-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Some how most of my receipts went missing this week. I don't know why, but this week I just don't have it together. So this is as best as I can remember.
CVS - Oral B Toothbrushes - $2.99 with $2.00 ECB
Used BO GO Coupon and $0.75 Oral -B Coupon
Puffs $.97
CVS Shampoo and Conditioner Free - $0.99 x4 - $1.00 x4 coupons
The coupon machine keeps spitting -$1.00 coupons out at me.
Used $2.00 in ECB and paid $1.81 OOP
Got Back $2.00 in ECB

Target - Pillow - $2.57
Revlon Nail clipper - $1.57
Minus Target Pillow Coupon - $
Revlon Target Coupon - $1.00
I know my total was less than $3.00 but I don't know exact amount.

Walgreen's - First Order - Dentex - $2.00 -$1.00 Coupon = $1.00 plus tax
Second Order - Dove Conditioner - $4.00 - $1.50
Runts $1.00 (need for Bunko loser gift)
Used $2.00 RR from first Order
Paid $1.50 plus tax and got another $4.00 back.

Publix - Still not getting along with them, but I still like them better than any other store in my area.
My total was $54.64 (A Little High for Me)
Savings Summary -
Vendor Coupon - $21.98
Store Coupon - $2.00
Special Price Savings - $26.97

Tips on Tuesday

2010-03-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today's tip isn't that ground breaking, but I think it maybe something people don't think about a lot.

Buy One Get One Free Items - Yes I know we all like BOGOs, but my tip is when you don't need both items split it the cost with someone and split the items.

Example - This past weekend Toys R Us had a sale on movies BOGO Free. Well, I have been wanting to see the Princes and the Frog and my mother wanted a copy of the same movie for at her house for my nephew and soon to be born niece to watch. Well, I had been looking for a really good deal on it and hadn't come across one that was good for both of us. But this Toys R Us sale worked out great.

Two Movies for $19.99 plus I had a $5.00 off coupon made the movies $14.99. Then my mom and I split the cost making them $7.50 plus tax each. You really can't beat that price for Disney DVD. Plus I'll end up doing the mail in rebates so in the end we will each pay $2.50 for the movie.

So next time you see a Buy One Get One Free or Buy One Get One Half Off and you don't need the second one think about someone you could use the other item and split the cost.

Menu Monday

2010-03-29T18:45:00.001-07:00

Monday - Jambalaya

Tuesday - Chili Dogs and Tator Tots

Wednesday - Tacos - on the menu last week, but we didn't eat

Thursday - Sloppy Joe's and Tator Tots

Friday - Anniversary Dinner

Saturday - Easter Celebration

Sunday - Easter Celebration

Target Deals

2010-03-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Target price matches items. So I took my Toys R Us Advertisement with me and they price matched it. So each movie were $16.99 each then target gave me another $10.00 off. So my total for all of these items were $10.38 with $2.76 of that being tax. So I really don't think I did that bad.

Car Payments

2010-03-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Frugal Chick and I drive an Eleven year old Altima and a Ten year old Mountaineer respectively. These cars obviously will not last forever. It is our plan to save up and buy one newish car by December. To this end we have been saving money every month to make this purchase.

If your car is paid for that is $400 plus dollars a month that can be used to pay down a mortgage or to invest in an IRA or to do something fun. Frugal Chick has not had a car payment since 2006 and I have not had one since 2004. Neither one of us could ever imagine going back to having to make a monthly car payment. If you see a car as an A to B mobile then believe me you do not want a car payment. I love not having to make car payments and look forward to the day when I can purchase my next vehicle with cash.

CVS 03-24-10

2010-03-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time again when allergies are in full bloom. So I was so glad that Zyrtec was on sale. This took three transactions.

First Order: Zyrtec - $18.99
- $3.00 Coupon
- $4.00 ECB
- $4.00 ECB
Total $9.89 plus I got back $7.00 in ECB

Second Order: Olay BodyWash 2/$12.00
-$1.00 Coupon
- $1.00 Coupon
- $ 7.00 ECB
Total $4.20 plus $5.00 back in ECB

Third Order: Glide Floss Picks $3.99
Colgate Toothpaste $3.99
- $0.75 coupon
- $1.00 coupon
- $5.00 ECB
Total - $2.03 plus $5.99 back in ECB

Some of you may be wondering how much I have left on the $100.00 gift card I purchased at the begining of the year. Well, it's $8.65. I haven't done as good as I would have liked but I'm still spending way less this year than last year. So I'm improving and that is all that counts. Right???

Publix 03-21-10

2010-03-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

Tried a new Publix this week. It was a much better shopping trip. I didn't see much in the advertisment that I wanted so I ended up with mostly produce. I only used 3 coupons, and my total came to $40.10.

Menu Monday

2010-03-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have been out with surgery since Thursday. So while I laid on the couch recovering I decided to look for new recipes and this is what I came up with...

Sunday - Pepperoni & Ravioli Supper, garlic bread and salad

Monday - Blue Cheese Turkey Burgers, baked beans, and corn

Tuesday - Chili-Lime Chicken, baked potatoes, and salad

Wednesday - Impossibly Easy Chicken & Broccoli Pie

Thursday - Left Overs

Friday - Eat Out

Saturday - Luau Tacos with Mexican Rice

Tuesday Tips

2010-03-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

This tip really isn't a tip to save money, but more like a tip to save you time. Sometimes I have a hard time deciding what I need to do next. So it was suggested to me to write down things I want to get done both fun and work related and pick one out each night and do that activity. I think that this will be a great way for me to do more than the regular activities each night. This way I become more productive which allows me more time to go looking for deals.

Menu Monday

2010-03-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Monday - Spaghetti

Tuesday - Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Wednesday - Popcorn Shrimp and Teriyaki Noodles

Thursday - Jambalaya

Friday - Dinner out

2010-03-05T12:52:00.001-08:00

I will be taking a few days off. Maw, my grandmother, has passed away. I hope to be posting again sometime next week.

CVS and Rite Aid

2010-03-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Rite Aid - Satin Care Shave gel - $1.99 - .55 coupon out of P&G from 2/07
Total out of pocket $1.44
Single Check Rebate - $1.00
Final Total $0.44

CVS -
First Order -Power Bar Energy Packs $1.50. I couldn't find the coupon that some people have.
Softsoap $4.99 -$1.00 Coupon from All You Magazine
Used $5.00 in ECB
Total $1.14

Got Back ECB $4.00 & $1.50

Second Order - Schick Quattro 4ct Refill - $8.99
Used $4.00 off Coupon
Used $4.00 ECB
Total $1.89

How To use up Bread

2010-03-02T08:00:00.001-08:00

Sorry for such a bad picture, but I was hungry and I had just warmed up my Pigs in a Blanket. And I was ready to eat! As you can tell I also burnt the cheese on one of the hot dogs.

Okay, when I was a kid we didn't eat that much bread at our house. I don't know why we just didn't. Now that I'm married we don't eat that much bread at my house. It seems to be a cycle.

So I learned from my mom, who would use up the bread by making pigs in a blankets. Most people use cresant rolls, but we used bread because it would use up what we already had. As you can see it is pretty simple. She would take a hot dog, a piece of cheese and lay them on the bread diagnoly. Then she would use toothpicks to keep the bread wrapped around the hot dog. She would heat them in the oven for about 20 min at 350. I loved this for supper!! It went great with Mac and Cheese. You should have seen it the first night I told Accounting Dude that we were going to have Pigs in a Blanket and I pulled out a half a loaf of bread so it didn't go to waste. He was a little skeptical, but now he loves them.

So my frugal tip would be - Don't let the bread go to waste. To borrow a line from Taco Bell think out side of the bun or crescent roll as the case may be.

