Here's a heads up for the locals: My sources (savvydollar.org) tell me that Harris Teeter will have Triple Coupon Days November 6-9. That's next Thursday - Sunday.
Harris Teeter triples coupons that are up to .99 in value. So you could save up to $2.97 with just one coupon.
I'm excited!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My very own Spider-Man
Yet another example that I married a very interesting man:
I couldn't help but sneak a picture the other day. I wonder how soon he'll have little Westin out there with him....
This our backyard. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Jeremy was a pretty avid rock climber. Now, he just does this. You can't really see them very well in the picture, but he has drilled rocks of various sizes and shapes onto our back fence, so that he can practice his rock climbing moves. He will go out there every few days and do "passes" along the fence, where he plans out a sequence of moves and them carries them out. It is a great stress reliever for him, and apparently a great workout too.
I couldn't help but sneak a picture the other day. I wonder how soon he'll have little Westin out there with him....
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tithing woes
Today's post might be a bit unusual, but it's on my mind.
As I have mentioned before, I'm an avid reader of financial blogs. I just love hearing what other people have to say about money, whether I agree with them or not. A blog I read today quoted an article from MSN Money, called "6 financial milestones before 30". Here are their suggestions of things to accomplish before the age of 30:
1. Scale back the credit cards.
2. Own a home -- or have a plan.
3. Develop a set of marketable skills.
4. Establish a regular charitable giving plan.
5. Get a firm grasp on your priorities.
6. Have strong advisers in your life.
After reading the post and all of the commentary surrounding each item, I proceeded to read the comments. Dozens of readers commented on this. Most people gave a "report" on where they stood with each item, along with their age. One thing that really stood out to me was Item #4, regarding charitable giving. Not ONE person mentioned consistently giving a percentage of their income to charity. Most people said that they give here and there, but nothing consistent and nothing significant. It led me to ponder my own charitable giving...
For the first time in my entire life, our charitable giving in 2007 was in the 5-figure range. It won't be that high this year, but that's because I'll only make about 65% of what I made last year, due to the terrible economy and mortgage meltdown. We give 10% to our church, plus an additional amount each month for a capital campaign, and then we support several other individuals who are in ministry. Total giving equates to probably about 16% of our take-home income, give or take.
I don't say that to toot my own horn... I say that because I have realized very recently that it has become downright painful each month to write that tithe check. I am so tempted to cut back on what we give, because my paychecks have been so paltry the past few months due to a major slowdown in my business. I find it interesting that 16% of a tiny paycheck is SO much more difficult to write than 16% of a huge paycheck, even though the amounts are so vastly different. (I realize I'm using some fuzzy math... the capital campaign and support of our friends are fixed amounts, so the actual percentage varies depending on my paycheck, but you get the point.) Which affirms my belief that giving is truly a heart issue. I don't think it's the percentage that's important, but the attitude and heart behind it. Why have I suddenly felt so stingy with my money now that I don't have as much, as if it's mine to begin with and not entirely God's? On some levels, I do think it's good to "give until it hurts", but I've had to really give myself a gut check on why I'm tempted to cut back on my giving. (I haven't cut back, but the temptation is great as I've dipped into savings the past few months to cover our monthly expenses.) It is the LORD who provides for us... every penny belongs to Him anyway... why do I worry about money at all? It has revealed a heart issue that God and I need to have a conversation about, to confess my worries and mistrust.
By the way... I'm half a decade past 30 now, but I'm doing pretty good on all 6 items. My report card would get me straight A's, but report cards don't reveal the heart. Hmmm.....
As I have mentioned before, I'm an avid reader of financial blogs. I just love hearing what other people have to say about money, whether I agree with them or not. A blog I read today quoted an article from MSN Money, called "6 financial milestones before 30". Here are their suggestions of things to accomplish before the age of 30:
1. Scale back the credit cards.
2. Own a home -- or have a plan.
3. Develop a set of marketable skills.
4. Establish a regular charitable giving plan.
5. Get a firm grasp on your priorities.
6. Have strong advisers in your life.
After reading the post and all of the commentary surrounding each item, I proceeded to read the comments. Dozens of readers commented on this. Most people gave a "report" on where they stood with each item, along with their age. One thing that really stood out to me was Item #4, regarding charitable giving. Not ONE person mentioned consistently giving a percentage of their income to charity. Most people said that they give here and there, but nothing consistent and nothing significant. It led me to ponder my own charitable giving...
For the first time in my entire life, our charitable giving in 2007 was in the 5-figure range. It won't be that high this year, but that's because I'll only make about 65% of what I made last year, due to the terrible economy and mortgage meltdown. We give 10% to our church, plus an additional amount each month for a capital campaign, and then we support several other individuals who are in ministry. Total giving equates to probably about 16% of our take-home income, give or take.
