First Full Week is under way!

My official start date for the $10k budget started on April 1. It was a short 3 days and I really didn't spend much money at all. We had a variety of food in the fridge and freezer already so we didn't go grocery shopping last week. I did do a few lunches out last week, but it was well under my food budget limit.

I did go to get a few things at the grocery store. My shopping trip was just to go out to get some bread sticks or something for our inexpensive dinner - soup, salad, and bread sticks. My basket included 1 whole pineapple, 5 apple pears (yummy new adventure), and 4 tubes of Pillsbury bread products. I did my shopping at Stop & Shop on this day and I did save some cash. They had some of the Pillsbury products on sale for 2/$4. I purchased 4 tubes because I had coupons! Save $1 when you buy 2 tubes. The whole pineapple was also on sale for $2.99. Pineapple is a staple for us. So we always have one on the counter ready for chopping. The apple pears were on sale for $1 each. So, I got out of there for $13.99!

This week is going to be the true test of how I work this budget. I still have a vet bill to pay off - one of the cats had massive oral surgery in the fall and I did a 12 month no interest plan through CareCredit. I actually looked at the bill today and noticed that they charge a $2 a month service fee, but no interest. I had been paying more than the minimum because I can, but now that I know I will be paying an extra $24 over the 12 months when I really don't need to I will just pay it off this month.

I think I have decided that I will use my Discover card to make purchases and just pay off the purchases on a daily basis. Especially if the purchases are made at locations that are participating in the monthly 5% cash back program. Currently it is home improvement stores, department stores, and clothing stores. If you have a Discover account you should go to your personalized website and sign up for the free 5% cash back!

I am a little behind on getting my spreadsheet set up to track my successes and opportunities. This is my goal for the week. I have been keeping my receipts and will make sure to track every penny I spend!