January 2009

Here are my totals for January 2009:

Total amount for items purchased: $2,512.89

Total spent: $383.60 ($7.26 over budget)

Total saved: $2,129.29

Total paid in tax: $52.55

Total coupon overage: $25.62

Total coupons spent: 670

Total FREE items: 479

Rebates received: $75

Rebates requested: $177.49

Tax credits: $650

Yep, it was a pretty good month!

*Our family budget is set for $85 per week. We have two young adults and a one year old in our family. Our budget includes: all groceries, baby items like Desitin and diapers and wipes, health care items like cough drops, cough medicine or Advil, household items like toilet paper, paper towels, Ziploc bags and garbage bags, make up, laundry products and personal care items are also included, as are meals, side dishes and snacks that we bring to parties and events.

Because most months (all except February) have more than 4 weeks in them, I divide my $85 a week budget down to a daily monetary amount. $85/week = $12.14/day. I multiply the number of days in the month by $12.14 to get my exact monthly budget. ($12.14 x 31 days = $376.34)

I try to stay in line with my budget each week, but if I am a bit over or under I make up the overage or shortage over the course of the rest of the month.