I am not a “routine” person by nature. I am not a type-A personality or even very organized for that matter. But out of necessity, I had to start a few routines to keep myself (and my family) sane! Once I saw how my routines are not only saving me time but money, I forced myself to become a “routine” person!
So, how do my routines save me money?
Here are three simple routines I’ve implemented in my own life that have helped me save time and money.
1. Packing lunches the night before
I work outside the home, so I've gotten in the routine of making my lunch for the next day before I go to bed. I pack every single thing that I will need and put my whole lunch bag in the fridge.
Sometimes that means my popcorn or spoon sit in the fridge over night. I'm okay with that, because on the nights that I slack off and don't pack my lunch, I always end up buying my lunch (and sometimes breakfast, too!) because there's never enough time in the morning.
If I buy lunch, it runs about $6 and breakfast costs between $3-$4. That’s $10 a day! Start multiplying that by a month or even a year and the numbers get really ugly!
That savings is motivation enough to stick to my evening lunch-packing routine.
2. Fueling up on Sundays
Between my commute to work and standard errands around town, a tank of gas lasts me exactly one week. I used to just fill up whenever I needed; however, I found that many times, I would end up filling up on the highway, which is always the most expensive place for gas!
So I finally made myself get in a routine of filling up every Sunday. This way, I was in control of where I was when I needed gas.
Even if it's a holiday week and I don't use my car as much, I top my tank off on Sunday, to ensure I'm not stuck low on gas mid-week. I always use the same gas station because it is the cheapest in my area.
Since I have started this routine, I have never found myself just going to the nearest gas station and I have averaged a savings of about $15 per month.
3. Updating the budget daily (on my lunch break)
I am the keeper of the finances in my house, which means I keep our monthly budget updated. I used to keep my budget (an excel spreadsheet) on my home computer, but I would be too tired at night to update it, or I would just plain forget.
Then, the end of the month would roll around and suddenly I was in a panic looking back and what we'd spent and hoping we hadn't gone over in our budget categories. Many months, not surprisingly, we had gone over, which meant less money going in to our savings account that month.
In an effort to fix this problem, I've now moved my budget to be housed on my work computer and gotten in to the routine of updating my budget during the first 5 minutes of my lunch break each day. I literally look at and update my budget Monday through Friday each week. Some days, I have nothing to enter and some days (like Mondays!) I have quite a few things to enter.
I've been in this routine for 5 months now and not only have we kept within our budget each month, but many months we've come in well under budget — allowing us to put even more money in savings. In fact, last month we received our car insurance bill for the year and instead of dipping in to the savings we have for that bill, we were able to pay it entirely out of our monthly income. This never would have been possible just 6 months ago!
Routines can be intimidating to the organizationally challenged, like myself, but if you can find a routine that doesn't take much time out of your day and actually saves you money, I promise it will be much easier to stick to!
Katie is a wife and mother who loves a great deal and helping her family save towards their financial goals. In her spare time, Katie blogs at Holidays for Less, where she shares ideas and deals that will make parties, holidays and general entertaining easier on your wallet.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Teach Them Diligently celebrates the focus of Christian families – that is, the discipleship of children to glorify God. More than simply a convention about home education, they purposefully develop the themes of missions, discipleship, and Christian parenting in addition to the traditional academic “how-to’s”. In addition to amazing speakers, you will also find a large exhibit hall with some of the best prices available on the resources you need. Check out the event closest to you to find out all that you can expect to experience at Teach Them Diligently!
Please note that the price of these ebooks is currently $0.00, but that could change at any time. Be sure to verify before checking out that it is still free.
