Now through February 5, 2012, get 70% off Restaurant.com Gift Cards! Use code SCORE at checkout! $25 dining certificates, which normally sell for $10, are now just $3! Make sure you remember to enter the code SCORE at checkout to get the 70% off!

Pair this deal with $6 AMC movie tickets and you’ve got a very frugal date night!

As always, be sure you understand what you are buying, including any restrictions. For example, some restaurants (certainly not all) exclude certain nights like Friday and Saturday. Some also have minimum spend requirements. Often to use a $25 certificate you have to spend at least $35, sometimes $50. Or, sometimes there are no minimum spend requirements. You just have to read the details.

Print a coupon to save $1.25 on 2 Yoplait Trix Yogurt multipacks. Hurry, this will go quickly.

Thanks, Freebies4Mom!

If you have a Facebook account, you can get a free sample of Quaker Oatmeal Squares when you “Like” the Quaker Oatmeal Squares page.  Click on the “Free Sample” tab to request your free sample.  Hurry, while supplies last.

Print two coupons to save $1.10 on one Pillsbury Refrigerated Disney Shape Cookies (Mickey or Princess)!

Thanks, Freebies4Mom!

Gone already!

If you have a Facebook account, head over and “Like” the Pantene Page because tonight starting at 3:00 pm EST they will be giving away FREE bottles of Pantene! They did this last night and it went very quickly. You have to vote for your favorite kind of shampoo, and the first one that reaches 2,000 votes – everyone who voted for it gets a free coupon.

Do you know how much you spent on groceries this month? I do. If you’re serious about managing your finances, you have to know.  I’ve spent a total of $445. I set a budget of $500 for the month of January, which is very tight for this family of six. There are about six days left in the month and I have just $50 left to spend to keep within the budget I’ve set. Because all I really need are some fresh fruits and vegetables, I’ll probably reach my goal. I’m not obsessive about it; if I go over by a few dollars I won’t lose any sleep.

How Do You Set a Grocery Budget?

I find the best way to determine a monthly grocery budget is to spend at least one, maybe two, months carefully tracking what you spend at the grocery stores. Honesty counts!  If you made a quick trip to the convenience store for bread and milk, that counts.

Tracking does not need to be fancy; I have a notebook where I quickly jot down what I’ve spent. You could also use the notes app on your smartphone to keep track. Or, if you keep careful financial records you can look back and see what you’ve spent over the last couple of months. This will get you to your “number.”  If you REALLY keep track, most likely you will be shocked at the number. Most people are. That’s because I think most people have no idea what they are actually spending. However, good or bad, it’s a starting point.

Because I normally do keep careful track of what I’m spending each month, I have a budget number. Actually, what I have is a budget “range” that’s probably $500 – $650. It’s not always the same because  I try and keep it realistic. If there’s a holiday or if I’m planning a dinner party of some sort, my budget is going to be higher. Or, if I feel my stockpile is getting worn down I may budget a few extra dollars to restock. On the other side of the coin, if I’m stocked up and feel I can plan lots of meals around what I already have, my budget is going to be lower. My stockpiling efforts are always ongoing – if there’s a stockpiling opportunity at any store I’m going to jump on it.

Here’s one reason why I think budgeting your grocery spend is so important. On those months where I know I have to spend more on groceries, I’m going to have to get that cash from somewhere else to keep my overall budget in check. That may mean we don’t go out to dinner that month, or I choose not to buy something or other for the house or kids. It’s all a give and take. On those months where I spend less, most often that extra money goes right into savings.

Should I Keep Track of My Savings?

In my opinion, nope. I don’t know about you, but I’m way to busy to sit there and track how much I save. Plus, I simply don’t care what I save. I care about what I SPEND. Period. Now if tracking your savings motivates you to stay within your budget, by all means do so because yes, it can be motiving. If you want bragging rights at your next cocktail party, by all means track your savings! It’s all about what works for you. 

What Steps Can I Take to Cut My Monthly Grocery Budget?

