February Recap!

I spent $305 in February.  I spent $304 in January so at least I'm staying consistent!  Spending since 1/1/09 is $609.  By shopping store sales, using coupons and mail-in-rebates, I have saved $1,098 since 1/1/09.  

Things I have learned this month or taking note of:

-  About $15 of this total was placed on gift cards this month.  I wasn't sure whether to count these groceries toward my goal but I figured that even if I didn't have the gift card, I would have bought the stuff anyways.  It would be different if someone gave me a gift card to Omaha Steaks or something like that.  I wouldn't count that towards my spending since it's more gift like, but throwing a $2 loaf of bread on a Wal-Mart gift card does count.  Even if I didn't have that gift card, I still would have bought the bread.  I'm not running out buying Omaha Steaks!

-  I have a big stock pile of stuff that I really didn't realize I have.  Household cleaners, laundry detergents, diapers, make-up, hygiene, etc.  

-  I stocked up this month on some essentials.  Garbage bags, Sponges and Diapers all accounted for about $50-$60 of my spending.  I have enough diapers to last me through the spring (I think!) and I probably won't be buying sponges and garbage bags until the end of the year.  

-  I'll have to buy kitty litter in March.  I've found the best price with quality is the BJ's brand.  It's 40 lbs of scoopable for $8.99.  

-  I'm going to try to be more frugal in March due to a big birthday spending in April.  

-  I've realized we have cut some stuff out of our "normal" consumption.  Orange juice for instance.  I used to always buy it.  It's pretty expensive (in relation to other juices and liquids).  Bottled water.  I'm making my husband reuse his and use a water bottle.  Ice cream.  We used to always have a couple cartons in the freezer.  Now.  None.  I'm sure this will change come summer time.  

-  Even though I'm going to stick to "basic needs" in March and not do any stocking up of sorts (we need to eat all this Rice-A-Roni and Knorr noodles I have stashed away!!) - I'm sad to report we just used the last of our chocolate syrup last night and in our house, chocolate syrup is a basic need.