My Haul - $484.48 Retail Cost!!

Huge Saturday Haul!

So today I did another shopping trip. I almost forgot how long couponing takes since I haven't been to the store in over 3 weeks.. almost. I spent around 9 hours between yesterday and today matching up the coupons and shopping at the store. The combined retail price of my weekend haul was $708.47!!! This is by far the biggest haul I have ever done in 2 days!!! Yesterday I scored over $222 worth of groceries for only $55 dollars. 

Today I picked up TONS of stuff for my stockpile and BBQ tomorrow worth retail value of $484.48 !!! Check out the breakdown of what I bought below and make sure to read the game instructions below!!!

• 1 Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
• 1 Garlic
• 1 Market Pantry Apple Sauce 6 pack
• 1 Winn-Dixie crushed pineapple 8 oz can
• 1 Market Pantry Pecans 8 oz
• 2 Large Onions
• 3 Lemons
• 1 Green Cabbage
• 1 Iceberg Lettuce
• 2 Romain Hearts 3 pack
• 2 Tuf Paper Towel 8 pack
• 3 Photo Frames
• 12 Powerade 32 oz
• 2 Just The Basics Water 24 pack
• 3 Kaiser Roll 6 pack
• 1 Hoagie Roll 6 pack
• 2 Nature Own 8 pack Hot Dog buns
• 20 Limes
• 2 Red Peppers
• 2 Green Peppers
• 2 Lbs of Carrots
• 4 Armour Hot Dogs
• 2 Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8 oz
• 5 Bananas
• 8 Progresso Soups 19 oz
• 1 Winn Dixie Milk
• 3 Minute Rice 14 oz
• 1 Champions C9 shorts
• 1 Merona Floppy Hat
• 2 Colagate Max Toothpaste 6 oz
• 6 Gillette Series Shave Prep 2.5 oz
• 2 Bengay pain reliever cream 2 oz
• 5 Got2B Pomade 2 oz
• 3 Got2B Dry Shampoo 4.3 oz
• 2 Got2B 2 Sexy Mousse 7.2 oz
• 4 Nutter Butter 5.25 oz
• 4 Oreo 5.2 oz
• 4 Oreo Double Stuffed 5.6 oz
• 4 Chips Ahoy Chewy 5.12 oz
• 4 Chips Ahoy 6 oz
• 4 Wheat Thins 4 oz
• 8 Lbs Chicken Drumsticks
• 7 Lbs Springer Chicken Breasts
• 7 Lbs Ground Beef
• 3.5 Lbs Skirt Steak

GAME RULES

-- I figured we could play a game for an envelope full of coupons or 4 $5/$30 Winn Dixie coupons- Winner's choice.

Comment below with your guess of what I spent for TODAY's haul ($484.48 retail value worth). Everything is in the photo above. Everyone gets 2 guesses and the closest guess wins. I will close the game Sunday at midnight!!

The most amazing cashier ever!!

My Amazing Shopping Trip at Publix!!!

Today I got to experience the best shopping trip to date. I felt so exhausted after a long week of working (sometimes until 9:30 at night) but couldn't wait to get back from Publix to blog about this! We have had nothing in our house for about 3 weeks and I have been running the stockpile low since I haven't been to the store in almost a month. Today, I finally sat down and gathered all my coupons for Publix since I knew the flyer sale was ending tonight. After about 2.5 hours of me matching the coupons, printing/ cutting them all out and organizing them into a nice stack... I set out for Publix. This is something I have come to dread since the cashiers there can be somewhat rude. (I have experience being insuted in another language and have heard lots of talking under the breath from cashiers when they thought I wasn't listening or couldn't understand them). 