Once you’ve figured out how much you’re actually spending – and that’s a big one – you can begin to take steps to cut your spending. I’d start by shaving 5%-10% off the number. So if you’ve been spending $1,000 per month on groceries, cut $50-$100. In the big picture that’s not a whole lot. Just making a few changes will get you there. If you find cutting 5-10% was fairly easy (so to speak), cut another 5% the next month. I cannot tell a lie – saving money is hard work. Let’s say it takes you 2 hours to clip your coupons, make your list and shop. You manage to save $100 between your store savings and coupons. You’ve essentially “earned” $50 per hour. Tax free. That works for me.

What else can help you slash your grocery budget?

Meal plan: plan your weekly meals around what you already have in the house. Make a list of only what you need and stick to it. I will be the first one to raise my hand and say I hate meal planning.  For my sanity, it must be done. I’m not perfect and on those days where I didn’t meal plan I almost always regret it. Want a sure way to blow a hole in your grocery budget? Run into the supermarket to “buy something for dinner!”  We’ve all done it.

Clip and print those coupons! The coupons are plentiful and can save you a lot of money. IF you use them wisely. Buy only what you need and focus on what you spend vs. what you save. If you “save” $2.00 with a coupon and spend $5 on what you don’t need, you’ve just wasted $5.

Shop multiple stores.  Although sometimes it feels like every store has the same things on sale, they really don’t. Every store offers a handful of very hot weekly deals just to get you into the store. So when you can, visit several stores to get the best deals at each one. This month alone I shopped at 7 different stores. I never made a special trip anywhere; I just planned my shopping around places I was going to be anyway. Kids have basketball practice? I’ll run to the store down the street. Orthodontist on Thursday? Great, there’s a Shaw’s two buildings down. It’s about planning, not time consuming special trips that waste time and gas.

This strategy may be the #1 way I save money overall. I’m not suggesting you visit 7 stores each month,  but even splitting your grocery shopping between two stores can help stretch your budget dollars. But be disciplined! Go in, get what’s on your list, and get the hell out. Impulse shopping is not going to help.

Budget and Track Your Spending.  It’s not rocket science – if you set a budget and track what you spend, you are more likely to spend less. As I mentioned, I set a tight budget for the month of January. I ran into a Catalina deal on Edy’s Ice Cream and I had some coupons. Sounds like a great deal, huh? Because I was on a tight budget, I thought about it and calculated the deal more carefully than usual. Yes, a great price on the ice cream. To get the deal I had to buy at least 8 containers at a cost of about $12. The reality was I didn’t have a huge need for ice cream, nor did I have adequate freezer space. The price was good, but a price I’ve gotten before and could get again. And did I want to blow $12 of my tight budget on ice cream? With my husband and I trying to lose 10 lbs? Nope. So I let the deal go.

So here are your takeaways: Know what you are spending. Cut what you are spending. Meal plan. Use coupons wisely. Buy what you need. Shop multiple stores when possible. Stockpile when you can.

Finally, keep your eye on the ball – it’s about what you spend.

Here are this week’s best diaper deals, with many thanks to The Thrifty Couple for compiling them!

Walgreens

Huggies Jumbo Packs on sale for $9.49. Plus this week you can get a $5 Register Reward (Walgreens Cash) when you spend $25 or more in qualified purchases!  The Huggies Jumbo Packs and Huggies wipes 184-216 ct. are included. 

Scenario #1 – 2 Huggies Jumbo Packs and 2 Huggies Mega Pack Refill Wipes (184-216 ct.) : 

• Buy 2 Huggies jumbo packs diapers or Pull-Ups  for $9.49 each = $18.98
• Buy 2 Huggies mega pack wipes refills for $5.99 each = $30.96 total
• Then use two: $2/1 or $1/1 Huggies from the 01/15/2012 Smart Source Insert or the $2.00/1 Huggies diapers coupon from the 1/8 Walmart Insert or the  $2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants printable  -$4 = $26.96
• Then use two: .50/1 Huggies wipes from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert – $1 = $25.96
• Then receive a $5 Register Reward, so when considering this discount = final is as low as $20.96 for four or an average of $5.24 each!

Scenario #2 – All Huggies Diapers:

• Buy 3 Huggies jumbo packs diapers or Pull-Ups for $9.49 each = $28.47
• Then use three: $2/1 or $1/1 Huggies from the 01/15/2012 Smart Source Insert or the $2.00/1 Huggies diapers coupon from the 1/8 Walmart Insert or the $2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants printable -$6 = $22.47
• Then receive a $5 Register Reward, so when considering this discount = final is as low as $17.47 for three or an average of $5.82 each!

