Update

It's been a very busy and productive weekend *pats self on the back* as we finally accomplished many things. First, Blake and I discussed our 2010 Budget plans and realized we had 2 different perspectives on this goal. We both agreed that paying off the credit line is very important but its not likely going to happen in 2010 *pouts*. However, we have set a very great plan in place and I'm excited to exercise it! Since we both have variable incomes we need to base our current month's plan off of the income earned last month. For January we decided to use November 2009's income as December 2009's income is exceptionally wacky this year and we don't want to be thrown off, besides we were able to come up with the "true" budget on Friday using November's income. We also wrote down potential "Money Surprises" throughout 2010 like those one-time expenses we always forget about like Zack's skating registration fees or possible birthday parties. Something else that we are doing differently this year is setting aside money for Christmas in a different account each month that way when great deals come along we have the money to buy it then and there instead of all in one shot at the end of the year. As excited as I am to implement this plan we also decided that if we are going to stay honest with this plan we need to finish buying certain things that were planned in December 2009 and also have a budget meeting every week to make sure that we are on track and in agreement. That being said, we shopped.

Saturday we finished all the Christmas shopping for the people on our lists *grins* except for those pesky stocking stuffers. As I was putting the last of the gifts in hiding I realized that I now have the awful task of gift wrapping. A little each night I guess, until its done. We also did some grocery/deal shopping and as promised here's a pic of how I shop with coupons/discounts.



Here's the breakdown:

1x Chapmans Supercones $5.27 + $0.69 (tax) - $3.00 Coupon = $2.96
1x Eggo Waffles $2.37 - $1.00 Coupon = $1.37
3x Oasis Juice $1.99 each - 3x $0.75 Coupons = $3.72
1x Nordica Cottage Cheese $2.67 - $0.60 Coupon = $2.67
1x Astro Yogurt 16 Pack $3.99 - $1.00 Coupon = $2.99
1x Frosted Flakes $3.99
1x Kelloggs Rice Krispies $3.97 - $2.00 WUB2 Cereal Coupon = $5.96
1x Smuckers Jam $3.00 - $0.50 Coupon = $2.50
1x Natrel 4L Milk $5.47 - $2.00 Coupon = $3.47
2x Nutragrain Bars $1.97 each - $1.00 WUB2 Coupon = $3.94
1x Cranium Hulabuloo Game $10.00 + $1.30 (tax) - $10.00 Coupon = $1.30
1x Clue Game $10.00 + $1.30 (tax) - $10.00 Coupon = $1.30
1x Sunlight Green Clean $4.98 + 0.65 (tax) - $1.50 Coupon (on product) & $2.00 Coupon = $2.13 (and I will send for Mail-In Rebate and receive a cheque for $5.63! Money Maker!)

PC Points Redeemed - $20.00

Subtotal (before coupons) = $69.56

Total After Coupons & Discounts = $12.71!!!

So there you go, a little taste of how I shop ;) Tomorrow I will post about our Sunday shopping trip in the states.