I don't say that to toot my own horn... I say that because I have realized very recently that it has become downright painful each month to write that tithe check. I am so tempted to cut back on what we give, because my paychecks have been so paltry the past few months due to a major slowdown in my business. I find it interesting that 16% of a tiny paycheck is SO much more difficult to write than 16% of a huge paycheck, even though the amounts are so vastly different. (I realize I'm using some fuzzy math... the capital campaign and support of our friends are fixed amounts, so the actual percentage varies depending on my paycheck, but you get the point.) Which affirms my belief that giving is truly a heart issue. I don't think it's the percentage that's important, but the attitude and heart behind it. Why have I suddenly felt so stingy with my money now that I don't have as much, as if it's mine to begin with and not entirely God's? On some levels, I do think it's good to "give until it hurts", but I've had to really give myself a gut check on why I'm tempted to cut back on my giving. (I haven't cut back, but the temptation is great as I've dipped into savings the past few months to cover our monthly expenses.) It is the LORD who provides for us... every penny belongs to Him anyway... why do I worry about money at all? It has revealed a heart issue that God and I need to have a conversation about, to confess my worries and mistrust.
By the way... I'm half a decade past 30 now, but I'm doing pretty good on all 6 items. My report card would get me straight A's, but report cards don't reveal the heart. Hmmm.....
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Shopping Results
At the demand of my readers (okay, one request from my sister Julie), I'll share how my shopping trip went yesterday.
I had predicted I'd save about 70% off of regular prices. I didn't. Instead, I saved 77%! Woo-hoo!!!
My bill before any sales prices or coupons were factored in: $73.45
My total out-of-pocket cost after coupons and sales: $16.81
I think that's the best I've ever done! And I know it sounds weird, but it was FUN!
The trick is to do the "matchups", which means to find the items that have gone on sale, and match those with coupons you have that are going to double (or triple, in this case). You have to be clipping coupons every Sunday so that you have a good stock and you've got them handy when needed.
Here's an example: Crest Toothpaste. Normal price was $4.29. I had a Lowes in-store coupon (meaning, it was created by Lowes and can only be used at Lowes) for 2 for $5. So now they're only $2.50 each. But then I had two 75 cent coupons for Crest, so when those triple, the final price for BOTH tubes of Crest was only 50 cents! You can't beat a tube of toothpaste for 25 cents (unless it's free, which was the case with a tube of Colgate last month).
That, my friends, is how you win at the Grocery Game. (I just went all John McCain on you with that "my friends" comment!)
I had predicted I'd save about 70% off of regular prices. I didn't. Instead, I saved 77%! Woo-hoo!!!
My bill before any sales prices or coupons were factored in: $73.45
My total out-of-pocket cost after coupons and sales: $16.81
I think that's the best I've ever done! And I know it sounds weird, but it was FUN!
The trick is to do the "matchups", which means to find the items that have gone on sale, and match those with coupons you have that are going to double (or triple, in this case). You have to be clipping coupons every Sunday so that you have a good stock and you've got them handy when needed.
Here's an example: Crest Toothpaste. Normal price was $4.29. I had a Lowes in-store coupon (meaning, it was created by Lowes and can only be used at Lowes) for 2 for $5. So now they're only $2.50 each. But then I had two 75 cent coupons for Crest, so when those triple, the final price for BOTH tubes of Crest was only 50 cents! You can't beat a tube of toothpaste for 25 cents (unless it's free, which was the case with a tube of Colgate last month).
That, my friends, is how you win at the Grocery Game. (I just went all John McCain on you with that "my friends" comment!)
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Triple Coupon Days
For those of you that are local and are avid "couponers" like I am (I know you're out there!), Lowes Foods is having a Triple Coupon deal for 3 days, Oct. 8 - 10. They will triple manufacturers coupons up to .99 in value, and you can use up to 20 coupons in one visit.
The other cool thing is that Lowes has just come out with their 4-week store coupons. I just recently learned that you can use BOTH a store coupon AND a manufacturers coupon at the same time for even more savings. Glory!!
My new favorite coupon website is www.savvydollar.org. It has seriously changed the way I grocery shop. It's local to NC, and other couponers share the deals they hear about and give great tips.
I am going shopping this afternoon, and I'm pretty certain I'll save about 70% off my grocery bill. Sweet!
The other cool thing is that Lowes has just come out with their 4-week store coupons. I just recently learned that you can use BOTH a store coupon AND a manufacturers coupon at the same time for even more savings. Glory!!
My new favorite coupon website is www.savvydollar.org. It has seriously changed the way I grocery shop. It's local to NC, and other couponers share the deals they hear about and give great tips.
I am going shopping this afternoon, and I'm pretty certain I'll save about 70% off my grocery bill. Sweet!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Random Pregnancy Thoughts
So, I'm about 9 weeks away from giving birth. The time really has flown by. I've been thinking recently about all the interesting things about being pregnant, and thought I'd jot them down. There is no particular order, and the thoughts are quite random.
1. Pregnant women get looked at. A lot. But not in the eyes - right at the belly. Both men and women do it, but especially women. I'll be walking down the aisles of Target or wherever, and I see people just staring at my belly. It doesn't bother me at all... it's just an observation. It makes me wonder if I've done it to pregnant women all these years without even realizing it.