Rite Aid

Luvs Family Packs (a little smaller than the Big Packs) of diapers are on sale for $17.99.  Plus you will receive a $2  $1 +UP reward (Rite Aid Cash) with the purchase of each = final is $15.99 (equivalent to $8.98 each jumbo pack).  There is a limit of four $2 +UP rewards that you can receive for the Luvs family pack.

Also, check through your coupon stash to see if you have any coupons to make the price even lower.

Walmart

Huggies Big Packs on sale for $19.77

Scenario #1 – Huggies Slip-On Diapers Big Packs (if your store carries the big packs):

• Buy 1 Huggies Slip-Ons big packs diapers for $19.77
• Then use the $2.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert or the $3/1 Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers, 64 ct+ 01/08/2012 Walmart Insert (exp 02/04/2012) = final is as low as $16.77 (equivalent to $8.39 each jumbo pack)

Scenario #2 – Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs:

• Buy 1 Huggies big pack diapers for $19.77
• Then use $2/1 Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers 01/08/2012 Walmart Insert or the $1.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert =  final is $17.77 (equivalent to $8.89 each jumbo pack)

Scenario #3 – Huggies Pull-Ups Big Packs:

• Buy 1 Huggies big pack Pull-ups for $19.77
• Then use $2.00/1 Pull-Ups printable or the $2.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert or the $2.00/1 from the 1/08 Walmart Insert = final is $17.77 (equivalent to $8.89 each jumbo pack)

Target

Target is running a special promotion where if you buy two Pampers Economy Boxes for $37.99 each, you will receive a FREE $10 Target gift card.

Here is the scenario for Pampers Economy Boxes:

• Buy 2 Economy Box of Pampers diapers for $37.99 each = $75.98
• Then use two $1.00/1 from the 1/1 PG Insert – $2 = $73.98
• Then receive a FREE $10 Target gift card, so when considering this discount = final is $63.98 for two economy boxes or $31.99 (equivalent to $6.54 each jumbo pack)

Huggies Big Pack Diapers sale for $19.79

Scenario for Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs Sizes 1-3:

• Buy 1 packs of Huggies Snug and Dry diapers for $19.79
• Then use two of the $2/1 Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers 01/08/2012 Walmart Insert or the $1.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert= $17.79
• Then stack with $5.00 off Huggies Diapers 92 ct. or larger Target Store Coupon from the Target Site  (Please note: look under the BODEGA category – click on the banner at the top of the page – as this coupon is not found under the baby category!) = final is $12.79 (equivalent to $6.40 each jumbo pack)

Scenario for Huggies Snug and Dry Big Packs Sizes 4-6:

• Buy 1 packs of Huggies Snug and Dry diapers for $19.79
• Then use two of the $2/1 Huggies Snug & Dry Diapers 01/08/2012 Walmart Insert or the $1.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert =  final is $17.79 (equivalent to $8.40 each jumbo pack)

Scenario for Huggies Slip-Ons Big Pack:

• Buy 1 big packs of Huggies Slip-Ons diapers for $19.79
• Then stack with two $3.00/1 from the 1/08 Walmart Insert or the $2.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert = final is $16.79 (equivalent to $8.40 each jumbo pack)

Scenario for Huggies Pull-Ups Big Packs size 2T – 3T:

• Buy 1 big packs of Huggies Pull-Ups 2t-3t for $19.79
• Then use $2.00/1 Huggies Pull-Ups printable coupon or from the 1/08 Walmart Insert the $2.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert = $17.79
• Then stack with $3.50 off Huggies Pull-Ups 56-72 ct. Target Store Coupon from the Target Site  (Please note: look under the BODEGA category – click on the banner at the top of the page – as this coupon is not found under the baby category!) = final is $14.29 (equivalent to $7.15 each jumbo pack)

Scenario for Huggies Pull-Ups Big Packs any size:

• Buy 1 big packs of Huggies Pull-Ups for $19.79
• Then use $2.00/1 Huggies Pull-Ups printable coupon or from the 1/08 Walmart Insert the $2.00/1 from the 1/15 Smart Source Insert = final is $17.79 (equivalent to $8.40 each jumbo pack)