tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303405276333102788.post6334739941306244778..comments2023-10-16T07:25:42.743-05:00Comments on MommaJen: Changing TimesMommaJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05813874972854704397noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303405276333102788.post-68596429680273976842008-10-24T23:10:00.000-05:002008-10-24T23:10:00.000-05:00We are on a strict, written, follow it budget! We...We are on a strict, written, follow it budget! We use the cash system that Dave Ramsey advocates. X amount of dollars go into these envelopes each month: Entertainment/Eating Out; Kid's Allowanes; Rx/Medications; Groceries; our spending money.<BR/>When those envelopes are empty, we are done for that month until next pay day!<BR/>This has done wonders! Makes me work harder on the grocery budget, meal planning, sale shopping and matching coupons. We don't eat out or carry out(our downfall before!) like we used to. B/c we only have X amount for that a month, we choose carefully when we eat out, where we go, date night, etc.<BR/>Speaking of date nights, we swap with friends for childcare!<BR/>I have a huge stockpile of things that I have built up. And, you'd be surprised by all the name brand things I have b/c of sales and coupons. I always bought store brands thinking they were cheaper and have found that not always to be true!<BR/>I couldn't say the last time I've bought: soap, bodywash, shampoos/conditioners, laundry deter., dish soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, paper towels, deodorent, make-up, flushable wipes, any cleaning products!! And, I won't for some time still!! That has saved us tons!<BR/><BR/>Praise God the gas prices have been falling! for now!!<BR/>I rarely have to gas up my new car and that has saved us tons too!<BR/>And, Lord bless grandparents who buy clothes and shoes! My mom loves to!!<BR/>Well, that's my journal blog entry on your blog for today!! :o) I should have just been a guest poster!! :o)Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00057393478776308396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303405276333102788.post-28801426096945641942008-10-23T21:19:00.000-05:002008-10-23T21:19:00.000-05:00I totally agree on the "people first, then money" ...I totally agree on the "people first, then money" agenda, and I think we've discussed that before. As far as Christmas goes, it's the GIVING that is important. I'm always thankful for the items that I receive, but it wouldn't be the same if we didn't give and give from our hearts, not give within some established rate so that we all end up getting atleast what we spend. I have a real problem with that line of thinking.<BR/><BR/>As far as saving money, we're are doing much better at not eating out as much...it's hard, but I honestly don't enjoy eating out much anymore because we did it too much! I'd much rather have something homemade to eat...especially for lunch.Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12353325486297052579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303405276333102788.post-80267215026393643972008-10-23T12:02:00.000-05:002008-10-23T12:02:00.000-05:00Coupons are great, shopping the ads are great, and...Coupons are great, shopping the ads are great, and shopping at the stores that price match!<BR/><BR/>We made friends with our neighbors so we don't go anywhere anymore- we just hang out at each others' houses. <BR/><BR/>Its the simple things.Brihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15827049920771791750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4303405276333102788.post-10539141082494666052008-10-23T11:10:00.000-05:002008-10-23T11:10:00.000-05:00I have always been a store brand shopper...of cour...I have always been a store brand shopper...of course unless the store doesn't make something that you can only get in name brand. Your right you can hardly tell a difference. I've tried coupons, but I won't buy something unless its something I actually use regularly.Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04310699556744510167noreply@blogger.com