Menu Monday

2010-03-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot that it was Monday. So I forgot to have my plan ready. I can't believe it is March 1st already. I'm hoping that the cold weather will go away soon and that we will be able to do more grilling and having lighter food. You know summer food. Food to me goes in cycles, and I am almost at the end of this winter cycle. I can't wait to have fresh herbs and vegtables. I can just taste the tomatoes and peppers that we grow.

Monday - Guy's Night Out/Frugal Chick is on her own

Tuesday - Catfish Nuggets - we have some left and I would like to get them out of the freezer. I think we will have a Knorr side with them. I have a few to many since they were on sale.

Wednesday - BBQ Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes. I know that this was on the menu last week, but we didn't get around to eating it. So it was moved to this week.

Thursday - Girl's Night Out/ Accounting Dude is on his own

Friday - Eat Out and hopefully go see Alice in Wonderland

Saturday - Eat Out

Sunday - Slow Cooker Lasagna

Publix

2010-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

This is what I got at Publix tonight. My Total with tax was $37.44. Plus I have my Jennie O Rebate to send in.

Saving Summary

Vendor Coupons $20.29
Store Coupons $6.35
Special Price Savings $35.65

Your Savings at Publix $62.27

I had a good savings at Publix, but I had one of the worse cashiers. I will call her Coupon Questioner Carol. Every coupon I had she questioned and numerous times she made me pull items out of my bag and show her before she would scan my coupon. This was a total pain. I mean didn't she just scan the item. But she really got me when I gave her a free item coupon for some Oreo Cakesters. It had a value of $3.29 and Publix was selling them for $3.39. She said to me "The coupon is only for $3.29 and we charge $3.39" I said, "Okay, just give me the $3.29" She said, "But they won't be free" After I was totally frustrated, "I said I'll just pay the 10 cents." She shrugged and finally a gave me the coupon.
After the dealing with all of this I handed her $29.00 in cash and told her I would pay the rest with my debt. After I handed it to her she just stood there looking at it. Finally, She said "this is only $29.00" I said, "I know I want to pay for the rest with my debt." It took her a moments to figure out how two do a transaction with two types of payment.
Needless to say I was so ready to leave Publix. I usually love my trips to Publix, but tonight I felt like I was being questioned as a cheat and not respected as a customer. This was some of the worst customer service I have every had a Publix. My husband and I figure we spend about $4,000 a year there, and we would like to be treated as if we are good regular customers. I know that if this was my first trip to Publix it would definitely be my last.

White Bean Chicken Chili

2010-02-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

I got this recipie from http://www.fairhopefoodie.com/. And it was easy and excellent.
We used:
2 chicken breast
4 cans of white beans
2 cups shredded cheese
1 large jar of salsa

Put in the crockpot and cook all day.

This is excellent and I will definately have it again.

Contessa Jambalya

2010-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

On Fat Tuesday Accounting Dude and I decided to eat something with a New Orleans flair. We had a bag of Contessa Jambalaya in the freezer which became our dinner. This was our first time trying this and it was wonderful. Accounting Dude said he could definitely have it again. It was super easy to make which is always a bonus in my book. I love to cook there are just some night that if I can get the meal on the table in less than a half hour I'm doing great. We both had one complaint there wasn't enough meat, but this is something that is probably better for us. It is something the bagged meals are always short on. Overall it was a good meal and something I would buy again. I'll just have to watch for coupons and BOGO at Publix.
Note - I was in no way compensated for this post.

Christmas Club Account

2010-02-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas it is truly my favorite time of the year. I love giving and receiving gifts. I enjoy the four Sundays of Advent and the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve. I like Christmas Trees and decorations in other words I really like Christmas. I also like to stay out of debt and that is why Frugal Chick and I plan for Christmas.

We plan our Christmas in such a way that credit card companies do not leave something extra special under the tree for us in January. First we list all of the people we buy gifts for and using past experience we estimate the amount we expect to spend on them for Christmas. We also try to estimate purchases of Christmas Cards, decorations, wrapping paper, lights and miscellaneous items we expect to buy for the coming Christmas Season. We add all of these items together and divide by 11. Do not try to set money aside in December, if you are like us it just does not work. This is the monthly amount we save for Christmas expenditures. Make sure this monthly set aside works within your monthly budget.

Realize most banks have done away with Christmas Club Accounts; however, our recent recession has caused a few of them to revisit this policy. If your bank has a Christmas Club account utilize it, if they do not simply open a new savings account (one with no fees) and use it for all of your Christmas transactions. If the bank limits the transactions in this account simply move the money from savings to checking once every two weeks during the Christmas Season. Or you could open a separate checking account and only use that debt card for Christmas purchases. The trick is you have to keep it out of sight and out of mind so as not to be tempted to use it during the year. In other words REMOVE it from your wallet except for November and December.

We have found that planning for Christmas purchases makes it a much less stressful time of the year. It allows us to enjoy making purchases for those we love without worrying about how to pay for them. Our Christmas financial plan also allows us to give money during the Holidays to those who are in need and to perform random acts of kindness. Next year during November and December have a merry and frugal Christmas.

Begging at Restaurants

2010-02-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

No, I may be cheap, but I don’t beg outside of a restaurant. I was wondering how you handle it when people come up to you asking for money or for food. Do you give it to them or do you keep on walking? I’m asking this because yesterday Accounting Dude and I went to Arby’s for lunch.

There was a man walking in the parking lot going from car to car asking for money to buy food. I felt lucky because he didn’t ask me on our way in the restaurant, but he was right there when we came out. At first I just kept on walking, but his repeating how hungry he was over and over again got to me. No, I didn’t give him money, I offered to by him food.

Our conversation went something like this…
Begging Man – Can I please have some money I’m Hungry (grabbed his stomach for affect)?
Frugal Chick – No, I won’t give you money, but I will buy you a meal.
Begging Man – But I’m hungry. I need money.
Frugal Chick – I am more than willing to buy you anything on the menu. We will go inside and I will buy you whatever you want, but I won’t give you money.
Begging Man- (thinks about it, even walks towards Arby’s.) then says to me that’s okay thanks.
Frugal Chick – That’s okay, but I’m willing to buy you food.

Begging Man turns around and starts asking the people in the drive thru for money. I am sure the guy was hungry. I’m also sure whatever he wanted the money for he wanted more than food.

After we got in the car Accounting Dude said that I had a good answer for him. I didn’t think of it as just a good answer I really did want to buy him food. I was willing to go into Arby’s and buy him whatever he wanted on the menu, but he didn’t take me up on my offer.

So that leads me back to my question – What do you do?

CVS (02-21-10)

2010-02-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Slow week at CVS.
I got these 3 toothbrushes for $3.99 each for a total of $11.97.
I had 2 - $1.00 coupons and 1 - $0.75 coupon.
Also had $5.00 CVS Bucks.
Making my total $5.42.
I also got $5.00 ECB back

Tips on Tuesday - Free Plants

2010-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

My tip for today is - Don't buy plants when you can transplant them.

My friend/co-worker came into work yesterday saying she dug up a bunch of bulbs that had pretty much taken over her backyard. As we talked I asked her what she was going to do with them. Her answer was trash them. I had wanted to do a flower bed and these would work perfect, mostly because they were free. After eating dinner Accounting Dude and I headed over to her house and selected the bulbs we wanted. It will be this weekend before we plant them, but we were both so excited about getting them before they went in the trash.

This is half the pile of plants that were dug up.

These were a few of the ones we took. Next time you see your friend or neighbor digging up there plants ask if you can have a few. You may want to offer to help them dig up the plants in exchange.

Menue Monday

2010-02-22T08:00:00.001-08:00

Sunday - Lunch - Firecracker Shrimp Quesadillas with Corn
Dinner - Leftovers
Monday - Pigs in a Blankets with Mac & Cheese
Tuesday - Breakfast - Eggs, Toast, Bacon, & Hash browns
Wednesday - Tuna Helper
Thursday - Left Overs
Friday - Eat Out
Saturday -?

