A family member is going out of state where the weather is so much different than here. We had to shell out a lot of money for appropriate clothing and such. Time to look at the budget and slow the spending down.

I'm adding $96 to the challenge for coupon savings. Total is now $708.50.

I had a sweet elderly lady behind me at the checkout lane. I was doing my price matching and coupons and she was explaining to her husband what I was doing. They were both impressed how much I saved. She was chatting with me about how she used to do that and how the savings can be huge. I thanked her for being patient and understanding. Nice change from the usual impatient and rude people.

Money is tight until payday so I am making a grocery list from my More with Less cookbook. Many great recipes with whole grains, beans, and vegetables. Meat and dairy are used in moderation so will be healthier also. I hope my two youngest kids will eat it. My oldest will as he likes the healtier things.

My printer went out on me so I am in the market for a lazer printer. Anyone have any sugestions on what I should look for? We have only had ink jet up til now so I know nothing about lazer printers.

Adding $30.00 to the challenge for using an online coupon code, $11.00 for store coupons, and $10.00 for not eating out (2 times) when we wanted to but came home to eat instead.
Total challenge money is $540.00

I ran across a good deal on a Cuisnahart hand mixer and picked up a couple for Christmas gifts. That's 2 gifts off my list already.

I went grocery shopping yesterday and found some butt steaks marked down more than 50%. They are in the crockpot already this morning. Cooking them on low for 8 hrs so they are good and tender. I found a recipe on Allrecipes that has great reviews and is very, very easy.

Paying bills today. My hubby gets paid on the 10th and 25th of ea month so I will be paying the first of the month bills for Sept. I actually enjoy paying the mortgage. For the past several years we pay extra principle pymts ea month. Watching that balance go down quicker than normal is exciting. Hubby wants to cash out the 401K to pay it off, but I don't (tho it has lost almost $20,000.00 in the last few months.)

Like I said I went grocery shopping yesterday. At one local store i just got the loss leaders and paired with coupons. The cashier was shocked i got some items for free. Next I went to Wally World (not many places to shop in my neck of the woods) and price matched and used coupons. I will post later how much I saved and start my $20 challenge.

A little about myself...I am a stay-at-home mom currently remodeling our home. it's slow coming but looking pretty good. My husband and I have 3 kids who just went back 2 school today. We r responsible with our money but have recently had a few setbacks. We have no debt besides our house. Working now to replenish our emergency fund.