I spent about 45 minutes shopping at the store and got over $222 worth of groceries. When I came up to an open belt, I had no idea that the cashier was going to completely make my night. Matthew, a cashier I got for the first time, was by far the most amazing cashier I have ever gotten while couponing ( I have been doing this for about 20 months now). He was so kind and very patient. I did have my coupons organized but as you all know, the checkout process can be quite long. We talked about my BBQ I have planned for Sunday and he even told me not to worry about other customers getting agitated. I felt very at calm when checking out- something I never am during checkout!!! At one point, a female manager came up and she didn't have the nicest attitude towards me or my coupons. I was scared that Matthew was now going to change his composure with his manager standing right there talking under her breath but he never skipped a beat!!! He did an amazing job and I could not have asked for a better outcome.

I am about to email Publix headquarters and let them know they have an AMAZING employee working for them (at the Publix in Dadeland, Miami) and I hope to see him when I go again. After reading my email, I hope he gets the recognition he deserves for being an All Star. Matthew, I hope you get to read this. I want to say thank you for making my night and making checking out with coupons actually enjoyable rather than a complete nightmare.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

P.S. I saved over $164 dollars this trip and only paid $58.62 for all the items I have in the photo above. This will be great to stock up my pantry and feed everyone at the BBQ.  Find the breakdown of what I bought below!!

What I purchased: 4 Hormel Chicken cans, 2 Old En Paso Tortillas, 2 Old El Paso Refried Beans, 2 Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce, 4 Ristorante pizzas, 1 12 pack Cottenelle, 6 Ore-Ide Potato items, 2 Smuckers Uncrustables, 4 Armour Meatballs, 4 Breakstone Cottage Cheese & Fruit Cups, 2 Lean Cuisine Items, 12 Pillsbury Crescent & Biscuit packs, 3 32 oz Heinz Ketchup, 4 Doritos, 10 Idahoan Instant Potato, 2 3- pack Brita Replacement Filters 

** Comment below with your amazing (or terrible) cashier stories!!**

Birthday Coming Up!!!

Wealthy Living on a Budget getting older!!

Thank you for all those of you who have been with me through this LONG and complicated journey of starting Wealthy Living on a Budget. I know I have been super busy with the new job and my time online has significantly declined but I still LOVE WLOAB and all the connections and people I have met through this!! I am hoping to be able to start blogging more and get back to what I really love!! The blog will be turning 1 in a few weeks and I would love to get some ideas of how we should celebrate. I wanted to do a giveaway but wanted ideas on if we should have 1 big one or multiple small ones. I would also like to play some games during that week so make sure to comment below with all the ideas so I can start planning!!!

Epitome of Human Love and Inspiration!

Love your children!

This video deserves to be seen by everyone so I would appreciate if you could take 5 minutes to watch it! I believe it is the epitome of human love and should be an inspiration to everyone.
 

 

 A Son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says "Yes" and they go on to complete the marathon together. This became the inspiration for the father and son team to go on and join other marathons. The father always saying "Yes" to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together."

To which, his father said "Yes".

If you don't know, the Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and ending with a 26.2 mile marathon along the coast of the Big Island. As always, the Father and son went on to complete the race together!

Please Share the love and hug your children tonight!! Comment below with what you think.

 

 

Ibotta = Cash Back on Groceries!!

FREE Money!!

Ibotta is an app available for smartphones. I love it as it gives me cash back on items I would regularly buy. You just scan your UPC and the receipt and that's it!! The money can be cashed out or instantly transferred to a Paypal account- whichever you prefer. You can also donate your cash back to any school in America. (if this isn't enough of an incentive to sign up- I'm not sure what is) The app was featured on Google Play and Good Morning America. It's super easy and fun... and let's be honest, there is nothing better than free money! Ibotta adds new products all the time and there are over 41 retailers to choose from. Make sure to check it out HERE. Sign up is easy and quick!

Fires in Maine - Donations Needed!

Help Needed!!