New Ties

2010-02-21T17:55:00.000-08:00

JC Penney's has some great clearance items. I would have probably got more, but Accounting Dude was along and he hates to shop. I did get these two ties for him. They were both $2.97 a piece. A great deal for men's ties. Accounting Dude has a bad habit of wiping his glasses on his ties and snagging them. So I try not to pay more than $5.00 for a tie. At $2.97 I really wish they would have more that we liked.

Food For Thought Friday

2010-02-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

Okay I know that this is not exactly food, but since I have never eaten this candy before I thought I would share my opinion on it. My opinion is that it isn't very good. If you like Sour Patch Kids you won't like these. They really didn't have much taste, and what taste they did have wasn't sour. They tasted like bland gummies with a texture. I love Wonka candy - Just don't like these. I'm so glad that I had a coupon making them free because I would be mad if I had spent any money on them. If you have tried them let me know what you think of them?
This is what they look like.

This is what the bag looks like.

Wonka had nothing to do with this post.

Frugal Travel Tips

2010-02-18T10:43:00.001-08:00

Frugal Chick and I love to travel. If you have the love of travel and the love of saving here are a few tips we have found helpful.

1. Plan your trip in advance there are substantial discounts for airlines, hotels and cruise lines for booking well in advance. Part of planning in advance includes looking online for deals to your favorite destinations, sign up for newsletters etc… to reputable sites. Disney, SmartVegas, and Carnival send us updates on deals all the time.

2. When time and distance permit travel by car, the cost is substantially less than flying. When traveling by car you do not have to deal with the TSA, baggage cost are not an issue, limits on toiletries are not an issue and your luggage does not go missing or get destroyed.

3. Save money for your trip, set aside a few dollars every month until you have enough to take your trip. All the change we collect during the year goes into our travel fund. This is not enough to pay for a major trip, but it certainly helps with gas and food. Also, as we stated in a previous post if a second job can be used to fund a trip that always helps.

4. Always assume that there will be hidden cost when traveling. A vacation is much like tile or hardwood flooring if your house needs 400 square feet of tile you would probably buy 450 square feet of tile. We have been to Disney World, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Hilton Head, New Orleans and on a Caribbean Cruise. The only time our budget was even close was on the Cruise. When traveling you will eat more extravagantly than you expect to, you will buy more trinkets than you intend to, you will go to shows and events not on your schedule and you will upgrade despite knowing better. I feel that adding twenty percent to your expected budget is not at all over doing it for a big trip. Travel should only be done after you have established an emergency fund and paid of all major debt excluding your home. Travel with the confidence that when the trip is over the fun memories and enjoyment will come home with you instead of the bill.

Bahamas

Hawaii

Tips on Tuesday

2010-02-15T20:47:00.000-08:00

I know what you are thinking - What do pillows have to do with saving money?

Well, in my town we have a decorator fabric store and they have a bargain basement. Not a store you would expect to have a bargain basement. It has a bind of $1.00 sample squares. So for $8.00 in fabric I made 4 pillows.
Do they match? No, but sometimes I get lucky and they have two matching squares.
Is the material way more expense than I could have bought at full price? Yes Some of the fabric I used was a round $20.00 a yard.
Do I worry about them getting ruined? Not really because as my taste changes I can go back and get something else or if they get stained I don't have that much in the material.
Actually, one of the ladies at the store questioned me about what I was going to do with all of my squares. When I told her I was going to make pillows, she replied with that is a good idea.

So my tip is - Even if the store looks to expensive to go into. Go any way because you don't know if they have a bargain basement filled with wonderful gems.

Menu Monday

2010-02-15T16:36:00.000-08:00

Monday - Crock pot ribs ( Kraft BBQ Sauce, 1 Packet McCormick's Chili Sauce, and Some Pineapple Juice to thin the BBQ Sauce) Mashed Potatoes and Corn

Tuesday - Jambalaya

Wednesday- Steaks, baked potato and salad (this was on the menu last week, but we didn't get to make them)

Thursday - Leftovers

Friday- Eat Out

Saturday - Lunch - Chicken Nuggets
Dinner - BBQ Pork Sandwiches & Fries

Sunday - Lunch - Out
Dinner - Soup and Sandwich

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T20:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show you an inexpensive Valentine's Day decoration. I made this out of felt which is reasonably priced even when not on sale. I just cut out hearts and then sewed them together. Just made my living room a little more festive.

Accounting Dude and I had a nice Valentine's Day today. We even went "Cheap" this year. I had a coupon and gift cards for Red Lobster. So we went there for lunch. All we had to pay for there was our tip. Then we went and saw Valentine's Day which was an okay movie. We only had to pay for one ticket because I had a coupon for one free ticket. Then we saved even more by going to the Matinee and we didn't purchase any popcorn or drinks. I know it didn't cost that much, but I really enjoyed my Valentine's Day with my Valentine.

Food For Thought

2010-02-12T18:00:00.001-08:00

Let me start out by saying today has been unusual because I had a SNOW DAY. Lets just say we don't get many of those in Alabama.

I did want to share with you a new product I just tried this week. Sunday we went to a SuperBowl part and we were asked to bring something. Well, Heluva Good dip was on sale at Publix and I had a two coupons making them free. I got two tubs of French Onion dip and we ate a lot of it at the party and what we didn't eat that night Accounting Dude and I ate the rest until we ran out of chips. I loved how creamy it was. The flavoring was just right, and it has a cool name. I will definately get this again.

I have in no way been paid for this post.

Accounting Dude's Thoughts on Forclosures

2010-02-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

The housing market had 300,000 foreclosures in January and more keep coming every month. Some foreclosures are due to unforeseen problems, but many are due to irresponsible and immature people.

On our street there are three houses that have been or are in the process of being foreclosed. I keep hearing about people being under water and simply quit paying of their mortgage. This is so short sighted; people give up their homes and relocate their children simply because they owe more on their homes than they are worth. Think about a new car, it is under water as soon as it rolls of the lot. The value of real estate will eventually come back unless of course the property has been defaulted in that case everything that was put into it would be lost.

This problem is threefold:

1.Individuals sought loans with such high monthly mortgage payments that they simply could not sustain paying the rate over a long period of time.

2.Banks issued loans to individuals they certainly should have known could not ever repay the mortgages. The banks then sliced up the bad mortgages and packaged them with good mortgages, insurance instruments, and other assets and poisoned the entire financial market.

3.The government encouraged issuing mortgages to low income individuals, many of whom were not capable of paying off the mortgages.

I feel like if you sign a contract you should do your level best to honor it. One of our neighbors simply quit paying their mortgage and left town, they even left the leased vehicle in the yard. I think one of the biggest problems in our society today is everyone is looking to blame someone for their problems and are also looking for someone to bail them out. Personal responsibility and self reliance are both lost on entirely too many people. Stay responsible, stay honest and stay frugal.

Walmart & Target Deals

2010-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Again I can't find my receipts, that is what I get for cleaning out my purse. I remember most of what every thing cost.

The My Little Pony's were $3.00 each with a BOGO coupon. This was a great deal and they fit in a shoebox.

The floss was $0.12 after coupon.

The Renue was $0.65 after coupon

The Tuna was free with coupon.

The Olay Lotion was $2.24 each after coupon.

The games were all a $1.50 or less. I know that they Scrabble game came from Target because Walmart wouldn't let me use the coupon on a Scrabble card game.

I know these two trips were something like $13.00 at Walmart and around $3.00 at Target.

Second Trip to Wal-mart and First Trip to Walgreen's

Walmart - My Little Pony x 2 $3.00

Scrabble Apple - $5.94 - Already played and it was loads of fun.

