3/31 Expressions

Today, I was thinking about the frugal habits I have. I swished out the last bit of milk w/water for my coffee this afternoon. I take banana peels and the like and put them in a small compost I have. Sometimes I drop the banana peels around the rose bush - I heard they like them. I have noticed that at the gas station, I try to get the last drop out of the nozzle. I am sure there are more, but the milk incident got me wondering how many people actually do things like that?

3/30 Expressions

I read in the paper that County Library was sponsoring an event at a local mall. We had a lot of fun. We got to see a movie, free at the brand new theatre, and got in on a few freebies. I also printed out the coupon Victoria's Secret sent me for a free undergarment item. I also printed out the Bath & Body Works coupon for a free item up to $11 with any purchase - always nice to have around for teacher's gift. Also hit Kroger for a few good deals. If you have coupons, that buy 10 items on their list and get $5 is nice. Welch's Grape juice is on there and Vocal Point sent me $1 off coupons. Also, those $2 Kraft Live Active cheese coupons that were printable (still are?) are on sale for $2 and count toward the 10 items. It is fun finding combinations to increase the savings.

3/29 Expressions

The mail-lady brought Dove shampoo samples - always appreciated. We hit the school carnival fund raiser/book sale this morning. Then my daughter and I hit the stores. We did very well at Kohls - we each got a nice shirt and she and the hubby got a nice pack of socks. After gift certificates, I spent $5.06 out of pocket. We also went to Walgreens to spend the Walgreen bucks. We ended up with 2 grape plants to add to our "orchard" and some groceries. We also hit my daugher's favorite clothing store with a gift certificate and Publix with a bunch of coupons. I would say overall today, we save 50% with coupons, gift certificates, and sales. I have also noticed that drug stores are now always busy - and a lot of "good stuff" is usually gone. And the discount stores that used to be easy to get in and out of - always crammed with people too. I also see a lot more people using coupons. Instead of being in the minority (shopping-wise), people around here have caught on. I guess the economic woes have hit even this area - or perhaps the constant bad news has convinced everyone to pinch their pennies?

3/28 Expressions

Well, all I can say is TGIF! Walgreens came through. I purchased a full sized shampoo and some samples and was suppose to get $12 in Walgreen $ - but didn't. They told me to send in my receipt and gave me a xeroxed form. I was a bit leary - but the $12 came to today and I spent about 1/2 that on the shampoo - which I really like. My wonderful husband finished our taxes before April 15th. We ate lunch out with a b1g1 coupon and have enough leftovers for another meal for the family.

3/27 Expressions

Not much frugal going on today other than I took my breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks as usual. Mail was pretty good - I got a $5 GC from Kohl's and a 10% off for signing up for their newletter? Anyway, I will use it with the certificates we got last week and stretch them a bit farther. Not all that nice of a topic, but I am thinking of buying underclothes for the family with that $. Also got a rebate check and a sample of contact cleaner (no-rub).

3/26 Expressions

Today I spent money - but not out of my pocket. My daughter's school requested a 2 lt of Soda and a pack of snacks for a function. I was also out of milk and a few other items. Since I have CVS giftcards - that's where I headed with a $5/$15 coupon. So, I got everything I needed - and more to get to the $15, and spent no $ out of my pocket. The moral of the story: planning ahead paid off!

3/25/08 Expressions

I was thinking - another small stream of income we have started is recycling soda cans ourselves (remember Mr. Pepsi addict?). We have recycling pick-up service - but we have been keeping the cans. Mr. Soda addict claimed that it wasn't worth the effort to save the cans - but, he'd give it a try. When he took in his first batch, he said "If I don't get at least $15, I won't be saving any more cans." - I bet he was sorry he made that statement - because he made $16 - hee, hee. So, now we are saving cans for another haul sometime in the future. Mail was pretty good today: I got the $5 Sears GC for signing-up for their mailing list and Victoria's Secret sent me a $10 GC for my birthday - freebies are nice.

