Start Simple

So ... this year I said I wanted to learn how to be SMART with money, and so far I am really pleased! The whole couponing thing can get overwhelming to me, as there seems to be too many rules and gray areas. However, I wanted to start somewhere and see how I could do.

Here is my simple strategy ...

I cut out coupons from 2 Sunday newspapers.

I look through the CVS circular to find what is on sale or what has "ExtraBucks".

I purchase what items are on sale that I have the coupons for. Keep in mind that when CVS has a 2/$4 sale, for example, since you are buying a quatity of 2, you can use 2 coupons on those items. This explains my reasons for buying 2 Sunday papers.

My first trip to CVS last Sunday, I bought some great, useful items, like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, Flinstone vitamins, Tylenol, 2 BOXES of Pampers, and more. My total came to around $130. With coupons, I got my total down to $53, however I walked away with $17 of ExtraBucks!! I was fairly pleased, especially considering I bought all household products that we NEEDED anyway!

I always scan my CVS Bag Tag, too, by the way.

I did the same thing this past Sunday, but this time walked away with $22 worth of products for absolutely FREE!!! I was so excited! This certainly makes it FUN and worthwhile! And this is without much extra effort and time.

This feeling of accomplishment leaves me with a better sense of self-worth, and that is something I need a little extra of these days.

If I can do it, YOU can too! Start SIMPLE!!

He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

Luke 16:10

Thoughts on TWENTY-TWELVE!

Each year that comes and passes, I realize that I never stick to my resolutions. But I also have never put them into writing and truly "studied" them with much thought. This year, I plan to continually remind myself of the things I want to do to improve the quality of my and my family's life.  Now these may seem simple and generic to some, but they are important to me and thoughts that I know are not out of reach for me. Some are easy and I've already made progress on, and others I still am not sure how to improve on.

Here are some of my thoughts on starting the new year off FRESH ...

1.  Simplify my life.

2.  Be a more frugal and smart shopper.  Learn how to coupon and spend more wisely.

3.  "Just a closer walk with thee ..."  Find and make time for God daily. Study Scripture and apply it to my life. Grow in my walk with the Lord.

4.  Lead a more active lifestyle. Get back into tennis playing (it was my life growing up), take Wilson on more strolls, family neighborhood walks, increase my jogging capability (I hate to run!), tone and get into better shape.

5.  Drink more water and less Diet Coke and Sweet Tea! Be more conscious about what I put into body. Learn how to eat and cook healthier for my family.

6.  Organize my home and learn how to stay organized.

7.  Spend moe quality time with my children, husband and frinds. I have always had gread intentions of doing "extras" but have never been thorough and consistent on following through.

8.  Grow my home business.

9.  Time Management and more patience.

10. Get up earlier and be more productive.


Happy New Year!! It is going to be an awesome 2012!!