Pictureka - $0.24

Walgreen's - 2 Rice Krispies - $5.00 with a $1.00 off two coupon and $2.00 in Register Rewards plus I got back $2.00 in Register Rewards

Rite Aid- 90% off Christmas - Got about 3 weeks ago, but just now taking a picture.

Total - $2.70

CVS

2010-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

CVS didn't have a ton of deals this week, but I had some ECB burning a hole in my pocket. Lucky for me Accounting Dude loves Gillette Body wash and for some reason I have a ton of hair conditioner in my stockpile, but not any shampoo. So the P&G deal worked for me. Oh, I just really needed some tape and I didn't feel like going to Home Depot. I know it is over priced at CVS, but I weighed out the time it would take and I just got it at CVS against the cost and well time won.
This is how my transaction went:
2/$7.00 Pantine Ice Shampoo used 2 $1.00 off coupons
2 x $4.00 Gillette Body wash used 2 $2.00 off coupons
3M Masking Tape $6.49

Total after coupons - $15.49

Then I had a $10.98 and $2.00 ECB

Total Out of Pocket $2.51

I got back $5.00 in ECB and $1.00 for my fourth use of my green bag.

Tips on Tuesday

2010-02-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

I know it sound simple and easy, but you would be surprised how many people don’t do it – CARPOOL. I know what you are thinking why would that be a money saving tip. We all know about carpooling. Well, I love to carpool. Actually, I don’t like to drive and if I can find someone else to drive me I will be more than willing to chip in a few dollars for a ride. Where Accounting Dude and I save the most money carpooling is that we ride together to work. We actually work only four or five blocks away from each other and my building is on the way to his. You would be surprised by how many people look at us like we are crazy. Not only do I carpool with Accounting Dude, but when I go out with friends I try to find someone to ride with. If Accounting Dude and I are going to a football game we are more than willing to take others with us. They usually chip in for the parking.

The benefits:
1. Saves Money on Gas
2. Wear and Tear on only one vehicle, which is good since both our vehicles have over 100,000 miles on them
3. Could have one car if we had to – not that I want to test this.
4. Spend time together – making trips go faster.

The disadvantages:
1. Can’t be flexible – my dentist office can not get that I can’t take cancellation appointments.
2. Accounting Dude had to change his time at work
3. May have to find a ride if one of us gets sick or if the car we rode into town had problems during the day. Both of these situations have happened to us.

Accounting Dude and I have carpooled with each other for the last four years and I can’t tell you how much money we have saved on gas. The past summer when everyone was complaining about the price of gas it didn’t seem to affect us as much. I figure one day we will have to start taking two cars, but until this time comes we will enjoy carpooling.

Menu Monday

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I only make a menu for dinners since breakfast is usually cereal and lunch is usually a microwave meal.

Dinners:

Monday: Hamburgers, Mac & Cheese and Salad

Tuesday: Tuna Helper - Fettuccine Alfredo and Salad

Wednesday: Baked Pork Chops, Rice & Green Beans

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Dinner and A Movie (this will be our Valentines Day Celebration)

Saturday: Dinner Out

Sunday: Accounting Dude says he is going to grill Steaks, baked potatoes.

Publix

2010-02-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I would give you a details of my order, but I can't find the receipt. I have already dug it out of the trash once this weekend. Now I can't find it again. I do know that my total was $29.70. Glad I posted that on Facebook before I lost my receipt. Accounting Dude went with me to the store and reminded me that by using my coupons this week I paid for my years subscription to ALL YOU and then some.

Food For Thought

2010-02-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

We tried two new dinner items this week.

One night I made Cajun catfish nuggets. This rub may have worked out better if we would have used fillets instead of nuggets. I took from several recipes off the Internet to come up with my rub. There parts of the rub that were better than others, but overall we really liked them. Catfish is a reasonable priced fish for us since Accounting Dude's family has a stocked pond. If I had to fish for my food I would be so skinny because I don't like to fish at all. I think it has something to do with the chicken livers and maybe the live fish on a hook. Seeing it is just gross, but it sure is taste.

We also had Chicken Helper Lo Mein. We all know that some Helper meals are better than others. This one was excellent and I would definitely eat it again. Chicken Helper works for us when we are having a busy night. It is such a quick meal with some left over for lunch one day.

Home Improvement projects

2010-02-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Toward the end of 2007 Frugal Chick and I knew our carpet was worn out. We both knew we wanted to tile the kitchen and bathrooms and put hardwoods throughout the rest of the house. We priced this out to several contractors and came to the conclusion they were charging more than we were willing to pay. We decided that we would either have to put off this project or figure out how to do it ourselves.

Luckily, Frugal Chick and I have a friend who has laid hardwoods in his own house. We asked him if he would help get us started in our home. Thankfully he was more than willing to help, and was more than generous with his time and letting us borrow his tools.

We priced around and found a very good deal for interlocking hardwood, quarter round and tile at a wholesale outlet called Surplus Warehouse. We even went a day in which it was raining so we would get more individualized service. They were having an extra sale; if memory serves me right an annual coupon day. I would recommend everyone looking for a Surplus Warehouse (http://www.surplus-warehouse.com/) a store like it in their area before purchasing from a big box hardware store. We actually got Bruce Hardwood (http://www.bruce.com/) for a very reasonable price.

So with 1,200 square feet of hardwood and 300 square feet of tile in hand we were ready to start flooring. Some of these items had to sit in the guest bedroom while we worked our way from room to room, but the savings far out weighed the inconvenience. We had a Miter Saw, a jigsaw and a circular saw and borrowed a table saw. Our friend helped us floor the first three rooms in our house, without him we would have had a real mess on our hands.

Frugal Chick refers to this kind of work on your house as sweat equity. I will not lie to you it is hard work and there is a definite learning curve. When you attack a project like this you will have to accept that while a room is being floored the house will be in disarray.

The benefits are both evident and unexpected. It is obviously cheaper (in our case 3 1/2 times cheaper) to install the wood and tile than to contract it out. There are unexpected benefits of doing it yourself. I have learned how to use tools that may assist me in many projects and that may allow me to help others in the future. I am not a handyman but have come to love doing this kind of work, not only do you save money doing it yourself there is also a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you did it on your own.

Out with old in with the new

Finished products

And here is our house after all our renovations

Keep the Change

2010-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

All of us know that change adds up.

I remember many years ago right out of college when I was dating a guy, who is not Accounting Dude. He would always talk about what a pain change was and how we should just eliminate it from our currency. Well, I didn't agree with that idea, but I did appreciate the fact that he would leave his change at my apartment because it was just to much of a pain for him. I can't tell you how many Friday lunches and dinners out I had on his change. He thought it was amusing that I would save the change he left. Looking back I think it almost be came a game to us. He would leave little piles of change on my end table or dinning room table and I would save it until I wanted use it and tell him how much I got for his change. If I had only known then that change really does add up to more than a fast food meal every now and then. I would have been better off.

Accounting Dude and I keep our change. You should see us when we sit down to count it. It is like two kids in a candy store.

Everyone has suggestions on what we should use our change for. Accounting Dude and I have decided to save it for our yearly trip to the beach. It helps with gas and eat out money for this long weekend.

Some people at our church save their change for missions.

My brother gives his change to his son to save.

One of my relatives just saves her change to just save change. Kind of odd. I would like a goal to reach.

Whatever you do with your saved change is up to you just as long as it isn't eliminated from the currency because I can't really handle another tax.
Besides that it is just plain old FUN!

Publix 2-1-10

2010-02-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

I got all of this for $45.17 which isn't to bad

Savings Summary
Vendor Coupon $12.90
Store Coupon $ 5.40
Advertised Special Savings $48.49
Advantage Buy Savings $0.21

Total Savings $67.00

Menu Monday

2010-02-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

I don't know where January went to, but I do know one thing I failed at my menu plan. But I going to get back up on the horse and try again. This weeks menu isn't that exciting, but I'm still trying to work on my pantry.

