by Claire
In the coming days I plan on sharing the details of what we have in savings via investments/401K/529 plan/etc. in an attempt to continuing expanding your view of my world. I know there will be much for me to learn about this part of things and I don’t see the investments as directly relating to the debt reduction–but a complete picture is helpful for all of us I think.
It was a good weekend for spending. I cut the grocery budget yet again and spent $80 on what should cover us for TWO weeks! I really worked the ads and coupons today and it took entirely too long (that has to improve with time I am guessing…) but I saved so much money the time is worth it! Actually, I took a little quiet time in the process too by sitting at a local coffeeshop with my cup of coffee and clipping coupons. And I’m a cheap coffee date—Americano please…nothing fancy. It was nice me time actually. Thankfully the little one is happy to help with cutting coupons still—a HUGE help.
I have also made a dent in the gas budget–even with the climbing prices. This is just taking a little extra time to think things out but so far I’ve shaved off about $20 a week.
I caught myself at the store tonight having a moment like I’m sure many of you had when you first read my blog. A man in front of me at Walgreens was using a small handheld basket and only had one…although it was full. As I watched the cashier ring up his purchases there were several items that I KNEW there were easily accessible, good coupons for and had to bite my tongue when the cashier gave him his total….and no mention of coupons was made! His total was $41.73! For a handheld basket full of just grocery itmes! My how times have changed! I used to be that person–using Walgreens as a regular grocery store thinking nothing of the extra I was paying for the convenience! I am pretty outspoken but I did not feel comfortable gently telling this older fellow how much he could have saved—just didn’t feel right at the time–but all the way home I was laughing at the irony! Maybe I am optimistic but I already cannot imagine going back to such reckless spending.