How the Toole’s save $$$

First and foremost we have the most generous family!  We are so grateful for their generosity and kindness.  We appreciate all they have done for us!

● I coupon; this does not mean I am an extreme couponer.  I use the binder technique.  I receive coupons from several different, wonderful ladies and cut out coupons I think my family will use and match them to sales at our local stores.  Therefore I am not spending any money out of pocket for these great deals!  We mostly (95%) shop at Meijer for or groceries, cat products and paper products.  I like Meijer because I can do most of my shopping in 1 place and they double my coupons or add to them to make them $1.00 off.  I also will buy generic if I like the product and it’s cheaper than name brand.

● I am a blog follower!  If you decide to become a blog follower for deals you need to make sure you are VERY disciplined!  Bloggers post deals they find…this can get you in a lot of trouble if you are an impulse buyer or think just because it’s on sale you have to have it.  I mostly take advantage of the FREE items!  Here are some great blogs I follow for this:  Queenoffree.net and freebieshark.com.  Queen of free is a Southsider of Indianapolis so she gives a lot of great local deals!  You can also see her on WTHR on Sunday mornings @ 7:45am, follow her blog or follow her on facebook!

● We price shop on bigger items.  This is mostly Matthew; he is really good at comparing products and finding the best deal.

● We also have a “rule”; it’s more like a respect for the other person, that we discuss all BIG purchases.  This is anything over $100.  We have found that we discuss even purchases less then $100 so all parties are happy with the purchase.  This is a great way to a happy marriage!!

● I make my own laundry detergent (recipe here) and all purpose cleaner (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water).  These products not only save us money, but they are safe for James.  This gives me the most joy, being able to have a clean home without a lot of dangerous chemicals.  Now I still use a store bought product for my toilets and floors.  If you know of a safe product to make that works, please let me know.  I have linoleum and wood floors.

● I eat breakfast at home (or on the way to work!) and I take my lunch everyday to work along with my morning coffee!!  This will prevent me from making that impulse stop for food or coffee!  It especially nice in the winter to take your lunch so you don't have to brave the cold and/or snow!

● We rarely eat out unless we have a gift card! 

Mostly we just make smart choices!  We have a family and are no longer single.  Every decision we make regarding money affects our family.  "Sorry we can't go out tonight, we need to buy groceries!"

I am always looking for more money saving ideas that will fit for our family. 

How do you save your family money?

This is how James helps!