Cha-Ching on a Shoestring™

Living Large on a Limited Budget

Cha-Ching Challenge Highlight

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Cha-Ching challenge

Welcome to the weekly Cha-Ching Challenge Highlight!

I am so pleased to announce our
Cha-Ching Challenge Highlight Winner!

This week’s highlight is Deal Squealer.

Check out her post highlighting her savings for the week–
a total of $151.53.

Way to go, Deal Squealer!

While you are there, I suggest checking out her
Mailbox Monday post.  What a great idea!

Would you like to join us in next week’s Cha-Ching Challenge?

Simply come back on Friday and join the Cha-Ching Challenge by adding a link to your post sharing your savings for the week!


Coupon Database

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Just a heads-up that I have updated my coupon database.  You can view it by clicking here.

These coupons are from my Sunday papers, beginning March 1.  Yours may vary depending on where you live.  Feel free to check it out to see if it can be a help to you!

Unfortunately, this database is missing last week’s coupons (5/3/09) since I was out of town and did not get my local coupons.  I will let you know if I find a way to add them!

To find out how I use this database and organize my coupons, go here.

Satisfying those Cravings

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Let’s be real honest now, shall we?

We all have cravings, and they may or may not be pregnancy-related.  I am going to be completely transparent and share mine.

I crave coffee.  Quality coffee. There.  I said it.

I’m talking lattes, cappucinos, and my all-time favorite: Starbucks Caramel Macchiatos.

Oh…what the hey…while I’m at it, I might as well share my other cravings:

massages
pedicures
going to the movies
chocolate
a good book
going out to eat
and the list goes on…

The problem is that it is very easy to feel guilty about indulging in any of these things when money is tight.  And the reality is that money spent on wants is less money set aside for needs.

I’d like to share a few tips on how to make room for some of the more frivolous things in life.

  • Use birthdays to ask for items or experiences that you might feel guilty using your own money to buy.  I currently have a gift certificate for a massage waiting patiently for me to use it.  It was a gift on my last birthday.  I also received an assortment of gift cards for my favorite coffee spots for Christmas.  It’s OK to get pampered by others every now and then!
  • Sign up for Swagbucks or Mypoints. By doing so, you can earn gift cards for all your craving needs.  Why not?
  • Consider giving yourself an allowance. My husband and I each receive a monthly ‘allowance’.  (I know…and you thought that was only for your teenager.)  It’s a small amount, but it’s ours to use on whatever we see fit.  And considering the fact that each of us likes to spend money in different ways, (I like to splurge on the little things; he likes to save for the big things) this has not only been a financial help, but our marriage has benefited as well.

How do you make room to enjoy your cravings every now and then?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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Happy Mother’s Day to so many of my readers!  I am currently enjoying being pampered by my husband and doing pretty much nothing.  Ahhhh…

But, my sister in law sent me this Mother of the Year video and I just had to share.   Enjoy and feel free to pass it on!  It’s hilarious!

KFC Coupons: Rain checks

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Oh my–this whole KFC thing has turned into a bit of a fiasco.   I just read on their web-site that they have had such an overwhelming response that they are now offering rain checks when you bring your coupons in to your local KFC. They’ll even throw in a free Pepsi 2-liter.  You’ll just have to wait for your rain-check to come in the mail.

Well, I for one still plan on making the trip.  That grilled chicken is calling my name, and hey…it’s still free.

By the way, did you hear that El Pollo Loco is accepting these KFC coupons on Mother’s Day?  Check out the scoop from “Dealicious Mom”.