I saved $3,619.76 in 2010

In the year 2010 I saved $3,619.76 - for a family of 4.  This was my first year tracking my savings and I'm hoping I can improve in 2011.  I will not be receiving a raise from work for 2 years due to the fact that the government has put a 2 year freeze on us, so this means improving on my coupon skills.

Here's my breakdown:

Shelf price (before coupons): $10,364.81

Coupons used: $1,162.94

Discounts: (preferred cards and store discounts) $2,446.82

Total Savings: $3,619.76 / 34.92%

Total price I paid for groceries in 2010: $6,578.46

Over budget for the year by $578.46

My goal is to move my savings to a  38 - 40% savings.

Debt Free For LIfe Free Book

Download David Bach's Debt Free for Life today. I can't wait to read it.  Thank you to Wild for Wags for posting this.

Chocolate.com Groupon $10 for $20 worth of sweets

This would be a great Groupon to purchase and save for a birthday or special day. Go to Groupon Philadelphia it's on sale for today only (1/4).

Men's Polo from Lands' End $12.00

I love Lands' End.  I order on a regular basis; in fact I just used my Lands' End Canvas Groupon today.  Here is a nice deal on Men's polo's.  Each color has different sizes available. These are on sale for $12 and use this coupon code for free shipping. Use promotion code  "SHIPPINGISFREE" and pin number "5859".

Drug Store Deals 1/2 - 1/8

The following blogs have gathered up your drug store deals.  Thank you to all the bloggers that put in the time to help us save money.

Walgreens - Frugal Coupon Living

Target -Stretching a Buck

Rite Aid - Deal Seeking Mom

Fred Meyer - Frugal Chic Living

Tuesday's Daily Deals

Today's Daily Deals 

Groupon.com (Spokane) $30 for $60 Worth of Massage Services at Rejuvenation Station

Seattle Groupon:$10 for a One-Year Subscription to “O, The Oprah Magazine” (Up to $28 Value)

EverSave (Seattle) $22 for $45 worth of fashionable handbags, wallets, cases and clutches at ShopBossa.com

LivingSocial (Seattle) Dr. Jaime Lee, DDS Take-Home ($75) or In-Office ($130) Teeth-Whitening Treatment.

Rue La La (Seattle) -Two dinner tasting menu trays for the price of one at ART Restaurant & Lounge, near Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, WA. Valid for two diners only for $50.

Mobba.com (Portland) $27 for Two Men's Haircuts with Shampoo and Neck Shave at The Vital Barbershop in Bridgeport Village ($58 Value)

DealPop (Seattle)- Half off Pizza at Chicago Style in the U District ($11)

TIPPR (Seattle) - $19 for an Oil Change, Inspection, & Tire Rotation from Econo Lube Auto Care Safety, Reliability, Peace of Mind, Total Satisfaction.

GroopDealz.com  -  $30 for HCG Diet Program ($89 Value)

Mamapedia (National) $17 for 6-Month Subscription for Healthy Menu Planning from Relish! ($36 Value) I love this one.

CityDeals -  (Kennewick,WA) La Placita Mexican Restaurant $13 valued at $25

Seize The Deal (Tri-Cities, WA) $10 for $20 of Lovely Items From Essence de la Belledame

How I saved over $50 today

There are simple ways to save money and they all add up.  Here are some ways I saved money today.

I received 2 $10 gift cards to Starbucks from Swagbucks for free. Sign up for Swagbucks and use them everytime you use the internet. It's an easy way to receive free items.

I received my 1/2 price gift certificates to Rosy's Restuarant. I paid $25 for 2 $25 gift cards.

I went to the Oroweat Outlet today and picked up the following for $17.27 (I'm sure I saved at least 50% off original price):

4 - 2 pack loaves of the Oroweat Costco size bread (one loaf is the size of 2 standard size loaves)
2 - 2 packs of bagel thins
2  package of english muffins
1 package of mini rye loaf
1 loaf wheat bread - free
2 boxes of doughnuts - 1 free
1 box mini mufifns

I did find out that the Oroweat Outlet has double punch days (double points on their punch card so you can work towards free items) on Mondays and between 5:00 - 6:00 you also receive a free item.  Monday's will be the day for me.

Homemade Corn Dogs

I thought I would share this fun recipe for homemade corn dogs with you that I found from the Prepared Pantry.

Using tempura batter mix makes these easy to make—with only four ingredients. They are as good as any at the county fair.

One package of eight good quality hot dogs cut crosswise
2 cups tempura batter mix
1 cup milk
1 large egg

16 wooden skewers about 4-inches long (cut longer skewers into shorter sticks)

Insert the skewers into the ends of the hot dogs.

In a large bowl, stir the batter mix, the egg, and the milk together. The batter will be thick.
Pour one inch of oil into a large, heavy skillet or use a Fry Daddy. Heat to 365 degrees.
Holding the hot dogs over the bowl of batter, spoon the batter onto the hot dogs and spread it around to completely cover them.

