I was able to use our Benny card for my eye exam and contact lenses. This money is accrued through reporting to our insurance company things like we are smoke free or had blood work done.
New running shoes (and socks) were replaced for my 11 year old this month. I used store credit from a Christmas return. They asked me if I’d like to sign up for the store’s reward card (no cost) and I would get 15% off my purchase. The shoes (now men’s size so more expensive) and socks were over $100 but with the sale, the reward card and the store credit they ended up giving me money to put in my wallet to walk out with our purchase. I realize the rewards program is meant to get me in the store more often but I really only go in there when I need to buy shoes. It won’t impact my budget negatively because of that.
I got some free yogurt with a downloaded coupon.
Eggs were purchased for .99 again.
The weather cleared so the heat was finally turned off and I intend to keep it that way. We will set aside money over the next months to have some maintenance done on our heating system before next fall.
Our clothesline went back up two weeks ago. I’ve only had to use the dryer twice since then. The spring weather cooperates so well here that I can easily dry two loads a day outdoors if I need to. Good for all those blankets and quilts finally coming off the beds.
My 17 year old borrowed a prom dress from my Visiting Teacher. She offered a selection for Haley to choose from her daughter’s collection before she puts them on e-bay.
Our trip to the Smoky Mountains involved minimal meals out which we planned for during traveling days. The rest of our food we took with us. The cabin had a fabulous kitchen which really helped us keep our costs down. Our cabin price reflected the last week of off season rates with one night free. It was a great great trip.
We visited the library.
We made a life insurance switch finalizing it after a very long, nearly 6 month process. Life insurance is all squared away with coverage that better matches our needs.
I purchased a long awaited book for half price.
Our bouquet for our Easter dinner was daffodils which my four year old snipped from the yard. He used his scissors and got enough flowers for five bouquets leaving plenty of flowers in the yard still.
I purchased eggs on sale for .99 and got some yogurt for free with a coupon.
I bought Easter Egg coloring kits at 90% off paying just .25 each. Some years I miss out on this deal so I always try to buy a couple on years when I can find this deal. And if someone wants to have an Easter Egg coloring birthday party in July? It won’t be a problem!
I purchased juice, canned pineapple and cream of chicken soup with rain checks for one of the lowest prices on these items all year. I also bought hot dogs on special for .99 per pound.
Exciting! We received our title in the mail for our van which we paid off about a month early so we are car-payment free now.
More exciting!!! We paid off one of our credit cards, closed our account and moved our debt free date up closer by 4 months. Originally our debt free date was December 2015 which we moved to November 2015. Then we figured out a way to move it up to May 2015 and now we are looking at January 2015. My goal now is to get that date to December of this year. When I figure that out I’ll set a goal to move that date up again. If feels good to be in control.