3/24 Expressions

Today, I was thinking about the multiple streams of income we have built and thinking how we could build more? My husband and I work full-time, but we will be eligible to take an early retirement in less than 2 years. Some times, we are lucky enough to earn a bonus or two during the year. We have several rental properties. All are managed through a reputable agency - but we do actively participate :) We purchased a condo that we can use for vacations, but rent it out too - see side bar :). We try to keep our emergency fund in a high interest yielding account (harder and harder to find these days) to earn a bit of extra interest. We have applied for credit cards because of great enticements (like $250 in gift certificates, etc.) and we only use reward cards that we pay in full each month. Usually, I can get several gift cards for rewards per year and we usually give those as gifts. I used to be an avid mystery shopper; now I am very selective because gas prices are high and I value my time. I am a "mail decoy", and receive 10 postage stamps per month to "report" specially marked mail. Sometimes, they pay for special projects - $20 and every December, they send a nice tin of cashew nuts. I mail in as many refunds/rebates that I can. I have started taking things to a consignment store. I used to sell a few things on ebay - but it doesn't seem very fun these days. We do list a few books on half.com and have enjoyed it ease of use. We participate in our communities semi-annual yardsales. I have worked part-time jobs in the past. I worked as a merchandiser on the "side" for a while. I do participate in surveys and point programs (mypoints mainly), rebate programs (ebates mainly) and would like to earn a few bucks blogging :) Caveat: I am not a financial expert and none of my writings should be construed as expert advice. Please take my expressions for the entertainment value that it was intended for :)

More 3/22 Expressions

We also stopped at Kohls today after I logged into Refundcents - http://refundcents.com/subscriptions.htm?RefID=F1P (my referral ID)- on line membership is $1 per month. A member posted that there was a deal on a 7 in screen portable DVD player with a free DVD (our choice) and a mail-in rebate of $40. Another member posted a link for a coupon for an additional 15% off and Kohls is running a buy $50, get a $10 GC to use starting Monday the 24th. We had to ask Customer service for the DVD player and were given the rebate form and were told that it came with a free DVD of our choice. We picked up a few other clearanced items (clothing) and headed to the register. The DVD player rang up at $109.XX instead of the reported price of $99.99. The cashier adjusted the price to $99.99 and gave us the DVD for free. The DVD player will be a birthday gift for a family member and I will spend the Kohl's GCs that we earned next week, the $40 rebate will go into savings.

3/22 Expressions

What a nice day for a birthday. My father treated us to a very nice lunch. Later this afternoon, hubby, daughter and I headed for a local botanical garden (we have an annual pass) and walked around - it was beautiful. In the mail was a coffee sample.

3/21 Expressions

We just got a "Red Robins" in town. Tomorrow is my birthday - I went to their web-site and signed up for the birthday club and they sent me an e-mail to redeem for a free gourmet burger. The place was packed - the food was good - but, I thought a bit pricey. After coupon, including tip, it was $40 for the 3 of us. 2 of us drank water and we did order an appetizer. I also signed up for something at Maggie Moo's - another new place with yummy ice cream. They sent me an e-mail for a BOGO ice cream cone. We planned on using it - but were too stuffed - maybe tomorrow. My husband insisted on buying a cake, which I was opposed to. But, we stopped at Kroger, intending to rent a $1 DVD. We had no luck - but, we stopped at the bakery department and they had 3 1/4 sheet cakes on clearance for $7.99 each. Kroger mailed me a $3 off 1/4 sheet cake coupon - so, we have a sugary cake now. My father is treating us to lunch tomorrow - we will have cake for dessert - although that Maggie Moo's surely will be calling. Mail was good as it included a rebate check.

3/20 Expressions

Today's theme for the day - delayed gratification. My daughter and I planted 2 fruit trees, an apple tree and a pear to join a plum tree out in the back yard. In the front yard, I disbursed 4 6 packs of flowers - some went into planters, some went into a brick flower beds built into the front porch, and the left-overs went into another plant bed. I also planted 7 roots of hostas in the plant beds in front of the yard. On one side of the house, I planted 2 Hydrangeas. In the back yard, along with the fruit trees, I planted a small rose bush in one of the flower beds, 5 Calla Lily bulbs, 10 Gladiola bulbs, and a lavender pot joined giant daffodils and wild morning glories that have yet to come up. In a large pot on the deck, I planted, along with the chive that came back-up, thyme, sage, and oregano. We are officially pooped - but when we catch our second wind, we will plant a small vegetable garden with the seeds we got for 10 cents a pack and some that we had from years gone past. I plan to drop some flower seeds in pots on the deck. I can't wait for the fruits of our labor this year and beyond!

3/19 Expressions

Today's spring break special was to plant an "orchard" and "garden". We hit Home Depot with a $5 off $50 coupon and gift cards I got for signing up for the American Express Business Card months ago ($250). We got a pear and an apple tree. Lots of herbs, and a few flower plants. We still have plenty of the $ left on the giftcards. We felt Home Depot was a bit over-prices - so, we hit Wal-Mart next with the $40 American Express Gift Card I got from the Slimfast rebate. We got a couple of Hydrangea plants, plenty of bulbs, some concrete scallops to build our "boxes". We didn't purchase any seeds since we got those from Rite Aid 10 for $1. In the mail came some freebie magazines and a coupon for Old Spice Red Zone.