Monday - Chicken Helper - Low Mein

Tuesday-Baked Catfish, New Potatoes, and Green Beans (I don't know if the catfish will work, but Accounting Dude assures me that it will. We will see about that.)

Wednesday- Tacos, Rice and Mexican Corn

Thursday - Left overs

Friday - Eat Out

Saturday - Lunch - Chicken Poppers and Chips

Dinner - Pizza

Sunday - Lunch - Eat Out

Dinner - Soup and Salad

This is my plan and I hope to stick with it this week.

If you would like to see more menu's head over to I'm an organizational junkie to check some out.

CVS & Walgreens

2010-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

CVS

I only had one transaction at CVS this week, but I had to go to 2 different CVS Stores to find the Dove Men's Body Wash. Let me add that I hate finding fill in items. I usually just pick up what is closest to the register and then when I leave I always think about something else that would have work as a better fill in.

Started Out with $12.00 in Extra Care Bucks.
Transaction #1 - Colgate $2.99 - $0.75 coupon
Dove Men's Body wash 2 at 5.49 -$1.00 and $1.25 coupons
CVS Hand Sanitizer $1.49
Total OOP- $2.01 out of this Tax was $1.55

I received another $12.98 in Extra Bucks

Walgreen's

Started out with $4.00 in Register Rewards.

Transaction #1 - Kellogg's Rice Krispies - 2/$5.00 -$4.00 Register Reward
Total - $1.50
Got Back - $2.00 in Register Reward

Transaction #2 - Russel Stovers Heart -$0.29
Vitamin Lip Stuff - $1.99
Used - $2.00 Register Reward from transaction above
Total - $0.51
Earn $2.00 Register Rewards for next time.

Couples Budgeting Together

2010-01-29T07:38:00.001-08:00

Frugal Chick and I have periodic budget meetings usually one every two or three months. We set up budget amounts for groceries, gas, eating out, CVS (Frugal Chick loves CVS extra bucks, her ability to use CVS extra bucks is so legendary I intend to dedicate a future blog post on the subject.), fun money, Christmas gifts, home projects, insurance, meds and hair cuts. In our meetings we discuss how we will divide up the income we earn between these and other monthly expenses.
I keep the books and reconcile our accounts while Frugal Chick actually makes the purchases. In our meetings she explains to me what purchases cost and why a particular item needs to have more or less budgeted to it. I explain to her how much income we have and what her proposed changes to the expenses will do to the over all budget. We then discuss the option and come up with a revised budget.
We try to work it like a corporation and call ourselves BS Incorporated after our first initials and for other reasons.
We make sure we both understand what is our savings and checking accounts and what our changes will do to the monthly totals before we end our meeting. We always dedicate some money to savings and have an emergency fund and I would suggest these two things to anyone else. This process sounds complex, but after a few meeting the prep time should be less than thirty minutes and the meeting should never go more than about twenty minutes. After twenty minutes one or both partners will have lost interest and minds will wander.
This process keeps us on the same page and working toward the same objective. We both know how much income we bring home and how it is being spent and applied. I feel this process greatly reduces our arguments over money, and could work for any couple that commits to it. If a couple has the same financial information and compromise together to form common financial goals there really will not be much to argue over, financially speaking. As far as, arguing over the remote and laundry your on your own.

Walmart Deals

2010-01-27T08:53:00.000-08:00

I don't usually shop at Walmart. It seems to suck the time and money out of my life.

But Money Saving Mom has listed a lot of good deals at Walmart this week. I may actually have to go get some of these.

I love reading Money Saving Mom because she is just so inspiring.

My Coke Rewards

2010-01-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

For several years, I just ignored these little codes inside the 12 packs of Coke and Dasani that I purchased every month or so. I can't tell you how many points I tossed in the trash.

After I played the McDonald's Monopoly game last year and one 50 points I decided to start collecting. My goal was to just get a magazine subscription. Now my goal is to see how many points I can get by the end of the year. One thing is that Accounting Dude and I would like to go to the Coke Museum in the ATL and we can get tickets with our reward points.

Now that I have seen the fun items I can get with my rewards I have started collecting points from my mom, brother, and people at work. They are all willing to give me their points instead of seeing them go into the trash.

Why I like the My Coke Rewards program:

1. Easy to get and accumulate points

2. Easy to enter them into an online account

3. Wide variety of prizes to collect.

What I don't like about the My Coke Rewards program:

1. Hard to read the codes

2. Some prizes seem to be listed in a high value amount for what they are.

Publix 01-24-2010

2010-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Savings Summary
Vendor Coupon $10.59
Store Coupon $2.88
Advertised Special Savings $16.39
In-Store Special Savings $1.69

Total Savings $31.55

Total Spent $30.97

Outstanding Deals - digigornos pizza - Free Coupon
Waffel Mix - Special in store $.50
Hallmark Cards $0.99 each - used two $0.99 off a Hallmark cards

Food For Thought Friday

2010-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Since we are trying to clean out our pantry, I have made things that I normally don't make.

First up: This easy dish I hear advertised on Rotel Tomato commercial so I thought we would try it. And I had all the ingredients were in the pantry. All this recipe contains is pasta, small block of Velveeta cheese, chicken, & two cans of Rotel Tomatoes. We both really liked it, and I would definitely make it again.

Turkey Joe:

Okay, I was hungry for Sloppy Joe's. Well, I did not have any hamburger meat, but we did have some turkey meat patties. I decided to use these turkey patties to make Sloppy Joe's. I fried up the meat and used a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar to make the sauce. I would like to say that I enjoyed it, but I didn't. I did eat the leftover meat for a lunch one day, and it was much better than I thought the first time. Accounting Dude loved it and requested it again. I think I must have really really wanted Sloppy Joe's with hamburger meat.

Second Jobs

2010-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

In April of 2006 Frugal Chick and I were married and we spent the year taking trips and celebrating. In 2007 my wife and I decided we needed some extra income to help with student loans and to help pay for the annual trips we both loved. It was decided I would get a second job since she was working on her Masters Degree at night. We updated my resume and sent it out cold to every CPA firm in town. We sent sixty resumes in all and only received interest from three firms. All three made offers and we choose the firm that offered the work on contract basis. We choose this firm since it was small, close to home and had an accounting software package I already knew how to use. My work was at night and on weekends and I was expected to put in at least twenty hours a week.

It is hard to go to work after supper and to give up my weekends in order to work two jobs. I just had to remember tax season only last twelve weeks and I was being well paid for my trouble. The work helps me stay sharp on matters of tax, general accounting and estate planning. I work in governmental accounting and if I did not work tax seasons my knowledge in tax and corporate accounting would slowly fade. When the time is right I would like to go into private practice and the work I do during tax season keeps me up to date on accounting issues. The tax work has and will continue to help make contacts and build a future client base.

A second job is a source of additional income to help with finances, trips, and savings for the future. It will also help to keep a person sharp and motivated regardless of their field of expertise. A second job will also increase a person’s knowledge and help make new contacts. I would recommend a trying a second job to anyone with drive, ambition and a frugal nature.

Weekly Shopping

2010-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

This week I decided to do all shopping updates in one post. So here it goes:

CVS:

Had extra bucks to cover the Soy Joys. All I had to pay was tax which was $0.60 a box.
The Oust 4 at $3.99 each used two BOGO Coupons plus a $6.00 Extra Bucks. Making my total out of pocket $3.58 and I received back extra bucks of $12.00. Plus this qualifies for the SC Johnson rebate.

Target:

This weekend I got lucky because I didn't know it, but Target had marked down some of their toys to 75%. I lost my receipt, but all of these were around $10.00. They will fit great in shoe boxes at Christmas.

Publix:

This picture is missing 2 bottle of Fantastic that I also got this night.

