How I Plan to be School DEBT FREE by 2014 - Part 3

How We Plan to be DEBT FREE by 2014
     With careful planning, I found that we can keep what currently have: cable, internet, and cell phones, while still getting out of debt.  I also took into account $200 in spending money, $100 for each of us, and $100 a month for family money (going out to eat, new pair of NEEDED shoes, etc).  This does not take into account bonus money or a raise I will be receiving upon my professional certification in teaching.  With firmly standing behind the amount of money we can spend in each area ($300/groceries, $360/gas) we can not only use the current $785 we pay in student loans each month BUT ALSO another $1,000 while still saving $400/month for a newer vehicle for my husband!  With $1,785 going towards student loans each month we can be debt free by December 2014 which means I can be a stay at home mom!!!

     Sure it seems easy for us because we have two incomes, but with careful planning and cutting out wants wherever possible, you too can climb out of debt OR save for that vacation, new car, whatever it is you need!

My motto: A few days of "hardship" can lead to a lifetime of "triumph"...that's how I make it through the store without buying frivolous things.

How I Plan to be School DEBT FREE by 2014 - Part 2

How We Did It!    
     About this time last year I began the drugstore game.  I ordered the Sunday paper to be delivered to my home and started clipping coupons.  I dedicated time every Sunday to clipping and sorting coupons as well as making my list of necessities for the week.  While my son napped I ventured out to get all my wonderful drugstore finds.  I was spending $5 or less for everyday name-brand necessities! I was hooked! So I used my new found coupon clipping to save money where ever possible.
     Another way I saved money was researching all of my insurance policies.  I found the best policies I could for homeowners insurance and car insurance while not sacrificing coverage.  Every six-months I take a few minutes to find the best policy for the best price often saving hundreds!  Just yesterday I saved $250 on a six-month policy by switching companies for our car insurance.
      The key to success is saving every penny!  Sure it means not going out to eat as often, not buying the new purse you want, or maybe skipping vacation this year but it all pays off in the end!  We saved money with couponing, money with changing policies, but we also saved all of our extra income for debt.  This doesn't include birthday money or Christmas gifts, but tax returns, bonuses, etc... Twice a year we average a $5,000 bonus from my husband's job.  My husband takes $500 to spend as wanted, I take $200, and the rest goes straight to debt!  If there is something we NEED, such as a new car because mine could break down at any second, than the extra money went to saving for that item.

New Site

I've transferred over to http://www.busybeingfrugal.com/ so please visit me! Thanks for stopping in and I look forward to taking my blog to the next level!

Getting Started With Coupons - Wellness+ and +UP

What is Wellness+. 

Wellness+ is a rewards card.  When you sign up for a Wellness+ Rewards card you recieve all the sale prices at Rite Aid.  Without it, you can not.  It’s quick to sign up for one in stores and you can use it that same day, much like a CVS card.  Also, if you do not have a Wellness+ card you can not recieve +UP rewards.

What are +UP Rewards and how can you use them?

+UP rewards is a program designed by Rite Aid. 
     (I’m sure you’re wondering why all my posts are geared towards Rite Aid.  Well, that’s where I’m comfortable shopping at and where I personally find the better deals.  So hang in there while I eah you the ins and outs of Rite Aid and then I’ll show you the same for Walgreens and grocery stores.)

     For every qualifying purchase that you make offering +UP rewards, a small slip will print at the end of your reciept stating, for example, $2 for BIC purchase.  These small sections are like real money that can be used at Rite Aid on your next purchase.  So if you bought two items that are on sale and offer +UP rewards they will print $5 for Garnier and $2 for BIC.  Next week, when you go back to Rite Aid, you can use the $7 earned towards your purchase…that’s $7 free!  BE CAREFUL though because +UP rewards to expire!
     It is an investment at first, you have to pay out of pocket.  But, if you plan your trip right, you can use those up rewards weekly towards your gain.  If you plan accordingly, you will probably gain even in how many +UP rewards you used and how many you earned.  I’ll be posting more scenarios soon that will help you get started with your +UP shopping.  You will make mistakes at first, I did too!  Don’t get hung up on how you could have gotten a better deal.  Just learn from it and try to do better next time.

 

Getting Started With Coupons - Rite Aid

One of the best ways to get good deals is shopping at Rite Aid.  Rite Aid offers great in store coupons called Rite Aid Video Value Coupons.  After a simple registration process, all you have to do is watch quick commercial like videos to begin recieving coupons for that item.  When you're done watching the videos of the items you'd like to get coupons for, you can print them to be redeemed at Rite Aid.  But don't just settle for the Rite Aid coupon, you can stack that item with another manufacturer's coupon to get an even better deal! Come back tomorrow to find out what stacking means and how to use it to your advantage!

To read Rite Aid’s Coupon Policy, click here!

Pamper Yourself...

Go ahead and indulge yourself, you deserve it! Print a coupon for a free strawberry lemonade, frappe, or fruit smoothie at McDonald's when you purchase one of equal or greater value.

Expires July 31, 2011

How I Plan to be School DEBT FREE by 2014 - Part 1

Who I Am and What I'm All About
     At 26 years old, a mother of an amazing 16 month old baby boy named Caleb, a wife of a year and a half to an wonderful husband named Josh, full time Special Education teacher for 9-12 grade at-risk students, owner of 3 cute dogs, and homemaker, I have a very full life! I spend my summers relaxing with my son and enjoying every second I can watching him grow and develop! But all this comes with a price!     
     With my husband's Master's degree, my Bachelor's degree along with my current Master's program, and our home we are quite in debt for being so young.  Roughly $70,000 in student loans alone!  As a family, we've been working hard to not gain more debt while still taking care of lifes unexpected expenses.  We've managed to pay for my Master's degree out of pocket, buy a new-to-us 2003 Santa Fe, and go on vacation all without putting a penny on a credit card or taking out another loan.  It takes diligence and patience to build up all that money, but it can be done!