3/18 Expressions

What a day! I really need to learn how to take and upload photos. Mail was fantastic: we got the Philly Cheese Basket we won - and it is really nice - the coupons are nice too. I also got a wonderful charm bracelet from Energizer - forgot how we got that - but my daughter has already put dibbs on it. Today's spring break adventure was bargain shopping - mainly for clothes. We drove to Unclaimed Baggage - got a nice, large, American Tourister wheeled luggage for $20. My daughter found all kinds of clothes - and top brands (in her mind any way) - most pieces under $7. And how about the DOW - you notice how I only comment on the good days - but they have been few and far between :(

Even More 3/17 Expressions

What's not to love about CVS? My birthday is next week. CVS sent me a certificate for $3 in extra-care-buckss. I have an rx to fill and one I can transfer. So, I stopped by. They cheerfully told me I can use both coupons - one for a $25 GC and another for a $30 GC. The transfer would take about an hour - so, I will be going back. But on my way out the door - I spied a table that said 90% off. I ended up getting the 2 bags of jelly beans that are .99 each (with .99 each ecb back for each), 2 boxes of CVS brand premium saltines (they don't expire until May 08) - they were .21 a box each. Then there was a cute 2008 Puppy calendar with stickers etc. for .59 and since I wasn't at $3 before tax, I got a small bag of tropical flavored Skittles on the 90% table for .08. After my $3 birthday gift, I paid .03. I will really be excited once I pick-up my GCs.

More 3/17 Expressions

The mail finally arrived. On such a nice day, it was nice to get a mailbox full of freebies. Today, I the Fiber One cereal sample, Aquafresh Toothpaste sampe, Smart Money magazine, and the Tide-to-go pen I won.

3/17 Expressions

Today is the first day of "Spring Break" for us. Normally, we go on a trip. This year, my daughter and I are going to do activities around home. Today, we went to a different museum. They are giving free tours every Monday in March. It was very interesting and informative - so much so, that I felt compelled to leave a donation. Now, we are baking peanut butter cookies. Atleast 4 more days of activities left.

3/16 Expressions

What a gorgeous day today is. We decided to go to the public walking trail this afternoon and got a good walk in. Then we we hit the new theme mall - mainly to look around and walk some more - but we ended up getting an ice cream at Maggie Moo's - very good ice cream - but a little on the pricey side. Then we hit a museum that we purchased an annual membership to. So, free entertainment. But, the hubby was wanting a new windbreaker - and he loves this museum. So, we took the 50% off one item in the giftshop coupon and he got one for $12.XX. After dropping off the crew, I headed to Publix to round out my groceries. I took a competitor's $5 off $30 coupon, the 1 cent mystery item coupon and of course, my coupon envelopes. I ended up spending $16.63 ($2.26 was tax) and saved $33.60 in coupons and store savings. The cashier was great and impressed. She asked me to teach her to use coupons. My best savings in the store were the Bird Eye steam fresh veggies which were 50% off and then there were $1 off 2 coupons right on the freezer door. So, for under .50 (for corn on the cob) and .39 for beans, etc. - it was a good deal. I also got 2 Bath Buddies soaps for free using the $1 internet printable coupon. And of course the Chex mix was BOGO and I had 2 .50 (Publix doubles) - so they were .16 a bag.

3/15 Expressions

I went to work very early this morning. I pack a small lunchbox last night. Although I did not earn extra $ - I have banked the hours to use some other time. Meanwhile, my daughter and husband enjoyed themselves fairly inexpensively. They ate breakfast at home. For lunch, they ate out at Chick Fil A using coupons from Calendars we won last month. They did spend a few $'s out of their pocket. Then they hit the library, Toys R Us for the free egg hunt, and a movie. For dinner, we used a coupon for a totally free (from the charitable coupon book mentioned earlier) thin crust Italian sausage pizza and used another coupon for the pizza place up the street for a BOGO Cheesy Italian Bread costing around $4. So, for the cost of gas and $4 - we had dinner and leftovers for another meal. Mail wasn't too shabby either since I received a refund check. Life.Is.Good :)

More 3/14 Expressions

Mail was pretty dull - but I did get 10 postage stamps today. That's my "payment" for being a mail "decoy". Yup, one of those tracking companies checking how long it takes for mail to be delivered. Doesn't take much time - and another small income stream. We are finally getting on board and using electronic forms of bill payment for most things. But, we have a few stragglers - and it is nice not to have to run to the post office for stamps. This year, my goal is to have enough stamps to not to have to buy stamps for holiday cards.