Lay the coated hot dogs, 3 or 4 at a time, in the hot oil. Turn them with tongs after 10 to 15 seconds of cooking to prevent the batter from sliding off the hot dogs. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes more or until golden brown, turning to brown evenly. Remove with tongs and drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

Serve with your favorite dip.

Northwest Coupon Party 12/29 - 1/4

This is your Northwest Grocery Store Summary
12/29/10 - 1/4/11

 Stock up for New Year's

Thank you to The Grocery Gathering,  The Coupon Posse' and Fabulessly Frugal for putting together all these great deals.

Albertson's

Fred Meyer

Safeway

WinCo Foods

Yoke's Fresh Market

If you do not see your store, go to the Grocery Gathering, they have them listed by state.

Yoke's Fresh Market 12/29 - 1/4

Yoke's Fresh board is good until 1/6

Yoke's has some great items for your New Year's Parties. You can make some great food with the items on sale.

Printable Coupons:

Coupons.com
Red Plum Printables
Smart Source Printables

Prices are good from 12/29 - 1/4
These are my picks:

Ground Beef $1.79lb (stock up)
Boneless chicken breasts $1.47lb (stock up)

Brocolli Crowns and Cauliflower (on my list)

Jumbo avocados 5 for $5

Ruffles B1G1 ($3.99)

Oroweat English Muffins B1G1 ($5.59)
Tostitos Chips or Salsa $2.38 each

Pillsbury Grands Sweet Rolls $2.99 ($.40/2 from 12/5 GM)

Ritz Bits Crackers 2 for $5 ($1/2 from 12/12 RP)

Pillsbury Toaster Strudels $2.39 ($.50/2 from 12/5 RP)

Yoke's Coupons (Wednesday - Friday)

Coke 2 liter $.89 (limit 4)

Lay's Kettle Potato Chips $1.78 each (limit 3) add $1/2 from 12/6 SS with it
Tony's Pizzas 6 for $10 (limit 6)
Fresh Express Garden Salad $.78 (limit 4)
House Rayfor Party Wings $11.99 (limit 4)
Fast Fixin Party Tray $12.99 (limit 4)
M&M Mars Candy Bars 3 for $1 (limit 12)
Jennie-O Smoked Turkey Breast $4.99 lb Deli
Fresh Baked Sour Dough Artisan Bread $1.99 (Limit 6)

Also see BeCentsable's Grocery Gathering and Grocery Deals for more savings on your other favorite stores

JC Penney's Outlet Online Wednesday Sale

American Living T-Shirts for only $6.99 today.From JC Penney's Outlet Online Wednesday Sale. This is for today only.

Wednesday's Daily Deals

Today's Daily Deals 
Keep stocking up on those daily deals. This will save you money all year around.

Groupon.com (Spokane) $25 for $50 Worth of Winter Activities or $22 for Snowshoe Day Hike ($44 Value) at Flow Adventures

Seattle Groupon:$10 for $20 Worth of Books, Pastries, and Drinks at Inner Chapters Bookstore & Cafe

EverSave (Seattle) $30 for $75 worth of compartmentalized handbags, totes and clutches from Butlerbag.com

LivingSocial (Seattle) Free Movement Zone 90-Minute Introductory Pole-Dancing Workshop
$15. Wow, now that would be a interesting.

Rue La La (Seattle) -The Linen Closet, most items about 1/2 price

Mobba.com (Portland) $15 for $32 Worth of Clothing and Accessories In-Store at Pasha Boutique or Online at shoppasha.com!

DealPop (Seattle)- 75% off Yoga Classes at Seattle Yoga Arts, One month of unlimited Yoga classes for $30

TIPPR (Seattle) -  Half off Cuban/Venezuelan Fare at Mojito $15 Buys $30 in Latin-American Food and Drinks

GroopDealz.com  -  $39 for $80 Worth of High Quality Canvases from Canvas Lifestyle - Free Shipping

Mamapedia (National) $15 for $30 Worth of Children's Apparel & Accessories from Ambajam

CityDeals -  Hot Wingz (Kennewick,WA) $20 value for only $10 (you can purchase up to 10 through City Deals)

Seize The Deal (Tri-Cities) Just $10 for $20 of Tasty Food From Hot Wingz (You can purchase only one, if you want more go to City Deals).

Old Navy School Uniform Sale

Old Navy School Uniform Sale! Polo's $6 and Khakis $12. My son loves the polos; I think I will be purchasing a few for school. Free Shipping on orders over $50. Prices are good until 1/13.

;

$10 Papa John's Pizzas.

Kohl's Gold Star Clearance

Save 60 to 80% off Kohl's online.  $.99 shipping on every item. Great time to shop.

Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Book for your Kindle

If you were one of the lucky ones to get a Kindle for Christmas here is a free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe book from Amazon.

Eatz Pizza - $1.99 per kid, Monday - Thursday

I heard on the radio today that kids can eat at Eatz Pizza for $1.99 Monday - Thursday.  This would be a great time to take the family out to eat since the kids are out of school and many are taking time off of work.

My Walgreen's Trip

Yesterday I went to Walgreen's to score on the Chex mix Deal and this is what I picked up.

