Happily living within our means.

I gave a talk in June in our old ward, and had been meaning to post the original article in here. It was titled Happily living within our means. I love where it says Happily. Because I think that's the part most people forget. We have been trying to cut back cost lately. Mostly so we can build a better savings. I am even trying coupon sense. Which I will add is kind of like a new hobby, and so far I think it's fun. Don't worry I already know I am a big dork! But when I go to the grocery store spend $45, and save $47 all while buying almost a whole weeks worth of grocery's. I'm just tickled. I used to spend over $800 a month on grocery's. Once I figured that out (by keeping tabs a couple months in a row) I almost fell over. I have tried to cut it in half, but have been having a hard time. So I'm trying this. Richard was skeptical at first. But yesterday after I dropped Jaren off at school we took a little field trip to CVS where I spent 47 cents. Here is what I got.

• A jumbo pack of diapers( a 52 pack. size 4) usually around $15.99
• 3 tubes of toothpaste usually around $1.99 -2.99 it's Colgate my favorite
• 2 bottles of liquid dish soap usually between $1-2 each.
• 4 bags of candy. Okay this was totally unnecessary but again I spent 47 cents. Usually $6
• Nyquil caplets. Stocking up for cold season. Usually $4.99

So most of these things I was stocking up on. Which I love the idea of. I would have normally gone out when I needed these things and spent $38, but this little chick used her coupons, ECB's, and a gift card for transferring a prescription, and spent .47 of my own pocket money. With the money I saved I contemplated talking myself out to lunch. But talked myself out of it. Can you believe that?

Richard also started to car pool to save us some money. In the summer we would spend over $300 a month on gas just for him. With carpool, and gas prices going down we now spend half of that.

Let's see what else...we are getting pretty good at doing our own home repairs. Anyways read the article it has a lot of good advice to offer.