Savings Summary : Store Coupon $12.80
Vendor Coupon $24.30
Advertised Special Savings $24.50
Advantage Buy Savings $1.49
Total Savings: $63.09

I started to clap when the woman at the register told me my told was $35.03

Walmart:

Okay, let me start off by saying we don't really go to Walmart. Accounting Dude will have to write a post one day on why we don't go to Walmart, but that is for another day.

But I had coupons and I was bored. I did pretty good because I only got the things pictured above for $2.53.

To Rent or To Buy

2010-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

I know what your thinking, "Why is Accounting Dude standing in front of a Christmas tree with a tux on?"
Well this picture was taken in December, which was the last time he wore his tux.
I know it sounds silly, but Accounting Dude owns his own tux. When we first started dating we got invited to a few balls. Balls are big in our town. He rented a tux once for a little over a $100.00 and decided that if he was going to go to many of these balls he would just buy a tux. Since investing right at $500.00 for his tux, shoes, shirt, vest, tie and cufflinks, he wouldn't get the cheap one, he has worn it to 3 balls and our wedding. He has worn the shoes one other time. He was in a wedding and had to rent a tux to match the other groomsmen. After wearing it this last time he said, "I only have one more time and then I've broke even."

I think of it this way my wedding dress cost around the same amount as his tux and I have only worn it once. So I think he is way ahead of breaking even.

My Tuesday Tip is consider the cost of renting over buying or buying over renting. In this case we made out better by purchasing the item.

Update on Challenge

2010-01-18T18:06:00.000-08:00

Pantry Challenge update:

-Okay so I'm not doing so well on the $150.00 limit. Accounting Dude and I have talked and it is easier for Accounting Dude to budget $40.00 a week instead of $35.00 the first week and $40.00 the next week. But still we have limited our grocery budget.

- I have tried to make a monthly menu, but we don't seem to stick with that. So now I'm going to try to make a weekly menu.

- I still haven't had time to clean out and inventory the pantry.

- I don't think that I will have anything left to save towards the refrigerator.

- Lunches have been a challenge, but this week I got lucky because with sales and coupons I was able to get Healthy Choice meals for $0.50 each.

On a happier note: Accounting Dude and I think that we will try to stick to this longer than a month. We also have used several things in our freezer and made some meals we would have never before.

I'll give you another update at the end of the month.

Food For Thought Friday

2010-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

We tried some more new products this week. This time it was TGIF Fridays Anytime! Mexican Style Chicken Quesadilla and Campbell's Mexican-Style Chicken Tortilla soup.
The inside of the quesadilla after I had taken a bite of it. We were both surprised at the amount of products the quesadilla had inside of it. It was very filling.

The outside of the quesadilla. I wasn't really sure about trying this because I thought it maybe to spicy, but I was pleasantly surprised that it had just the right amount of heat so that you knew that it was a Mexican dish but not so much that it burned your mouth. I would definitely have them again. Six came in the box so this will make a good Saturday lunch.

Now on to the soup. I am not usually a big soup fan, but since it has been so cold lately I decided to make it more. Also it has been on sale and Accounting Dude likes soup. I thought that this soup didn't have much of a flavor it seemed kind of boring and unmemorable. Accounting Dude said that it was pretty good which when ask to clarify that he said it was just okay not great or anything. I think I'll stick with some of Campbell's other flavors before I buy this one again.

CVS (1-11-10)

2010-01-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! that is a crappy picture!

Went to two different CVS today mostly looking for Christmas items marked down to 90%off.

Walgreens (01-11-10)

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Purchased all of this in two differen orders.

This is actually the inside of the Nail Diva Kit. Don't you just love it?

I did learn that you have to have the same number of items that you have coupons. That has to be one of the stupidist coupon rules I have ever heard of. Mostly because I hate finding fillers.

First Order - Therma Care HeatWrap $2.49- $1.00 manufacture coupon

Nail Diva Kit $5.19

Nivia Cream $.99

Used Register Reward - $3.00, $1.00 Got Back $2.50

Total - $4.54

Total Savings $10.30

Second Order - Diva Nail Kit - $5.19

Used Register Reward - $2.50

Total - $3.25

Total Savings - $7.30

Saving Pennies Spending Dollars

2010-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

My father-in-law likes to jokingly say to Accounting Dude and I, "Your saving your pennies and spending your dollars." In some ways that is true. Accounting Dude and I do save our pennies, but we really really enjoy spending our dollars. It is all about the choices we make.

So one of the choices we made was to go to watch the BCS National Championship game. Part of the deal was that if Accounting Dude got to go to the game I got to go to Disney Land. I enjoyed Disney Land, but I don't think as much as he enjoyed the game.
We also had to make a stop on Rodeo Dr. which I think you couldn't save any pennies on this street, but you could definately spend a lot of dollars.

We had a lot of fun at the game and actually we were lucky enough to pay face value for our tickets. It was a fun week and I do enjoy traveling so much that I clip coupons and drive an old car in exchange for seeing the world.

I'm going to keep saving my pennies...who know where I'll spend my dollars next.

Tips on Tuesday

2010-01-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

I know so many people hate thinking about Christmas right after it happened, but it seems to me to be one our biggest expenses for the entire year. So besides budgeting for it, I look for expensive things at a cheap price, and nothing beats free.
See these boxes were sent to my office on December 28Th. Everyone dug into the goodies inside I looked at the boxes. All I could think was that they were nice a nice size for small items. So I took them and left the goodies. I know next year they will make great gift boxes and I'll also be recycling. I guess my tip is look for unusual shaped boxes and keep them. I don't know a Christmas that hasn't gone by when either my brother or I had received a gift in a box that checks were sent in. Sometimes laughing at the box is just as much fun as the gift.
If you live in Alabama you will find this funny - This year for Christmas I received gifts in boxes from Gayffers and Parisians, both department stores that are longer in business and haven't been in years.

Publix (01-11-10)

2010-01-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Posted these on accident. It probably the jet lag. I'll explain that tomorrow.
Total spent: $23.49
Savings Summary: Vendor Coupons $7.00
Advertised Special Savings $9.60
Total Savings: $16.60

Good Buys: Digiorno Pizzas $10.00- $4.00= $6.00
Peter Pan Peanut Butter 2 for $2.59 - $2.00 = $0.59
Ronzoni Pasta 2 for $1.79 - $1.00 = $0.79

Hobby Lobby

2010-01-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

I love Arts and Crafts. I have ever since I was a little kid. Making things has always facinated me. So one of my favorite stores is Hobby Lobby. The one thing I don't like about it is that it closes at 8 p.m. I can deal with the not being open on Sunday, but closing at 8 just kills me.

I did have time to run in their one night when they had their Christmas 80%.

All the items in this picture came to $13.17. More Christmas presents for next year.

This ribbon is for my grandmother in law. She needs new bows to go on all of her wreaths at her house. She has 7 wreaths across the front of her house and 2 in the back so I was lucky to find 9 rolls of ribbon all the same color. These were orginally $9.99 a roll with 80% off.

Michael's

2010-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some of these items were 75% off and some were 80% off. So I will just give you the total and some highlights. Total spent $20.39.

Highlights - Scrapbook paper was $9.99 and then the lady gave me 80% off making it $1.98 for 60 pages. Can you believe that?

Plush Floppy Animas were - $0.50 each.

Target

2010-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

More Christmas Items - 75% off at Target. I have set a goal of filling 10 boxes for Operation Christmas Child next year, and I know that if I purchased all of the items to fill it then I would never be able to afford it. Luck for me Target has the best stocking stuffer section for little kids which fit perfect into shoe boxes. So for $11.84 I got all of these items. The Christmas ornaments will be part of some family members gifts for next year.