5 bags of Chex Mix $.99 each, used 2 - $.50/1 coupons
6 pack of Dove Bar Soap $7.49 (I normally stock pile when on sale but I ran short this time)
1 nail polish on sale $1.09
2 Revlon makeup on sale $3.59 each
2 packages Christmas tags $.49 each

Total $20.89, Saved $35.30, received $3.50RR from the Chex, and a coupon for a free 2 liter Sierra Mist.

2011 Savings Tracker from The Coupon Project

Thank you to The Coupon Project for this great Savings Tracker.  I have used it all year long.  I am finishing up this year to see how much I have saved so far this year (I will let you know how I did for the year next week). If you would like to start tracking your savings for 2011, this would be a good time to get it set up.

Thank you to The Coupon Project!

Walgreen's Aussie Products

Buy 2 Aussie or Herbal Essences products on sale for $2.99
Use B1G1 Herbal Essences or Aussie Product and get a free Herbal Essences or Aussie Styler (from PG 12/26 insert)
Add $0.50/1 Herbal Essences from RP 11/14 insert (expires 12/31)
Pay $2.49 and receive $1.00 Registered Reward
Final price: $0.75 each

I love this deal! I'm in need of Aussie shampoo and mousse.

80% off Restaurant.com

Receive 80% off restaurant gift certificates from Restaurant.com. Use Promo Code "CLEARANCE" for your discount.  This is good through Friday (12/31/10). You can purchase a $25 gift certificate for only $2. If you buy 5 - $25 gift certificates you will receive one for free.  You will receive them in the mail.  They are delivered very quick.  I purchase 5 a few weeks ago and received my free one as well.  I couldn't believe how fast they were delivered.

I have used these several times and I have had no problems at all.  I keep a couple in my purse in case we are out running around and decide to go out to eat. With the savings you can afford to eat at a nice restaurant rather than a fast food restaurant.  I live in the Tri-Cities, Washington and I have used certificates at Kimos, McDougalls, and Ice Harbor Brewery.

*Note: currently Kimo's and McDougalls are not listed, I'm hoping they add them back after the first of the year and Spaghetti Establishment went out of business so don't buy one of those.

5 Inserts this Sunday!!

Most of our coupons are expiring on the 31st, but the good news is Sunday's paper should have 5 inserts in it.  Some areas may be different. You might want to grab a couple papers. Don't forget you can always purchase coupons rather than buying a whole paper. I like to buy one paper so I can see all the ads and what coupons will be available to purchase. I purchase mine from The Coupon Clippers (they are currently closed for the holidays).

Drug Store Deals - 12/26 - 1/1

The following blogs have gathered up your drug store deals.  Thank you to all the bloggers that put in the time to help us save money.

Walgreens - Frugal Coupon Living

Target -Stretching a Buck

Rite Aid - Deal Seeking Mom

Fred Meyer - Frugal Chic Living

Monday's Daily Deals

Today's Daily Deals 
Keep stocking up on those daily deals. This will save you money all year around.

Groupon.com (Spokane) $10 for Two Tickets to a Friday- or Saturday-Night Comedy Show at Uncle D's Comedy Underground (Up to $24 Value)

Seattle Groupon: $12 for $25 Worth of Vegan Fare at Plum Bistro or $15 for a Dozen Vegan Cupcakes at Sage Cafe ($31 Value)

EverSave (Seattle) $15 for $30 worth of chic, cozy scarves from Eternity Scarves

LivingSocial (Seattle) Flourish Chiropractic Spa: Your Choice of One ($35) or Three($90) Services: a 60-Minute Massage, Private Yoga Lesson, or Chiropractic Treatment with Hot Stone Massage for $35.

Rue La La (Seattle) -Burke Mountain: One Full-Day Lift Ticket Rediscover Vermont's idyllic, unspoiled winter charm with this Boston Pick that holds a challenge for every skier or rider, for $39.00

Mobba.com (Portland) $4 for $10 Worth of Coffee, Pastries and More at Flying Cat Coffee Co!

DealPop (Seattle)- 51% off Skin Care Services at Envy on Alki $49 (Value $100)

TIPPR (Seattle) -  68% off Personalized Photobooks and Pocketpix from Pixable for only $14

GroopDealz.com  -  $8.99 Beloved Character Line Candles from Eclipse Candle Co. - Redeem Online ($17.99 Value)

Mamapedia (National) $15 for $30 Worth of Kids Clothing & Apparel at Kidorable

CityDeals -  Hot Wings (Kennewick,WA) $20 value for only $10

Seize The Deal (Tri-Cities) $25 for $50 of Special Occasion Clothing at Crystal's

Chex Mix at Walgreens Sale

Here is a great deal on Chex Mix at Walgreen's that will start your New Year off well. This deal will last until 1/27.

Chex Mix is currently on Sale for $.99 each.  Use a $.50/1 coupon from bricks.com and/or $1/2 from 12/5 General Mills insert.

Registered Rewards:
* Buy 3 get $1.50
* Buy 4 get $2.50
* Buy 5 get $3.50

Here's a great way to stock up and possibly make some money.