These ebooks are specifically for Kindles, but you can go here to download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Here are the best deals at Walgreens this week, with thanks to Mercedes for her help with compiling these:
COUPON DEALS
Gas-X Extra Strength Tablets (20 ct) or Peppermint Creme (18 ct) or Ex-Lax Maximum Strength (24 ct) – $4.99 Use $2/1 Walgreens coupon from the October Walgreens booklet And use $10/3 coupon from the 10/13 SmartSource insert Free after coupons
Advil PM Pain Relief (4 ct) – $1 Use $1/1 coupon from the 10/13 RedPlum insert Free after coupon
Children's Dimetapp (4 oz) - $4.99 Buy 1, Get 1000 Points ($1.00) Use $6/3 Mail-in-Rebate from the 8/25 RedPlum insert And use $2/1 printable Free after coupons, rebate and points
Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy – $4.99 Buy 1, Get 1000 Points (=$1.00) Use $2/1 coupon from the 9/29 RedPlum insert And use $1.25/1 Ibotta Deposit $0.74 after coupon, points and Ibotta
REGISTER REWARD DEALS
Fantastik, Scrubbing Bubble Bathroom Cleaner, Windex, Windex Wipes or Shout – $2.50 Buy 3, Get Back $2 Register Reward; Buy 4, Get Back $3 Register Reward; Buy 5+, Get Back $4 Register Reward (through 11/3) Buy 2, Get 1000 Points (=$1.00) Use $2/2 coupon from the 9/22 SmartSource insert Or use $0.75/1 coupon from the 9/22 SmartSource insert As low as $0.25 each after coupons, points and Register Rewards
Buy 2 Colgate Max Fresh or White Toothbrush, Max Fresh or Clean Toothpaste at $3, Get $3 Register Rewards Use 2 $0.75/1 printable $0.75 each after coupons and Register Rewards
Buy 1 Listerine Pocketpaks (72 pk) Reach Total Care Floss (30 yds) or Flosser Starter Kit at $2.99, Get $3 Register Rewards Use $1/1 printable or coupon from the 10/6 SmartSource insert Free after coupon and Register Rewards
Do you have your shopping trip planned or did you come up with a great deal scenario/idea? Just post about it on your blog and leave your link below. To make it easy for everyone to navigate quickly through the links, your link must link directly to your Walgreens deals post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your Walgreens deals post will be deleted.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Here are the best Rite Aid deals this week, with thanks to Shannon for her help in compiling them. If you are new to shopping at Rite Aid or have questions about their coupon policy, click here.
Colgate Max Fresh Toothpaste – $3.50 (Limit 2) Get $3 UPR Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 10/13 SmartSource insert Or use $0.75/1 printable Free after coupon and UPR
Crest Toothpaste 3D White, ProHealth (excludes Clinical) Complete Toothpaste or Kid's Oral-B Manual Toothbrush Complete or Kid's (1 ct) Scope or Crest ProHealth Oral Rinse (250 ml) - $2.99 (Limit 2) Get $2 UPR Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 9/29 P&G insert $0.49 after coupon and UPR
Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Select Harvest Soup, Soup at Hand and Microwave Bowls – $2 (Limit 3) Get $3 UPR Buy 3 and use $1.25/3 coupon from the 9/8 SmartSource insert $0.58 each after coupon and UPR
Dove Hair Care - $3 (Limit 2) Buy 2 – Get $2 UPR Use $2/2 RA Video Values, Oct And use $1/1 printable Or use $1.50/1 coupon from the 9/29 RedPlum insert Free plus overage after coupons and UPR
Dove or Caress Bar Soap, 2 Pack or Body Wash - $3 Buy 2 – Get $2 UPR Use $2/1 coupon from the 10/13 RedPlum insert Free after coupon and UPR
Reach Manual Toothbrush (1 ct) Colgate Total Advanced Floss-Tip or Sensitive ProRelief Manual Toothbrush (1 ct) - $2.99 (Limit 2) Get $2 UPR Use $0.75/1 printable or coupon from the 8/25 SmartSource insert $0.24 after coupon and UPR
Carmex Lip Balm Single Pack - $0.99 Buy 2 and use $1/2 printable $0.49 each after coupon
Hershey’s, Reese’s, Mars or Nestle Fun Size or Snack Size (6 pks) – $0.97 Buy 2 and use $1/2 printable $0.47 each after coupon
L’Oreal Advanced Shampoo and Conditioner – $3.99 Use $1/1 RA Video Values, Oct And use $4/2 coupon from the 9/15 RedPlum insert Or use $2/1 printable $0.99 each after coupons
Do you have your shopping trip planned or did you come up with a great deal scenario/idea? Just post about it on your blog and leave your link below. To make it easy for everyone to navigate quickly through the links, your link must link directly to your Rite Aid deals post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your Rite Aid deals post will be deleted.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
From now through October 21, 2013, you can get a beautiful Chevron Infinity Scarf for $7.95, including shipping when you use the coupon code MSMSCARF. These scarves are regularly priced at $26.
