Budge

Living on a budget- a very {very} small budget.

things i am learning. that i will use for the rest of my life. that is saving my family.

however small or silly. these things are helping me.

- always wait till spring to sell old children's summer clothes... or end of summer to sell old winter clothes. you will get twice the money. kid 2 kid.... eh. no longer my favorite. Once Upon a Child will typically pay you double what k2k does for the same items.

-when preparing for a season change and you have 2 older kids growing out of their clothes faster than you can imagine.......finding clothing and shoes at these types of stores saves SOME money.. but not as much as you would think ..We will buy big items there..... if needed... but new clothing can be found at Walmart or Target for similar prices. brand new. ..... which in turn will be able to be sold at the END of the season for more money.

-for my family.. couponing is a must. i spend less than 2 hours a week planning, clipping, and organizing. the couponing life style is something that i dont think i can ever give up. {is that lame??}... i dont WANT to pay $3.99 for body wash. I WANT to pay $.99 or less. ..

-even outside of couponing.... !!Price match-Price match-Price match.!!!..... spend the 15 minutes it takes to look through the ads and find the cheapest price for whatever item you need ie; diapers, wipes, food, a tv, dvds, toys, fruit, meat, dish soap, laundry soap, etc. Head to walmart or another store that price matches.. and DO IT! you can match even store brand items! kroger vs up & up ... or Great Value vs Western Family.

-keep organized. if i stay organized, save or document all spending... i am able to stay on budget much easier. .. i keep it all in one notebook.

-be frugal...

-use items sparingly

-use Smith's rewards points to save on gas.

-name brand clothing has NOTHING on saving $20 on a just as cute shirt or skirt.

-buy your kids summer clothing on clearance.. for the next year! right now. at the end of the summer...

-MEAL PLAN! --- along with this-- cook dinner at least 6 nights a wk. eating out no more than one time.... (which we usually do when we have a good dinner coupon, or when its a "kids eat free" night)

-if you have time... sign up for FREE anything. this last month we received in the mail,== 2 packs of brand new ear buds ($40 value), Prilosec, Tide Stain release- 2 pkgs of 10- ($10 value), Dr Scholls massaging gel inserts ($10 value), Tampons ($4 value), Tide detergent ($5 value), Enfimil to go packets ($5 value), 5 free Bath and Body Works Lotions ($8+ value)

most of these are my husbands doing. ... he can find free stuff anywhere!

living on little is hard. but do-able. i am semi happy that we have had to learn these things... makes me more grateful for the things i once took for granted. makes me view life and the importance of "cool stuff" differently.

I have learned a lot the last few months. ...

but am still trying to figure out how to keep my old life of 1 new purse a month ... a reality. i will take any suggestions :)