Hallmark

2010-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know why I got these sickers I guess I just liked them. I can't remeber how much they were, but they couldn't have been that much.
I really wanted the Turkey pin. My mom had one like this when I was growing up and when I saw this I had to have it. It was only $0.50.

After Christmas Sale

2010-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

I won't say who each ornament is for because some people who read this blog may end up with them in their stocking next year.

Kohl's - $27.66

Northcutt's On Main (I love this store!) - $15.77
The purple striped ball is for on my tree it is part of Christopher Radko set of 4, but one broke and they broke up the rest of the set. Then it was marked half off so I got it for $2.25. Can you believe that?

JC Penney - $4.88

CVS

2010-01-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

For some reason these lights were marked differently than the other lights in the Christmas section. The 300 count was $1.00 and all the other sets were $0.25 a piece. The bag of tea lights that you can hardle see was another $1.00. Total -$2.75.

Walgreens, CVS (1-03-100

2010-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Walgreen's -
Electrosol- $3.49 coupon used $2.50
Neosporin - 2/$8.00 coupons used 2/$3.00 off
Walgreen's - $0.99 needed because Accounting Dude is sick

Go back - $4.00 in Register Rewards

I had to go back in because I checked my receipt because I thought I was charged to much which I was. I was charged twice for the Electorsol. I went back to the girl who check out my order and she had me go in the line with manager. When I showed her the receipt and told her I was charged twice for one item. She said to me, "Are you sure you didn't purchase two?" I hadn't even made it out the door. Do they really have that many people steal Electrosol tablets? I mean with coupons and Register Rewards they paid me a penny.

CVS-

I have my gift card for the year and I think I'm going to LOVE it. Also my store got a new coupon scanner machine and this worked out great because I got my quarterly Extra Bucks to start with.

Colgate 360 toothbrush - $2.99

GE Light Bulb - $2.99

2 Nivea Lip Stuff - $6.98

1 Nivea Body Wash - $6.99

Total Before Coupons - $19.95

Coupons Used - $4.03 Extra Bucks - $10.50

Total Out of Pocket - $2.71

Tips on Tuesday

2010-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today's tip - how to extend the life of expired coupons by passing them on. Apparently troops stationed over seas can use them for up to 6 months after the expiration date. OCP NET is just one of the organizations that will help you with this. Just think of all the troops you will be helping.

Sunday Shopping (1-03-10)

2010-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it is 2010. I can't! Wow were did 2009 go?

First up Publix -
Savings Summary - Vendor Coupons $8.00
Store Coupons $9.00
Advertised Special Savings $10.07
Advantage Buy Savings $0.029
Your Savings at Publix - $27.36

Total Spent - $21.21

Good Deals in this order -
Olay Regenerist $3.99 x 2 used 2 $1.00 off coupon and it qualifies for a $15.00 mail in rebate.
Scotties Tissue on sale $0.99 used $1.00 off coupon
Wonka Candy - $1.00 used $1.00 off coupon
Glade Candles (2) - $5.99 each used 2 Publix $4.00 coupons and 1 $3.00 off coupon on two.

Rite Aid -
The Grinch was on sale for 75% off making it $3.25
Zyrtec - $18.99 used $4.00 coupon and it qualifies for a $4.00 single check rebate.
I used a $10.00 off Rite Aid coupon.
When I get back the $4.00 single check refund my total will be $4.25

Target -

Christmas clearance 75%- a bunch of stuff for $7.43 most of which will go into my Christmas boxes.

Phillips Crabcakes and Campbell's Sweet Red Pepper Soup

2010-01-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I posted this picture without writing anything about it. I know you probably thought this was pretty odd.
So this is what the post was suppose to be about. Accounting Dude and I thought it would be fun to give you our opinion about new products that we try. We both would love to be food critics, but since we aren't and we have blog you, our readers, will get to hear about this. It will make trying new products fun. By the way we paid for these products.

We will start with the Phillips crab cakes. The worst thing about these were finding them at Publix. I got them when they were on sale BOGO and then I had another $2.55 in coupons making them extremely cheap. Accounting Dude and I both love seafood, but crab cakes are not one of my favorite things. I usually find them filled with breading and very little meat, this was not the case all with these Phillips crab cakes. They were filled with tons of crab meat, big chunks. Both Accounting Dude and I would love to have them again. We were both surprised at how good they were and we wanted more, which is always a good sign.

The soup is Campbell's V8 Sweet Red Pepper soup. We have had other V8 soups that we like so we thought that we would try this soup. This Sweet Red Pepper soup reminded both of us of tomoto soup both in taste and texture. We both thought that we could eat this again, but we would prefer to eat tomato soup instead. There just wasn't much to say about it we tried it and we just weren't impressed with this soup.

New Year New Financial Goals

2010-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Financial Goals for 2010:

Limit our grocery spending to $60.00 a week. This will mean that we will have to eat out of the pantry more, and making a weekly menue.
Purchase a $100.00 gift certificate at CVS and see how we can make it last. Our goal is to make last until the end of June. In July if this gift card is used up a new $100.00 can be purchased.
Have a least 1 yard sale.
List at least 10 items on eBay.
Keep working through the Baby Steps.
Fill at least 10 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. I love this organization.
See how much change we can collect each month. Our goal is $350.00
Save up and purchase a new refrigerator. I'm tired of buying a bag of ice everyweek, and this should also save on energy.
Save up and purchase a new dishwasher.
Save up and expand the patio.
Save up and fence in our backyard.

And the biggest Goal - Save up and purchase a new car.

Let's see how many of these goals Accounting Dude and I can reach this year.

Eat From the Pantry Challenge

2009-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Money Saving Mom and Life as Mom are having an eat from the pantry challenge for the month of January.
Accounting Dude and I decided to participate because December seems like our month when we forget that we live on a written game plan. So a new month and new year seems like the perfect time to bring in the reigns and participate.

Our Challenge will include:

Inventorying our Pantry. Just inventoried the freezer a couple of weeks ago.
Reduce Grocery spending to $150.00 for the month. Normally spent $320.00 a month last year.
Purchase only dairy, produce, bags of ice (ice maker hasn't worked in a year and we don’t own ice cube trays and this is just easier), Diet Sunkist (drink one a day for both Accounting Dude and I) and items that are either free or super cheap.
Find creative things for lunch at work because Lean Cuisines and Smart Ones will eat into our budget.
Clean out my coupon organizer and keep it up to date.
Make a monthly menu. Did this in the past and it seemed to work out great.
Money saved will go towards our new refrigerator.

*We have an eat out envelope and still plan to use once a week. When the money is gone - there is no more eating out. We maybe helped in this area because we did get eat out gift cards for Christmas.
*CVS items will no longer count in our grocery envelope. It is now going to have its own envelope.