Cents of Style has an all new color line-up for fall: black, black/tan, gray, red, rust, teal, olive, navy blue, and olive green.
Use the coupon code MSMSCARF to get one of these Chevron Infinity Scarves for just $7.95 shipped.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Old Navy is holding a Columbus Day Sale today only (10/14/13). Get 20-40% off sitewide, plus take an extra 15% off when you use the coupon code ONEXTRA15 at checkout.
(Note: The link in this post is my referral link. Read my disclosure policy here.)
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Family Christian Store is having a great Columbus Day sale. Get 40% off your purchase when you use the coupon code COLUMBUS40 at checkout. This makes the Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set only $25.79.
The 40% off code works site-wide, today (10/14/13) only. Coupon code only applies to one item.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Beginning in January of 2012, I found our budget was becoming tighter and tighter. I went from a part-time job to no job outside of the home — which meant our family was totally dependent my husband’s income. At that time, his income was not consistent and we started pinching every penny.
I found that our Christmas savings account could no longer have money deposited each week like it had been. Actually, by April I noticed I had not yet contributed to it at all. Thankfully, I had begun using Swagbucks.
Between surveys and searching, I saw the points racking up. I continued to redeem at every 450 points that would rack up for a Amazon Gift Card. In November, I noticed I had $150 in gift cards.
This might not seem like a lot, but with all the incredible deals that Amazon was offering, I was able to have a fantastic Christmas for my three young boys. The living room was loaded! I was so thankful, and realized the blessing that Swagbucks had been for my family.
I know Christmas isn’t about gifts at all, but for little ones, they certainly look forward to seeing those gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. My husband and I love to see that sparkling in their eyes when they first look downstairs.
I will continue to use Swagbucks as long as it is around. I’m thankful for Christmas 2012 and Swagbucks!!
Kira: can you email me so I can send you your $50 gift card for submitting your story? Thanks so much!
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Chili’s is offering another Kids Eat Free coupon. This coupon is valid for one free kid’s meal for adult entree purchased and is valid through October 16, 2013.
Free Kid’s Meal is available to kids 12 and under. LIMIT ONE FREE KID’S MEAL PER EACH ADULT ENTRÉE ORDERED. Offer valid only at participating locations in the United States.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Here are some of the best educational deals and freebies available right now from Katie who writes at Cincinnati Cents:
Free Kindle e-Books for Kids: Amazon has a variety of free Kindle e-books for kids available for download including Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll, Pet Jokes for Kids, Funny & Weird Land Mammals, The Adventures of Crog the Frog Prince, Aesop’s Fables: The Goose with the Golden Egg, B is for…Book, and 101 Snake Facts.
Sum Swamp Addition & Subtraction Game for $9.99: Amazon has their Sum Swamp Addition & Subtraction Game on sale for $9.99. This fun math adventure game for children typically retails for $18.99, and it received a 5-star rating from 150 reviews.
20% Off at Half Price Books for Educators: Half Price Books is celebrating Educator Appreciation Weekend through Monday, October 14th. During this time frame, teachers and librarians will receive 20% off their total order. Plus, teachers and librarians are encouraged to apply for an Educator's Discount Card. This card will save them 10% on their purchases throughout the year. Both of these offers are valid for homeschooling parents as well with proof of homeschooling status.
