The Cheapskate Mom

I am almost ashamed to look at the date of my last post (not including the Freebie I just posted today) but I do know it's been a long time since I've posted. Summer has been incredibly busy for me. With two small kids and a part time job, that's definitely a lot, but we've also had family reunions, a bridal shower, various summer get togethers, a birthday party and a week long vacation. Toss in the fact that I was ten days without my usual computer (due to spilling coffee across my laptop) just before leaving and needless to say, there just hasn't been time for blogging.

My father in law actually landed a sweet laptop for me, so now I'm officially back. It was pretty lucky that I ruined my computer before he left his job because this one was completely free. How that works, I'm not really sure, and I'm a little concerned about having a "Property Of" sticker on the top. However, I know that he was allowed to take it, otherwise, my father in law is the complete opposite of the type of person I thought he was!

If anyone (hopefully) is still reading, please stick with me because I'm sure you'll be thrilled about what's coming along!

Get ready for a night loaded with catch up posts! Tonight I am off work and will have plenty of time to sit down. These last two weeks, needless to say, have been crazy, due to birthday parties, family events out of town, a wedding and a yard sale. I also haven't had much time for shopping, and last week was a no-coupon week so I didn't bother except for a few things.

I have, however, discovered loads of new information in the meantime that unlike coupons, doesn't expire! :) Not only that, but I'm getting ready to start updating my weekly meal plans, along with tracking my budget so you all can keep me accountable! And of course, lots of FREEBIES!

I have to admit, I'm not sticking to a strict grocery budget. Nope, I'm not practicing what I preach. The reason why has been because right now, the money is "there" because of our tax refund and that I've been finding killer deals I can't pass up. However, I'm going to start my new budget starting this week.

Yes, you read it right, I'm going to be spending a strict $30 each week. I do need to point out however that for the time being, we receive WIC, so I'm not needing to buy bread, eggs, milk, cheese, cereal, peanut butter, beans, or much produce. However, if I was, I'd be buying these items either with coupons or at Aldi and would only be adding about $10 to my weekly budget. This is for two adults and a toddler boy, but he often eats the same portion as we do. I'd assume to need at minimum $15 per week per adult and $10 per week per child totalling $40 for us for the time being. So if you're interested in attempting this same challenge, keep in mind that I'm playing a game to keep it around that amount and I'm convinced it can be done. This might be harder for some families and might not even be necessary, but for how long I've been couponing I don't think it'll be that hard. I've been keeping it well under $50/week lately, but that has included nonfood items as well.

When I post in my Recent Deals section I'll also be tracking my weekly progress. I'm hoping to never go over budget and keep it well under $30. I haven't decided yet what will happen to the leftover money at the end of each week. I am thinking I will use it to pay off credit card debt, as will any "extra" money from our other variable expenses each month. Wish me luck and I will keep you updated!

This is a test post to see if my blog has or will become unlocked. Someone has been "spamming" me or having a problem with something I posted and reported it. I don't know if I violated any terms of service, I am really hoping that is not the case and this was just automated error! Hoping to post about last week's deals and this week's CVS! Wish me luck!

I don't know what in the world happened! I had everything ready for me to post yesterday, logged in, and was locked out of my blog. To come once both kids are napping: My CVS Scenerio for this week and a few awesome Freebies!