Welp. I’m feeling a bit sheepish.
Did ya’ll happen to read my most recent Disney Fund Deposit? No? Well, did you pay attention to the bottom of last week’s grocery trip? Missed that, too? Fine, I’ll spell it out for you.
I goofed.
Last week, I was soooo excited, because after two trips of being over budget, I was finally under budget, which meant I had rollover for the Disney fund. My grocery budget resets every month. That allows me some wiggle room in the beginning on the month, and I usually end up with at least a few dollars going towards out 2018 vacation. Because my shopping trips happen on a Thursday, the budget resets on the first Thursday of the month, not the actual 1st of the month. This rule is of my own making so, you would think I would remember it.
You would be wrong.
Last week, I proudly put money in my fund without realizing that I still had a week left to go in January. Yup, I still had my January 25th trip. This trip you’re reading about right now. I don’t know what wires in my brain got crossed, but I was under the impression that January only had 24 days this year. And what a goof to make, because wouldn’t you know it, but my final trip of the month went overbudget.
I can’t regret going over budget because it is the Buy 6, Save $3 sale, which is a great time to stock up on things at terrific prices. And there was a sale on both steak and chicken. Ya’ll know I cannot resist a sale on protein. If you are new to couponing, I highly advise taking advantage of sales like the Buy 6, Save 6. Not only do you get the savings without the (sometimes) confusing coupon jargon, but it starts to train your brain on how to buy things on the sale cycle.
But there again, I goofed. Remember last week, when I was so excited about the new buffalo sauce and organic pickles I discovered? And how I just haaaaad to have them, even if they were at full price? You see where this story’s going, right? You’ll never guess what was included in the Buy 6, Save $3 for 50% off it’s normal price? Would you believe me if I told you buffalo sauce and organic pickles? Of course you would, because you know I would never lie to you.
There are a couple of morals here. 1) Even if you find a product that you love, have to have, cannot life without…it will probably go on sale at some point. If you must buy it at full price, buy only one, so that when it does go on sale you can stretch your dollar a little further and stock up. 2) January has 31 days. Not 24.
- Arla Cream Cheese-$0. Free with a *Digital Coupon* from the manufacturer.
- Bananas, 1.22 lbs-$.67.
- Bayley Blue Cheese-$3.09.
- Blackberries, ½ pint (2)-$4. Not quite as good a deal as last week, but still a sale price.
- Boar’s Head Pepperoni, ¾ lb-$4.58.
- Creamette Pasta (2)-.89. Originally $1.25, down to .49 each with Buy 6, Save $3.
- Heritage Farm Chicken Breasts, 4.61 lbs -$9.19.
- Heritage Farm Chicken Drumsticks, 5.32 lbs -$4.69. Down to .88 a pound!
- Heritage Farm Chicken Thighs, 5.84 lbs -$5.14. Also down to .88 a pound!
- Honey Bunches of Oats (2)-$3.58. Originally $3.99, down to $1.79 with Buy 6, Save $3.
- Kraft Red Wine Vinaigrette-$1.99. I needed dressing real bad, so I paid full price, but you watch, next week it will be on sale for 7 cents.
- Kroger Milk, gallon-$1.99.
- London Broil Steak, 4.35 lbs-$13.03.
- Nectarines, 1.47 lbs-$2.93.
- Onions, 1.97 lbs-$1.95.
- Pork Loin Chops, 3lbs-$5.73. Less than $2 a pound. For pork, I’ll take it!
- Red Gold Canned Tomatoes (10)-$4.50. Originally .95, down to .45 with Buy 6, Save $3.
- Roma Tomatoes, 1.41 lbs-$2.10.
- Romaine Lettuce, .1 30 lb-$1.68.
- Strawberries 1 pint (3)-$5.
- Sweet Baby Rays’s Buffalo Sauce (2)-$2.98. Originally $3.29, down to $1.49 a bottle with Buy 6, Save $3. Worth nothing, buying 2 on sale still costs less than the one retail priced one I bought last trip. You live and you learn.
- Vlasic Kosher Pure Pickles (2)-$3.98. Originally $3.37, down to $1.99 with Buy 6, Save $3.
- Apps I’ll Submit to-Fetch Rewards, Ibotta ( Any Item .25 Off), Checkout 51 (.25 off Cream Cheese)
Total Budget: $75
Total Spent: $83.73
Total Saved: $50.22
Deducted from the Next Trip: $8.73
How was your shopping trip this week? Goof free? If not, share your best goof with me in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!