A penny saved is a penny earned.

Thank goodness for large tax returns! I save mine for certain things throughout the year. Most of it is used for home improvements, and items for the kids, but it's also how I'm able to go on a vacation during the summer while the kids are spending time with their Dad. I work part time, but also earn bonus checks large enough to make up for that. I can make full time wages only working part time, which allows me to be home for my kids. The down side is that 40% of every bonus check goes to taxes, the plus side is that I get it all back come tax season. This however is the time of year where every penny of my taxes has been spent. Rent, car insurance, phone bill, guitar lessons, karate class, gasoline, and day to day expenses sure add up. It time to be creative.

In this big huge world there is money out there for the taking... and I want some.  I'm not thinking about knocking up a bank or looking to win the lottery, so don't worry. First of all, I now have a few sponsors adds on my blog. You probably noticed but to the right are some adds and when people click on them, I get paid. Also, underneath that you'll see "Swagbucks" (which I recommend everyone who uses the internet take advantage of) I basically use Swagbucks to search the internet like I usually would but I get points to do so. The points are then used to buy real items or giftcards. Also, when I have friends sign up and use Swagbucks.. I get points as they get points so I will be able to redeem even quicker. I know these aren't get rich quick tactics, but with so many companies paying out millions every year for marketing, it seems silly not to take advantage of those. Other than taking a few minutes to sign up I will be doing absolutely nothing different than I always have, yet I will be building up money that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

The last thing I'm doing is the most basic... sales and coupons. I've always been known for finding really great deals, in fact, I almost never pay full price for anything. I've found a couple blogs that are dedicated to share great deals for grocery shopping. I've gotten away from hunting for the best price and doing what is most convenient,  If we need just a few things, we go to Fresh Market down the street. If it's a major shopping trip we go to Walmart because I know it will cost much less. I had the day off today, so I looked up the best deals and went to three different stores. I traveled no further than 10 miles round trip from my house, so it was worthwhile since I had the time and this was the outcome:

At a combination of Smiths, Walmart and WinCo I saved $33.20 and only spent $51.79. I used a $25.00 gift card I won at work so I ended up spending $26.79 for $84.99 worth of groceries!! 


The key is finding the time since that's one thing I'm short on. I've always believed If something is important to you, you will find a way to make time for it. Thats my challenge to myself right now because I should be shopping like this all the time!