Great Article on Stockpiling

Mercedes over at Common Sense with Money has a great article on stockpiling. Go HERE and check it out.

Organizing the Stockpile

My stockpile has been growing quite large these past few months that I have been coupon shopping. It was threatening to take over the entire house. So, my husband and I decided to make a small room upstairs into the pantry room. If you haven't decided to start using coupons, these pictures might help you. Keep in mind that I have cut my grocery budget from $400 a month to $200 while building my stockpile. I did not take a picture of my stock of diapers or toilet paper as those are under beds. We have been eating healthier meals as well, I choose not to purchase the food on sale that is bad for us. Always remember, just because you have a coupon doesn't mean you have to use it. (unless it's free of course. Then you can give it to someone who likes it. ) :)

Target deal for Glade scented oil candles

Yesterday I read on http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/ that there was a good deal at Target for these candles. So I tried it and it worked. I already had all of the coupons needed so I didn't have to look any farther than my coupon organizer for everything I needed. I had 2 BOGO coupons for the candles, and 2 $2 off coupons. With the sale being $2.50 each for them and you get a $5 Target gift card for buying 4 of them, it was a sweet deal. I paid $1.43 total, including tax, and got a $5 gift card. Plus, the great thing is that these would be perfect Christmas gifts for teachers, neigbors and others that you would just like to give a little something to. I hope some of you can put this deal together too and start building a "gift closet". I have a small closet set aside for wrapping paper, ribbons, and things that I pick up here and there on a good deal that I can use for gifts. It is so nice to know that if I have forgotten a birthday, or just want to give a gift, that I have a stash to choose from in the closet verses going to the store in a pinch and spending a lot more for something.

Spending and Savings so far for October

I don't anticipate spending much more in the month of October. I calculated my receipts and it is a little bit staggering. I have been trying to participate in all of the local store's saving programs. I have shopped at 6 different stores this month.

Total spent so far- $226.41
Total saved so far- $615.20

I have a stockpile of non-food items that is pretty hefty. I wont have to buy shampoo for a year.
I have toilet paper oozing out from under my son's bed. My food supply is growing for the non-perishables. For November, I plan on building the stockpile in other areas and focus on finding the free items that I may be able to pass on to others in need.