2. My odd cravings have included Oreos and chomping on ice. Before getting pregnant, I probably hadn't had an Oreo in almost 10 years. Suddenly, I want them every day. But ONLY if they're dunked in milk for a minimum of 10 seconds, where they get nice and soggy. And I DON'T like the Double Stuff Oreos... they take about 40 seconds to get soggy - way too long. But, sadly, I am trying to now resist this craving, because at my last doctor's appointment on Monday, the scales said I've gained 30 lbs. Yikes! That's all I was hoping to gain the entire pregnancy! So... no more Oreos. I'll just stick to chomping ice. Yes, I know it's bad for my teeth. I can't explain why it's so appealing, but there's something very satisfying about it.
3. Body pillows ROCK (thanks Becky Ashley!). I have one that can snake around in any position, and I honestly don't know what I'd do without it. It keeps me (relatively) comfortable, and I think it's my saving grace for sleeping. The only thing that stinks is trying to change positions in the middle of the night, which happens rather often, since I start to get sore if I'm in one position too long. Thank goodness Jeremy is not a light sleeper... he'd probably get sick of me flopping around like a fish all through the night.
4. My customers have had varying reactions to me being pregnant. I don't really mention it to them on the phone, so if they come in my office, they're generally surprised to see me. But here's the interesting observation: ALL women comment and ask me questions, but only SOME men. In particular, men with young kids - 3 years old or younger - will ask me about being pregnant, and will kind of act like women (how far along, boy or girl, how are you feeling, etc.). But - men with either older kids, or men with no kids at all, completely ignore my pregnancy. And they don't look at my belly either. It's like I'm not even pregnant. Interesting.
5. My body is now going through more odd things than ever. For instance, I constantly look like I have two sprained ankles. They just stay swollen. I notice that I waddle when I walk - I just can't help it. My chest is bigger than ever (sorry if that's TMI, guys) and it's freaky to look down and catch a glimpse of them (I keep thinking, whose are these??). Also, I can no longer see my feet if I'm standing straight up. Painting my toenails is practically an impossibility now. I have major huge veins all over my belly and chest. Jeremy, my personal nurse, says this is a very good thing because of blood flow. And I've had several nosebleeds, my most recent one last weekend (rather common, apparently, again because of the increased blood flow). Crazy stuff.
1. Pregnant women get looked at. A lot. But not in the eyes - right at the belly. Both men and women do it, but especially women. I'll be walking down the aisles of Target or wherever, and I see people just staring at my belly. It doesn't bother me at all... it's just an observation. It makes me wonder if I've done it to pregnant women all these years without even realizing it.
2. My odd cravings have included Oreos and chomping on ice. Before getting pregnant, I probably hadn't had an Oreo in almost 10 years. Suddenly, I want them every day. But ONLY if they're dunked in milk for a minimum of 10 seconds, where they get nice and soggy. And I DON'T like the Double Stuff Oreos... they take about 40 seconds to get soggy - way too long. But, sadly, I am trying to now resist this craving, because at my last doctor's appointment on Monday, the scales said I've gained 30 lbs. Yikes! That's all I was hoping to gain the entire pregnancy! So... no more Oreos. I'll just stick to chomping ice. Yes, I know it's bad for my teeth. I can't explain why it's so appealing, but there's something very satisfying about it.
3. Body pillows ROCK (thanks Becky Ashley!). I have one that can snake around in any position, and I honestly don't know what I'd do without it. It keeps me (relatively) comfortable, and I think it's my saving grace for sleeping. The only thing that stinks is trying to change positions in the middle of the night, which happens rather often, since I start to get sore if I'm in one position too long. Thank goodness Jeremy is not a light sleeper... he'd probably get sick of me flopping around like a fish all through the night.
4. My customers have had varying reactions to me being pregnant. I don't really mention it to them on the phone, so if they come in my office, they're generally surprised to see me. But here's the interesting observation: ALL women comment and ask me questions, but only SOME men. In particular, men with young kids - 3 years old or younger - will ask me about being pregnant, and will kind of act like women (how far along, boy or girl, how are you feeling, etc.). But - men with either older kids, or men with no kids at all, completely ignore my pregnancy. And they don't look at my belly either. It's like I'm not even pregnant. Interesting.
5. My body is now going through more odd things than ever. For instance, I constantly look like I have two sprained ankles. They just stay swollen. I notice that I waddle when I walk - I just can't help it. My chest is bigger than ever (sorry if that's TMI, guys) and it's freaky to look down and catch a glimpse of them (I keep thinking, whose are these??). Also, I can no longer see my feet if I'm standing straight up. Painting my toenails is practically an impossibility now. I have major huge veins all over my belly and chest. Jeremy, my personal nurse, says this is a very good thing because of blood flow. And I've had several nosebleeds, my most recent one last weekend (rather common, apparently, again because of the increased blood flow). Crazy stuff.
There are plenty more observations, but I'll pace myself and add more later.
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