We were running low on fruits and veggies the last couple of days, but I wanted to wait until the ads came out for the week. There wasn’t anything that I really needed on sale or at stock up prices, so I headed to Aldi to get their great deals on fruit this week, and to pick up a few other things we are running low on.

I got:
Bread .85 cents
Macaroni and Cheese .39 cents (2)
Chicken Nuggets $3.99
Strawberries .99 cents
Mandarin Oranges .69 cents
Banana .79 cents
Pineapple $1.29
Canned Peaches .89 cents
Graham Crackers $1.49 (2)
Wheat Crackers $1.39 (2)
Gala Apples $2.25
Navel Oranges $1.48
Cilantro .99 cents
Then there was some cereal on their Marked down rack. And although we have plenty of cereal at the moment it was too good of a deal to pass up.
cereal 3 boxes $1 each

Came to $25.08 with tax

That puts me at $155.65 for the month. I went a bit over, but that is okay. I actually budget out $200 each month for groceries to cover if there are any great stock up sales or if there aren’t wonderful deals and I have to pay more for items. The $44 I didn’t spend will be saved. I put half into our vacation fund or Christmas fund (although I’ve already got plenty in our Christmas fund) and half into our Emergency savings. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but it adds up pretty quick.

**Remember that this total includes what I refer to as household maintenance items such as toilet paper, makeup, shampoo, soap, lightbulbs and cleaning supplies. You may scroll through what I bought this month and say wait you didn’t buy a lot of these things. That’s true I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean we went without toilet paper! I stock up when there is a great deal on certain items. So we have items on hand when we run out and I don’t have to spend more than I should on them because we need them right away.

Here is my caveat. To coupon and save effectively you need to be organized. I keep a running list on my fridge of items that we are getting low on and I start watching for deals. I view running my household like a job, so I give myself time to do it. By saving us money I am able to stay home with my kids. A blessing that I cherish. I involve them in couponing, watching for sales and helping me stay organized. My 6 year old has become quite the bargain hunter, plus he is learning great money management skills.