I think that we can handle all of these items and we are always up for a good challenge. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

Publix (12-28-09)

2009-12-30T19:18:00.000-08:00

Accounting Dude was taking down the Christmas decorations and he had them spread out all over the kitchen counter making it impossible to take my picture in there. I had to move my groceries into the living room and they relaxed a little while in the recliner. ( Coupon used will be in green.)
Good deals in this picture - Starkist Tuna - $1.39 Expiring Coupon -$1.00 = $0.39
Contessa Shrimp BOGO $3.78 -$1.50 off 2 = $2.28
Starbucks Coffee - $6.99 -$1.00 = $5.99
Chex Mix BOGO $2.49 -$1.00 = $1.49
Bertolli Oven Bake $4.99 - $1.00 = $3.99

Good Deals in this picture: Pulbix Grape Juice $3.39 - $3.38 = $0.01
Snuggle Fabric Softner $3.00 -$2.00 = $1.00

Good Deals This Picture - Emerald Peanuts BOGO $3.29 -$1.50 = $1.79

Pillips Crab Cakes $4.50 - $2.00 -$0.55 = $1.95

Lindsay Olives BOGO $1.99 - $1.00 = $0.99

TGI Fridays Quesadillas $4.50 - $2.00 = $2.50

Savings Summary
Vendor Coupon $10.05
Store Coupon $7.93
Advertised Special Savings $38.71
Your Savings at Publix $56.69

CVS (12-28-09)

2009-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is probably my last CVS trip of the year. The assistant manager was funny tonight he said he wished that he could do as well as I did on my trips to CVS. He also told me that there were only about a half a dozen of us who pretty much break even. I took that as a nice compliment, especially since the one woman in my CVS hates it when I get good deals.
These items were purchased in two transactions (Coupons in Green):

First: Old Spice Deotarant (the only kind Accounting Dude will use) 2/$5 -$1.00
Dawn Dish Detergent $0.99 -$0.25
Efferedent $4.99
CVS Extra Care Bucks Used - $5.00, $2.00, $2.00
Total Out of Pocket - $1.83 Got Back - $1.00, $3.00

Second: Dawn Dish Detergent $0.99 -$0.25
Colgate Toothpaste $2.99 -$0.75
Ivory Soap $0.99 - $1.00
Ivory Soap $0.99 -$1.00
CVS Extra Care Bucks Used - $3.00
Total Out of Pocket - $0.92

Still have CVS Extra Bucks of $1.00 and $2.00

Tips on Tuesday

2009-12-28T19:25:00.000-08:00

Make your own laundry detergent. I know it sounds like a pain, but it is actually fun to make and pretty cheap. I haven't figured out the cost per load, but it can't be that much. Not buying detergent allowes me to either save that money or buy other house hold items. I think I have made detergent for about a year now, and love it. I have learned that I need to keep one bottle of laundry detergent on hand because we did run out of detergent while I was sick and Accounting Dude would not make it himself. Instead he went to the store and purchased a bottle of detergent without a coupon and not on sale. I learned my lesson on that one.

This is our finished laundry detergent. I really wish it would dispense out of this spout, but it is to thick.

This is me trying to disolve the bar soap. I usually use Ivory, but it looks like I used something different here.

My recipe ( Came from the net. I wish I could remember where, but I can't)

Items needed: Large Pot, Slotted Spoon, Water, Bar of Ivory Soap, Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Powder, and Container to Keep Detergent In (2 gallons).

Grade bar of soap into a large pot add 6 cups of water. Let the soap melt over med/low heat for about 30-45 mins.

Mix 3/4 cups Washing powder and 3/4 cups of Borax in a seperate bowl.

After the soap is melted or disolved add bowl of Washing Powder and Borax to the melted soap and water. Keep over low heat. Stir untit the under mixture is disolved.

Add disloved mixture to your container and fill it up with water. I usually add cold water, but I don't think it would matter if you added hot water.

Let me know if you try this.

Menu Monday

2009-12-28T14:38:00.000-08:00

I would like to tell you that I have a plan for this week, but I don't. So unless you consider flying by the seat of your pants a plan I can't help you out this week.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Publix, Walgreens, CVS (12-20-09)

2009-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Publix - Not Pictured a gallon of milk, a 12 of Diet Sunkist, and a bag of firewood
Had a free coupon for the Jello Mousse which I can't wait to try.

Savings Summary - Vender Coupons $11.94

Store Coupons $ 6.10

Advertised Special Savings $22.16

Total Savings - $40.20

Total Spent - $58.75 with tax

CVS and Walgreens

CVS - They were out of the Thermacare Heatwraps which messed up all my plans for the day.

First Order - 1 Revlon Lipstick - $6.99

1 Almay Makeup Remover - $4.99

ECB Used $1.99 & $3.98

Total $7.21

Second Order - 1 Zooth Toothbrush - $2.99

1 Oral-B Floss - $2.88

1 Nivea Bodywah - $5.99

Coupons Used - $2.00

ECB Used - $1.00 (Green Tag), $3.00, $5.00

Total - $1.95

ECB to use next time - $2.00, $2.00, $5.00

Walgreens - 2 HotWheels cars at $0.49 each

Holiday Baking

2009-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Baking Christmas cookies is so enjoyable and in a way rather thrifty. Since I purchased most of the ingredients on sale and with coupons I didn't have much in them. I don't know anyone who doesn't like a fresh homemade cookie. Accounting Dude and I pass them out to co-workers, friends, family members, and neighbors. This is our little way of letting these people know that we are thinking of them and appreciate them. Besides that they are pretty taste if I do say so myself. I should know I think I have eaten several dozen in the last couple of days.

Menu Monday

2009-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

This week is going to be kind of hectic. We have a hard enough time sticking to our menu on a normal week that I don't know how this is going to turn out.

Monday - Chicken Wings and Fries
Tuesday - Island Lime Shrimp and rice
Wednesday - Lobster Raviolli with angle hair pasta. (It isn't as exciting as it sounds)
Thursday - Sunday - Are not Suppers that we don't have to take care of .

JCP Fun

2009-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Accounting Dude and I both got these coupons in the mail. At first we thought we had both gotten a $10.00 off a $10.00 or more purchase. At closer look we got a $10.00 off a $10.00 purchase and a $10.00 off a $25.00 purchase. We have decided that we are going to use the coupons as they were addressed. So Accounting Dude will use the $10.00 off $10.00 or more and Frugal Chick will use the $10.00 off $25.00 or more. Our goal is to purchase stocking stuffers or general present for the other while staying as close to the minimum as possible. When I mentioned this to Accounting Dude and he thought it would be fun.
We'll see how we did after Christmas!

Walgreens (12-16-09)

2009-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by saying that I don't really like the Walgreen's Register Rewards System. I find it complicated and inconvenient. But sometimes their deals are just so good that I have to go there. Tonight was just one of those nights.

Items Purchased:

Puffs - $0.89

Puffs - $0.89

Puffs - $0.89

Oral B Floss Picks 2/$7.00

Total Before coupons #9.67

Coupons Used:

2 $1.00 off coupons for the Oral B Floss Picks

1 $0.25 off 3 single boxes of Puffs

1 $5.00 off Register Rewards from last week

Total after tax $2.89 plus I got a $2.00 Register Rewards for the Oral B Floss Picks.

CVS Trip - 12-13-09

2009-12-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

I didn't see much that I needed at CVS this week. I know that my mother-in-law likes to use tissue paper so I went and got this for her, and I can always use more name tags.

First Transaction - 2 Roll Tags - $3.98
1 Tissue Paper - $1.99
1 Carmel Filler - $0.33
Coupons Used - Extra Care Bucks (ECB) - 1.99, 4.00
Total - $0.88

Second Transaction - 1 Tissue Paper -$1.99
Coupons Used - ECB $1.99
Total - $0.18

Not bad for a couple of minutes of work.

Publix Order (12-14-09)

2009-12-17T06:19:00.000-08:00

Our week has been off its regular routine, but we will get it back in order some time after the new year I'm sure.

It seems really, really odd to take a picture of my groceries. I would like to add that I had to bring the groceries in while it was pouring down raining and that the phone rang 3 times while I was running in and out to the car. Accounting Dude had gotten soaked earlier in the rain and he was in the shower trying to get warm. So it was kind of a hectic night.

On to the groceries:

Highlights -

The Contessa Meals - Regular $6.99( Sale Price $4.99 - Coupon -$2.00 = Total $2.99)

Auburn Tablecloth - Clearance $0.50 (Giving it to my sister-in-law)

Publix Ex-large Eggs - Free w/ purchase of Sargento Cheese

Campbell's Select Soup - 3/$4.00 got 2 at $1.34 and had 2 $1.00 off coupons = total $0.68

The Savings Summary

Store Coupons $4.57

Vendor Coupons $9.85

Advertised Special Savings $30.29

In-Store Special Savings $4.49

Total Savings $49.20

Total Out of Pocket $56.13