So I don't usually post items like this but this one hit close to the heart. A friend I was chatting with on Facebook mentioned how her neighborhood in Lewiston, ME has been affected by local fires. There was a huge fire on Monday leaving over 75 people homeless but another fire started yesterday which affected 3 more apartment homes. I am not asking anyone to donate money but I do know that as couponers we have a ton of extra items around which these people are truly in need of. The YMCA of of Central Maine is collecting donations. The list of items they are collecting is below. Please look it over and see if there is anything you could donate -the only thing it would cost would be shipping unless you are in Maine (the address can be found on the left side of the facebook page!). These people are in need and can use anything we can donate! I have already mailed in a care package with non-perishable foods and a ton of hygiene items. I could not imagine what it would be like to lose absolutely everything I own and can only imagine how devastating that would be. Please see a few photos below and contact me for more. You can also contact the YMCA of Central Maine for more information! 

 

 

*** These photos are actual photos of the fire. My friend took these photos herself and they are not photoshopped in any way.

Items which are needed: 

• Non- Perishable Food Items
• Personal Hygiene Items - q-tips, nail clippers, razors(new), feminine products, soap, deodorant, shampoo, baby shampoos, lotion etc
• Towels & Wash Cloths

Thank you Teachers!!! -- BOGO Chipotle!!

National Teacher Appreciate Day!

May 7th is National teacher appreciation day. I think teachers are an integral part of the education system and I truly appreciate their hard work and passion. I can definitely look back at my life and know of some teachers who truly touched my heart and my mind. Those are the teachers who inspire us to grow as individuals. I am happy to announce that any teacher who brings a school ID card  into a Chipotle, from 4 pm to close, will receive BOGO Burritos  bowls, salads or order or tacos. I personally LOVE the tacos and would recommend them to anyone visiting Chipotle. Comment Below with how a teacher how changed your life!!

FREE Pillsbury Newsletter - High Value Coupons and Delicious Recipes!!

Sign up now!

I love getting the Pillsbury Newsletter!! They sent out amazing recipes (which are SO delicious) and high value coupons. You can sign up HERE. It is totally worth checking out and the coupons usually go with the local sales! You can also snag some awesome freebies from time to time!

FREE $10 gift card from PLINK!!

I LOVE Plink!!

If you didn't follow my old posts HERE, now is the perfect time to check out PLINK! They are having a private offer which will give you $1,000 points. Enough for 2 $5 gift cards or 1 $10 gift card of your choice. I've been personally using PLINK for over 5 months now and love getting points at places I already plan on shopping at. You do have to link a debit/credit card to use link but they are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a rating of A-. I would never suggest something to my readers without testing it first and I have gotten over $20 worth of gift cards from Plink. You get points when you shop at certain retailers including Burger King, Papa John's, Taco Bell, Old Navy, Gap, 7-11, AMC Cinemas and more. This is an awesome rewards program and one I highly recommend. Check out how to earn you 1,000 points ($10 worth) below!! Please remember this offer is good for new Plink members only!

1. Sign up for Plink HERE.

2. Link your Credit or Debit Card.

3. Spend at least $10 at Papa John's before 5/5 at 11:59 EST and pay using the registered card.

4. 1,000 points will be added to your account within 7 days.

5. Redeem for gift card of your choice (I love getting Target or Amazon!)

** If you are registered for Papa Rewards and use your card while registering online you will recieve Plink points AND Papa Rewards which is an amazing deal!!!

FREE Sweepstakes for American Express Gift cards!!

Make sure you enter!!

Make sure to check out Holiday Central and Mom's Recipes!! There are 2 awesome giveaway sites which both have tons of giveaways and sweepstakes for American Express Gift Cards. There are different opportunities with different end dates! The vaules of the prizes vary from $50-$100 in AMEX Gift Cards. I could totally use one of these and am doing a lot of wishful thinking. 

What would you buy if you won?? I would LOVE to win in time for Mother's day so I can send my mom some flowers -- she truly deserves it!!

$10,000 Scholarship giveaway for Moms!!!

Sign Up now!!!

It always makes me happy to hear from my followers and over the last few months I've gotten to know quite a few. I know a lot of my followers are... MOMS!!! When I came across this opportunity I just had to share!! Right now through May 15th, you can try and win a $10,000 scholarship. The money can be used for anything from bills, groceries, home repairs, child care or anything else you please. Make sure to enter this one as I don't know anyone who couldn't use an extra $10K. Make sure to go HERE and register. Once you register you are already entered into the drawing. You can choose to get information from colleges if you please but it does not increase your chances of winning**. This is an awesome opportunity for any mom!!!! The registration is easy and quick and if you don't enter you can't win!!


