Now Where Do I Put it?

This fall I found myself listening to a lot of AM talk radio. I was concerned about our country and the election and wanted to be more educated. Unfortunately it mostly just made me worry, stress, fret and feel like I could not do anything about our countries economic situation.
On a weekly basis I talk to people who are losing their jobs. I have seen things slow down at my work and had my hours cut back. The company my husband works for has cut back every ones hours to 32 and has laid off more than 35 guys. I have watched businesses shut their door left and right. Not to mention the banks and car manufactures.
I feel like I have to do more to conserve. I think it is a widespread feeling. We don't have cable, we don't have cell phones, no gym membership, no fancy car payments. We already live with out the bills I could cut out in economic hard times. So the solution for me has been couponing. It takes time but it really can save a lot of money.
So the whole reason for this post, I have been stocking up when something is a good price. I just feel that if is a non-perishable item I should buy it while I have the money for it and not have to pay much more later. Later I might not have the money and it will likely cost much more. I have always kind of had this philosophy but I have been putting more into practice lately. I have always tried to get the best price on food and take advantage of sales, but now I just do it a lot more. Instead of watching one store I watch five or six.
Getting closer to the point of this post. With my stocking up over the years and the food storage we got from Mark's parents I was feeling a need to get it more organized. It was stacked in the garage with camping stuff and baby clothes and motorcycle gear. Not well organized and running out of room.
I talked to my husband about my dream for a better system a place where the food would not get to hot or too cold and I could actually see what was there. So after some discussion, a trip to Lowe's and $19 on 2x4 and nails I got some shelves in the spare bedroom closet. Yea I am so excited. The shelf wood he picked up from a demolition job. They have just been sitting in that crowded garage.




Thanks honey you are the man! We had this little discussion on friday and by saturday afternoon I had shelves. I love that he is a DIY kind of guy!

I don't want to turn this into a couponing blog b/c I already write on one of those (check it out fabulessly frugal)but just to drive home my point I am going to share my shopping trip on friday.....

Here are the STATS:

62 ITEMS

Retail Value: $240.21

Preferred Savings: -$79.22
Manufactured Coupons
Catalinas: -$75.00
Clipped/Printed: -$46.10
Total Savings: 200.32

Total OOP- $39.89

That is 0.62 an item and 80% Savings

I also earned $15 in catalina's for my next trip and $27 in gas rewards!
So if you subtract that from the total it is like I made $2.11