The best way to save money on groceries is probably not to waste any. So, I looked through my pantry today. I had a bag of "bean soup mix" and some left over veggies in the fridge and freezer. So, I have a pot of soup going - mainly for me. I enjoy mystery soups, my family doesn't. But, this pot of healthful soup will make plenty of lunches for me. I also have a brown rice/brocolli casserole baking in the oven for a side dish this week. It should work for several dinners and the family tolerates it pretty well :) I would say I love it. With the casserole is a nice baking dish of old fashioned oatmeal, a bit of raisins, left over apple sauce, and water swished around the apple sauce jar. After baking the oatmeal, I put scoups in containers and freeze and eat those for breakfast. Dinner will "chicken fajitas" - the cheap Tyson stuff I got today at Kroger, found some shells, picante sauce, refried beans in the pantry, and cheese and lettuce in the fridge. That's my food maintenance for the week.

3/14 Expressions

I took the day off from work. I had a doctor's appt and a function to attend for my daughter. I wanted to get my grocery shopping. I went to Kroger w/an envelope of pre-cut coupons in tow. I had some doozies :) Kroger sent me a $6 off $60 coupon, $1 off $3 in produce, etc. I also printed off several of the $2 off the Honey Nut Chocolate Clusters coupons (boy am I glad I did), cut the $1 off Tyson's Roasted Chicken (I had 5), and my coupons from the Pepsi/Frito Lay offer finally came. According to my receipt, I saved 70% - I saved $77.76 and spent $38.55 of which $5.65 was tax. The best deals - the Honey Nut Cereal was on sale for $1.99 - so tax only, the Tyson small bags of the roasted (no antibiotic) chicken were $2.39 a bag minus $1, I got marked down Romaine lettuce, baby carrots, and more. I also was able to get the Pepsi fairly cheaply for the addict - 3/$10 minus 3 $2 off coupons from the rebate offer and the Frito Lay Fritos/Cheetos were on sale 4/$5 - and I was able to use the $3 off 2 coupon. Pepsi sent me another coupon for $2 off 2 - which I thought I might be able to use - but decided not too - since the offer was technically buy 3 bags of chips and get the forth free. I do have to say I feel grateful that we do have health insurance and a health savers account - so the $15 out for the appointment isn't so bad. And generally, I would say, getting a prescription doesn't usually thrill me - but I got one - so, now I will be looking to see which Pharmacy will be offering the best gift certificate so I can stretch my grocery shopping a bit more.

3/13 Expressions

I have looked on line, through my Sunday inserts, and previously cut coupons to prepare for a grocery run at Kroger. I am hoping to come in below budget with a wholesome selection. I also have over relaxed (is there such a thing?) this week. I have a check to pick-up at the consignment shop and now I can't until Tuesday of next week. I also need to go through the house and start gathering items for the next community yard sale. I believe it is in May.

3/12 Expressions

Do you always buy items for charitable/"good" causes. I don't always - and sometimes wish I could just donate $ rather than end up with something I don't want or need. Anyway, today at work, I purchased a city coupon book (not Entertainment). Coupons seem to be getting better and more useful. This one will definitely "pay" for itself - and I am glad some of the $ is going toward a good cause. For myself, I will be enjoying a free oil change, a free pizza (not even a BOGO), in addition to some savings on groceries, etc. So, this year, re-look at "those" books, you may be passing up a good opportunity. Oh, the person selling me the book mentioned - X grocery store takes competitors' coupons - so, if you don't use the grocery store that has coupons in the booklet - take them to X.

More 3/11 Expressions

What a nice boost for the stock market! And the mailman left a trial sized Selsen Blue shampoo in my box from Wal-mart. Nice size for traveling or to use in a pinch.