** If you do not want to receive any information from schools just click on the 'next school" button near the top right. I just clicked all the way through and it let me know I was registered for the drawing and that I will get a confirmation email within 30 minutes!

Discussion Time: What is your Budget??

Discussion time!!

I would love to host a discussion every Wednesday! I believe the advice of other couponers can be amazing in saving other money- If we can learn from one another, I believe we can save even more money!!

I wanted to talk about Budgets today!! I have a monthly Budget of about $100 dollars.. this includes all shopping done by my family (toiletries, household items and groceries). I am paying off student loans and every penny counts. Me and Carlos can  live off of my stockpile and I have to be very thankful for the items we have. If I did not coupon, I cannot imagine how life would be. We would constantly not have enough money to pay the bills and would probably be only eating Ramen noodles. I strive to cook a meal everyday (we know how that works out sometimes) and I always include some sort of fresh veggies (salad usually since I coupon for it). We are also weekly regulars at our local farmers market to pick up some amazing fruits for the week. It does get tough sometimes sticking to the budget so I sometimes roll over into the other months. See how my grocery budget works below!

I set a yearly budget of $1200 which is equivalent to about $100 dollars a month. I sometimes spend under $100 and sometimes I go over! I do not mind borrowing from the next month or using some cash which I have rolled over from the month before. This usually allows me to stay within the average $100/month budget. I stay very cautious of how much money I still have left for the year and how many months we have to go. I use my stockpile a lot and tend to stock up on items we use a lot (juices, salad, yogurt etc ) when they are free or very very inexpensive. Make sure to share what your budget it, how many people are in your household and how you manage you budget below!! 

FREE Bath & Body Works item with $10 Purchase!!!

Print your coupon NOW!!

This offer is only available in store until Friday, May 3rd. You can print a coupon HERE. You will snag a FREE item with any $10 purchase. I LOVE when I can get coupons for free goodies as I need to stock up on some candles and soap (Lilac Blossom is my favorite scent EVER!!) 

FREE Ovaltine Sample!!

Yummy!!!

I love these small samples. I keep them aside for when I have a serious chocolate craving! Last time, the sample came with a coupon for $1 off so I am hoping these samples will be the same. Make sure to grab yours HERE.

Toys 'R Us- FREE Lego Building Event!!

FREE Lego Event!

Toys 'R Us will be having a FREE Lego Building event this Saturday, May 4th from 12 pm -2 pm. Please make sure to call and double check if your store is participating. Your little ones will be able to build a mini-version of a Jek-14's Stealth Starfighter. They will be able to see the Starfighter featured on May 29th, 8 EST in The Yoda Chronicles on Cartoon Network. I think these events are an awesome way to get your child out of the house and doing something creative for FREE. They get to keep the Lego ship after they build it in store. Check out more information HERE. Comment below if you have attended an event like this and how it went!! 

Photo Ready Giveaway Event

Welcome to the Photo Ready Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Please take a moment to say hello to our sponsor: Giveaway Booster

Have a giveaway? Great! Now, how do you get the word out about your giveaway? Of course you want to reach more than just your audience right?!

Giveaway Booster was created to help you reach a larger audience to promote your giveaways. Give your giveaway a BOOST through email, blogs, and all forms of social media!

Giveaway Booster offers several services:

Promote Your Giveaway - Submit your giveaway, sweepstakes or contests and they will promote them! You can even have your giveaway promoted on several sites! List Your Giveaway Event - Bloggers do you need more bloggers to help you promote an event you are planning? List your giveaway for other bloggers to sign up. Join Giveaway Events - Are you a blogger looking to join all these great events? Sign-up to offer your readers these great giveaways and grow your social media in the process. Fans Enter Giveaways - Do you love to enter giveaways? Enter to win!!