No Stress Chess for $10.80: Amazon has their No Stress Chess Set on sale for $10.80. This game includes a 2-sided game board (one side with hints, one side without), 16 Staunton chess pieces (ivory & black), 56 action cards, card tray and rules that help children learn the rules of chess as they play.
LEGO Ultimate Building Set (405 Pieces) for $25.49: Purchase the LEGO Ultimate Building Set for $25.49. This set has over 400 pieces and includes a building plate, a mini figure, windows, doors, and wheels, as well as building instructions for several models. Plus, the container allows for easy clean up and storage for the pieces.
Free Candy Corn Math Pack: Royal Baloo has a free Candy Corn Math Pack available for download. This pack includes such skills as addition, subtraction, estimating, word problems, skip counting, and more.
Learning Resources Snap-n-Learn Shape Butterflies for $13.12: Learning Resources has their Snap-n-Learn Shape Butterflies Set on sale for $13.12. This set includes five 3-piece butterflies (heads, wings, and bodies) and a storage bucket. Children will be able to work with a variety of shapes (circle, star, heart, square, and rectangle) as they match up the shapes and snap on the wings to practice shape recognition, colors and fine motor skills.
LEGO Friends Adventure Camper Set for $27.09: Purchase the LEGO Friends Adventure Camper Set for just $27.09. This set includes the Olivia and Nicole mini-doll figures as well as 2 bikes, surfboard, picnic table, barbecue grill, chicken, cups, juice element, a tote bag, plates, utensils, bowl, muffins, spatula, frying pan and baking tin.
Free My Journaling Printables: Download a free set of My Journaling Printables from Confessions of a Homeschooler. This set is great way to encourage children to work on their creative writing skills.
LEGO Duplo Ville Baby Zoo for $9.99: Purchase the LEGO Duplo Ville Baby Zoo Set for $9.99. This 18-piece set typically retails for $14.99 and includes a variety of animals, a zoo keeper, and large building bricks.
Winfun Letter Train & Piano Activity Table for $25.59: Amazon has their Winfun Letter Train & Piano Activity Table on sale for $25.59. This activity table includes a five note piano keyboard, animal/color/shape identification, and a variety of fun melodies.
Free Pumpkin Activity Pack: 3 Dinosaurs has a free Pumpkin Activity Pack available for download. This pack includes such skills as matching, puzzles, graphing, basic math skills, and more.
Learning Resources Avalanche Fruit Stand for $13: Purchase the Learning Resources Avalanche Fruit Stand Game on sale for $13. This game includes 40 fruit counters, 2 tweezers, and a picture spinner and is ideal for developing fine motor skills and reinforces color and fruit vocabulary.
LEGO City Surfer Rescue Set for $5.59: Amazon has their LEGO City Surfer Rescue Set on sale for $5.59. This set includes a shark, 2 minifigures of a Coast Guard rescuer and a surfer, a Coast Guard watercraft, surfboard, life preserver, and a life jacket.
Free Bird Printable Pack: Download a free Bird Printable Pack from Homeschool Creations. This pack includes such skills as rhyming, adding, counting syllables, puzzles, and more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
I love Tricia Goyer’s books and this one was no exception! It’s an enjoyable and fast-paced read.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
Crystal is looking forward to speaking at all four Teach Them Diligently Conventions in 2014. These Christian homeschool, discipleship, and parenting events offer encouragement and fun for the entire family. We hope you'll join her there! Click here to learn more.
to download a free application that enables you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Here are the best deals at Walgreens this week, with thanks to 
Do you have your shopping trip planned or did you come up with a great deal scenario/idea? Just post about it on your blog and leave your link below. To make it easy for everyone to navigate quickly through the links, your link must link directly to your Walgreens deals post. Links going to the homepage of your blog or any other part of your blog besides the direct link to your Walgreens deals post will be deleted.
No comments:
Post a Comment