My Shopping Trip: Target & a Budget Update!

January 10, 2012 at 1:30 pm by | Uncategorized

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It’s been almost 4 weeks since my last shopping trip.  But, I do have to admit, I was sending my kids out to the store for things we needed during the holidays.  And, it was just so easy, that I kept doing it even after the holidays.  Good thing I had a cushion in my grocery budget because I honestly wasn’t keeping track.  And for me, that is the benefit of saving so much money during the year.  You can sit back, relax and not worry about spending a little extra money.  Especially during the holidays.

Honestly, right now, after I write up this trip to Target, is when I’m going to find out exactly how much “extra money” I spent during the last 4 weeks.  It can’t be too bad because my grocery envelope is quite stuffed.  And, if you read my comment the other day on Facebook, you’ll know that my husband has accused me of hoarding my grocery money.  He, he…I guess there are worse things to be accused of 😉

So, here is my trip to Target last night.  My daughter Nikki and I had fun rummaging through Christmas Clearance which was 90% off.  There was a lot of junk but we managed to find some great deals.  I think one lady thought we were crazy looking through the junk but when I pulled out 8 Disney Cars 2 Squinkies for $0.49 and gave 4 to her to buy (I kept 4 for myself), she didn’t think I was crazy anymore.

Here is what I got in the Christmas Clearance:

  • 5 JOY Wooden Ornaments $0.20 each (will use to decorate gifts next year)
  • 1 Christmas Bulb Dog Toy $0.49
  • 3 Mini Stockings $0.30 each
  • 4 Packs of Christmas Cards $0.40 each (great for giving gift cards)
  • 4 Disney Cars 2 Squinkies $0.49 each
  • 1 Felt Advent Calendar (can be reused each year) $0.30
  • Misc Decoration Nikki Wanted for her dorm $0.80
  • Misc Candy

I also purchased in the 1st transaction:

  • 10 Smart Ones Entrees $1.89 each
  • 2 Up & Up Dry Sheets $1.36 each
  • 1 Market Pantry Mac & Cheese $0.64
  • 2 Up & Up Straws $0.99 each
  • 1 Reach Floss

Coupons Used:

Total: $23.90
Used Target Gift Card Balance: $19.98
Paid Out of Pocket: $3.92
Received: $5 Target Gift Card

Transaction #2 (Nikki’s Did This Transaction):

  • 10 Smart Ones Entrees $1.89 each

Coupons Used:

  • -(1)$3/10 Smart Ones
  • -(1)$3/10 Smart Ones Target Coupon (NLA)

Total: $12.90
Used Target Gift Card from Transaction #1: -$5.00
Paid:$7.90
Received: $5 Target Gift Card

Now, onto my grocery budget….

I just counted the money in my grocery envelope and there is $541 in it (yippey for me!).  So, here is the breakdown:

  • Total in the envelope as of 12/18: $385.24
  • Added $150 to grocery envelope on 12/23
  • Added $150 to grocery envelope on 1/6
  • -$32 spent on Newspapers & Coupons over the last 4 weeks
  • Total: $653.24
  • Amount in the envelope as of 1/10: $541

So, I spent $112.24 since 12/18.  Wow, not as bad as I thought. Only bad thing is, I really need to some major shopping.  And, my stack of, now, 75 coupons and a raincheck are almost ready for me to head to ShopRite.  So, watch out ShopRite, here I come 🙂

If you’re interested in seeing how we set up our budget envelopes, make sure to check out, How To Set Up a Budge and Stick to It.

How are you doing on your grocery budget?

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