Now let's talk about the fabulous prize package which includes:

Canon EOS REBEL T4i 18.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 3-inch Touchscreen and Full HD Movie Mode (Body) - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Zoom Lens - Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens - Telephoto & Wide Angle Lens Set - 3 pc Filter Kit: UV/ Polarizing filter/Fluorescent correction & Case - 32 Gigabyte SDHC Secure Digital Memory Card - Secure Digital USB Card Reader - Universal Memory Card Wallet - Pack of LCD Screen Protectors - Additional LP-E8 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Replacement Battery Pack - Well Protective SLR Camera Gadget Bag w/Pockets & Strap - Full Size 59" Tripod W/Case - Focus DVD Guide to Digital SLR Cameras - Focus Digital Grey Card Set for color correction - Focus 5pc Deluxe Lens Care & Cleaning Kit - HDMI cable

Special thank you to our lovely co-hosts {make sure to stop by and say hello}: Thinking Outside The Sandbox, Tiny Tidbits of an NC Diva, What's Up Reviews and Giveaways, 3 Boys and a Dog, Panlasang Pinoy Filipino Recipes, Mom to Bed by 8, Baby Costcutters and Powered By Mom.

One lucky winner will receive the Canon EOS REBEL T4i Prize Package {detailed above}!

Giveaway ends May 14th at 11:59pm, open worldwide residents, ages 18+. Residents outside of the US will receive a $750 Amazon GC instead. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Wealthy Living on a Budget is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Back to Blogging $10 Gift Card Giveaway!!

Win a FREE gift card!

If you haven't been following along, I took a little break (longer than I expected) when I started working full time and was in the process of moving. I am now trying to get back to blogging and I figured it'd be best to start off with a giveaway! Stay tuned this week as I have some amazing news and I cannot wait to share it with each of you! Check out the rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FREE Blogger Event-Camera Giveaway Starts 4/23!

FREE Blogger Event!!

Photo Ready Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media

Prize: Canon EOS REBEL T4i 18.0 MP CMOS Digital Camera Prize Package {RV$950+}

Event dates: 4/23 - 5/14

SIGN-UP HERE!

If you are a fan make sure you are looking out on April 23rd when this starts! I would love to hear that one of my readers won this amazing camera package!

Feels Good to be Back Giveaway!!

Finally Back!

It feels so good to be back! After working full time, cooking dinner and trying to decorate/unpack the new apartment I don't seem to have too much time. I am back to the blog as I have missed it so much. I can't wait to start couponing again and sharing the deals. 

I wanted to start off by celebrating by doing a gift card giveaway!!! Make sure to go HERE to comment which gift card you would want to get. LIKE the post and share it! Once we get to 50 likes I'll set up a $10 gift card giveaway. If we can get to 100 likes, I'll do 2 $10 gift card giveaways!! I would love to feel some love as I'm very excited to be back! Make sure to comment below with how your couponing has been going this year and what your favorite recent deal has been!!

Juppy Baby Walker Review!!

Check it out below!

I'm so happy to have the ability to review a Juppy Baby Walker! This seems like such a cool idea. The Juppy baby walker give you the ability to teach you child to have great balance and walk freely while you keep your posture and relieving strain off of your back! As we all know holding you toddler up to teach him or her to walk can cause some back pain. The Juppy Baby Walker is has adjustable straps so its perfect for any height! 

The Juppy Walker I received was Black and Yellow and I chose not to get it embroidered! I  have to say I was very impressed with the quality of the product! The straps are strong and can hold a baby or toddler up to 30 pounds. The inside is very soft which is great and won't accidentally rub or the childs skin. The outside is made out of a very tough material which I would assume would help the Juppy stay together for a while! You can choose between a black, pink or blue Juppy! There are straps and a zipper on the back making it very adjustable! If you have a little one this might be a life saver!  Check out the giveaway below and make sure to enter to win your very own Juppy Baby Walker which you can choose to personalize! These would even make great gifts for friends with little ones in your life!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.