3/11 Expressions

We purchased a small gulf front condo for our own use and for rental purposes in Orange Beach, Alabama. We had no ties to the place - but drove through once - on our way to Florida. That one drive through was enough. Orange Beach, AL has one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen with it cleanliness and white sandy beaches seen for miles up and down its coast. Surprisingly, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy too. If you love seafood - this is the place. Plenty of outlet shopping, entertainment for childrens, etc. Here's a link to shamelessly advertise our condo. If you like it, and it is open - please feel free to rent it by contacting the rental management company, Brett-Robinson either by calling their toll-free number - or by reserving on-line :) . The first picture is much more "yellow" than it truly is. http://www.brett-robinson.com/acc_details.html?unit=P3122&type=Complexes

More 3/10 Expressions

Sad, but true - the stock market is still stink'n :( But, I will keep dollar-cost averaging away as I still plan to retire early and want to pay for the best education possible for my dear daughter. Now back to the regularly scheduled programing: mail was nice. A rebate check on the tax software (you can learn a lot doing your own taxes :)), coupons from the Pepsi Company (nice for the Pepsi addict in our family - and our wallet), and a nice freebie T-shirt from Cosmo-girl. A few Daffodils have popped up and w/the a few fern leaves and a cutting or two from plants around the yard - I have a nice arrangement. I gave myself a manicure last night. I am sure my husband is sick of me saying it - but each time I make my own flower arrangement or do my own manicure - I remind him that I "saved" at least $30 - seeing him roll his eyes - priceless :)

3/10 Expressions

Mail came late on Saturday. But, I did get a "pre-loaded" AmEx cared with $40 on it. Thanks to Slimfast and CVS. A couple of months ago, I purchased on sale Slimfast w/ecbs and coupons and mailed in the UPCs and receipts for this card. My DH likes the stuff for a quick meal. I tried it for a diet and while it tastes pretty good - I can't say I can stick to it. The bars/snacks are pretty tasty though.

Real 3/8 Expressions

Well, I thought yesterday was 3/8 - hence, today's title. Anyway, my daughter informed me she needed jeans. I looked around the web for printable Old Navy coupons - none. But much to my surprise - my daughter picked out 2 pr on sale 2 for $28. Well, one pair rang up at $2.97 - so, I had her run back and get another pair - sure enough, they were $2.97. So, they must have un-advertised clearance sales. Anyway, I was very happy with that price. Then we headed to Steinmart - I got a 20% off clearance coupon in the mail. My daughter found 6 items - all clearanced, and with the additional 20% came to $28.XX. According to the receipt - I saved over $150. I guess we encountered a bit of whimsy today and my pocketbook is delighted!

More 3/8 Expressions

Watering my plants this evening w/water swished around with leftover tea made in the coffee pot - I have lots of nice plants and paid very little for them. Most are cuttings from co-workers planted in thrift store/yardsale/home-made containers. A few I got very cheaply using coupons and a few were gifts. They brighten my home's decor and clean the air. This year, I am thinking of planting a small garden. With food prices escalating, I think it would make sense this year. I have some $ on a Home Depot giftcard that I got for signing up for a business credit card. I have a small compost container going.

3/8 Expressions

The only excitement in the mail today was a rebate check. I have noticed coupon amounts and rebate amounts are increasing. Combining sales, coupons, and rebates can take the sting off the rising grocery prices.

3/6 Expressions

Today's mail brought another sample product. I have been getting lots of mystery shopping offers - but haven't taken up any. With gas prices what they are - $10 to do a shop just doesn't appeal to me. But if you are interested check-out www.volition.com for legitimate companies you can sign-up with. You can also see if there are any assignments too. I used to do a lot of them - free hotels, meals, etc. Nothing that would make me rich - but saved us a few bucks - especially in the entertainment department. Also, at one time, I signed up with a "merchandising" company I found at the site - and placed merchandise for companies. I am thinking the pay was about $12.50 an hour (it is negotiable). When gas prices were around $1 and I was out doing errands - it was worth it - now, not so much. Just passing along ways one might be able to make a few extra bucks.

3/5 Expressions

Do you send for freebies? I used to "fill-out" on-line forms for all kinds of freebies - now, just the one's we will use - or are "worth" it. Today, in the mailbox, amongst the junque, we got a sample of Chex Chocolate Truffle snack mix - yum! I now make it point to use/eat samples as soon as possible. On another note, now that gas prices are in another "shock" zone for me, I have decided not to drive home for lunch. I pack my breakfast (baked oatmeal divided in ex-sour cream containers - frozen), some healthy snacks, and a lunch. So, I save gas and utilities since I won't be going home to use my microwave, etc. Every little bit helps.

3/3 Expressions

I am staying home from work today using compensatory time. My inclination is to surf the 'net and watch tv all day. But alas, I will finish "cleaning" around the house and do a few other things to indulge the frugal side. One, I am going to trim my dog's hair so there's a longer period of time between professional grooming and two, I am going to transplant some rooted cutting I received from several people into interesting pots I picked up at Good Will. The soil was free from Ace - used a $5 gift card to pick-up 2 bags of potting soil. Also, the bulbs we planted last year - using those "pay shipping only" 'net deals are coming up nicely - a few even have flowers - I may cut a few and bring them in and enjoy them in a bud vase. I plan to make a special dinner for the family. And, I plan to call Walgreens Easysaver and chase around the $4+ they shorted me. And, if I still feel frugal, I may dig around the boxes in the garage and get stuff together for the consignment shop since I plan to go after the 10th this month to pick up a check anyway. How's that for frugal :)

More 3/2 Expressions

I just trimmed my hair, and dyed it w/a new fangled dye that adds dimension, shine and highlights, and contained a nice conditioner. The hair dye was free after coupon and rebate. Then I gave myself a manicure and pedicure with a $30 kit that was on sale for 90% a few days after Christmas at a drugstore. I mentioned to my wonderful husband that I saved him at least $100 doing all this myself and his eyes glazed over. Never-the-less, you can save a lot of $ if you learn to do these types of things yourself. Yup, I am all for pampering and several times a year - may visit a "professional". But in between, I am a D-I-Yer.

3/2 Expressions

If you are trying to be a good steward of your finances, but have a family member with a bad habit - i.e., love (addiction?) of/to Pepsi products - what can one do? Fortunately for me, I have a CVS nearby and 12 packs are on sale for $2.99 each. I also have $11 in extra-care bucks - which can be spent on just about anything in the CVS store. I also have a $4 CVS coupon - off a $20 purchase. Limit 6 cases of Pepsi. There are blogs dedicated to deals at CVS. You might want to check them out. In the meantime, here is my plan: buy 4 cases of Pepsi, a Gillette Mach 4 ($7.99 - and I will get $5 in extra care bucks (ecb's) for my next order - and also there is a coupon in today's paper for $4 off Gillette Mach 4) and 2 packs of Wrigley's gum. The register is kind of picky - since I would be a few cents off the $20 without the gum, I thought I would indulge another member of the family's bad habit - mine :) So, now my first order, with tax should be around $3 - and I will get $5 in ecb's back because I will be handing the cashier the $4 off $20 coupon first, then my $11 in ecbs I earned previously, then the $4 off the razor and a coupon for buy 1 pack of gum, get one free (also in today's paper). Then, I will hand the cashier my CVS rewards card again, and buy 2 more cases of Pepsi - and hand over the $5 ecb - so, my total on that order should be just over $1 with tax. The moral of the story, look at flyers and see if there is a way to "pay" that may be more advantageous to your wallet and, just because we are frugal - doesn't meant we don't have fun :).

3/1 Expressions

Instead of feeling pressured to post consistently - I thought I'd try blogging again - and posting only when I really wanted too. Today's financial expressions are: today was pick-up day for the Angelfood ministries box. We hadn't purchased one in a while - I guess we didn't want to make the time to mail the check and go pick-up the bounty. The box today was great. I did notice that prices this year are up $5 for the box making each box $30. But what hasn't gone up in price lately? The boxes seem to have more fresh and frozen veggies and less breaded/fried items. There are no income requirements to buy a box. Also, on the topic of groceries, I have noticed that coupons are "better" this year - to make up for higher prices - I am talking about the grocery stores mailing $5 off when you spend $30 coupons, $1 off of $3 in produce purchases, etc. (I combine them - making sure I hand the $5 off $30 coupon first - and end up paying very little for $30 worth of groceries) These types of coupons give you more choices. Anyway, my pantry and freezer are full. So, the only groceries I am buying this week are: I am using my $30 Rite Aid giftcard (from transferring a $1.XX rx) to buy a gallon of milk. Today in the mail, I got my $10 Publix Gift card for buying 15 Yoplait yogurt (on sale and matched w/couopns). I will cut out the 1 cent item "Mystery Coupon" when you buy $10worth of groceries at Publix - I plan to "buy" eggs and fresh fruit to round out our groceries - so, I don't plan to pay any cash out of my pocket this week for groceries. My other financial expression is - do you enter "instant win" contests? I do when I have the time and this past week - won the "Philly Cream Cheese" Breakfast basket - can't wait for it to get here. Also, we encouraged our daughter to enter a poster contest last month - and she won first place! She will receive a $1,000 savings bond for her effort - to be presented at a nice awards ceremony.