I have had several people ask me recently how we set our budget. How do I know what to spend each week on groceries etc. So I thought I would share our system and explain how and why it's working for us. Every family is different, so I think you have to find a way that works for you and stick to it. But it's always good to have different ideas on managing money.
The first thing we did was enlist the help of a super-smart Financial Advisor. She's one of the smartest people I think I have ever met in my life. Shes worked with my parents for several years and has done a fantastic job for Tim and I as well. She oversees what we are saving, how we are saving it, retirement etc. Any big purchases that we make go through her :) It's nice having an un-emotionally involved opinion when making a big purchase or financial decision!
Our day-to-day budget is set up like this:
We have 2 checking accounts and a savings account all with the same bank. The savings account is pretty self-explanatory...it's there for savings :)
Our main bank account is for fixed expenses which are our "bills"...these are bills that don't change and have to be paid whatever amount that they are.
Our second account is our flexible spending, or our discretionary money...which includes things like gas, groceries, clothes, entertainment etc. These expenses aren't fixed, we determine how much we spend on them.
So the process goes like this: Tim gets paid weekly on the same day of the week each week. His checks are automatically deposited into the main account or the "Bills" account. We went through and added up all of our fixed expenses. We subtracted that from the total that he makes monthly. Whatever was leftover after all of the bills, we split between living expenses for the month and savings. We figured up a baseline of what we needed for living expenses each week and whatever the difference was we set aside for savings.
So on his pay day, his check goes into the account. We have automatic transfers set up for a specific day each week that automatically transfer a set amount into savings and the amount we set for weekly living into our second checking account or our spending money. By keeping our bills separate from our spending money, it forces us to stay on budget each week because there is no cushion in our spending money (except money left from the week before, which happens almost every week). With all of it automatically done it's sort of "out of sight, out of mind". We forget that it's there, it continues to grow and ensures a great future for our family!
So the next question I get a lot of is "How do you determine how much you need weekly??"
Well, this totally depends on your family size and lifestyle. With the recent increase in gas prices (and Tim commuting to work at KU med 3 days a week) we've had to increase our weekly spending money quite a bit just to cover the extra in gas he is spending a week. Here is a breakdown of our spending money for our family of 4:
Gas: $75/week between the 2 of us
Groceries: $100/week (this includes diapers, cleaning supplies, dog treats, toilet paper etc)
Misc Spending: $85/week - this goes for play dates, dinners out, birthday gifts etc.
Some weeks I use the extra $85 to put some more into groceries or adding to my stock pile, but for the most part I try to stick to this budget amount. I almost always have money left over at the end of the week, which is a great feeling!
Now, there are other expenses that come up, such as car repairs, clothing, special occasions (like a sisters wedding) etc. These are all things we discuss with our financial planner to help set a reasonable budget and stick to it. This generally will come out of Tim's paycheck and we transfer it with our regular weekly money, take it out as cash and use only that. Cash is a really easy way to ensure you are sticking with your budget because you can't spend more than you have.
I will admit...I LOVE to shop. I enjoy shopping more than anything else to be honest. Nothing is more fun to me than going to Target, buying whatever I want and then coming home and organizing yet (yes I am a strange person who loves organizing things!) But the reality is that we (as in, the United States) are in a tough economic state right now. And I'm blessed to have the ability to not work and stay home with my kids. So by stretching our money as far as I can, I know I'm doing my part to try and give my girls the best possible advantages later in life. As much as I enjoy shopping, I enjoy seeing our savings account grow every month even more...there is no better feeling than not having a panic moment when something goes wrong. It's no longer a crisis, its merely an inconvenience. So I challenge everyone to get a budget in place and stick to it!
My other advice: Find a class for Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University"...it will change how you look at money forever! It was by far the best investment to our future I could have made!
Happy Planning!!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Walgreens, CVS and Kroger Deals this week!
Well today was one of the few times I have not had a great shopping day. Dillons was pure chaos with last minute mothers day shoppers, I was overly tired and had a headache...not a good combination! They have their big 10 event going on right now, where if you buy any 10 participating items, you save $5. This is usually a great deal because you can have more than one set of 10 in your transaction. For me, I had planned out 40 items (4 sets of 10 participating items) that all fit into this sale and matched up with coupons. I had my coupon binder with me, my detailed spreadsheet of deals+coupons=final price etc. I was on budget and doing well, I even stopped and added everything up at the end before checking out to make sure I had my 40 items. If you are missing even one item, then you pay the full price instead of the sale price on the other 9 items in that batch of 10. Well somewhere along the way one of my 40 items got added to the person in front of me...which threw off my entire total. Add to that, several of my coupons weren't scanning (everything was correct, not expired, correct sizes/items etc) but for some reason it was just one of those days. So I ended up with about $20 extra on my bill today. I finally got so frustrated that I just paid the bill and left.
Lesson Learned: I will not shop on a busy Saturday afternoon that happens to be a holiday weekend EVER again! But the good news: My stock pile is looking FANTASTIC again! I wiped out most of it during our recent move because I didn't have time to shop and didn't feel like moving it all to the new house. So a few months in our new home (with a fantastically big basement to house my stockpile along with several of Mia's big toys, YAY!) I finally am getting my stock pile back to how I had it before.
So, with a few frustrations I had a less than successful day (though I managed to still have a 40% savings...my personal goal is always 50% or higher...but I'll take 40%!). I did manage to enjoy the morning with my girls, walking around the Farmers Market and snacking on some yummy homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts, which are now a new favorite to both of my girls!!
SOOOO...here are a few deals I plan to snatch up this week. Some are deals I found, along with other deals I've seen posted on various websites/blogs. Walgreen's is a bit confusing, so make sure you totally understand their coupon policy before going (it took me a few months to get the hang of shopping there!)
Walgreens:
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash (16 oz.)
Sale: Buy 1 at $5.99, Get 1 Free
Use Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon from 3/27 SmartSource insert
Final Price: 2 FREE
Carefree Liners
Sale Price: 99 cents
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Or use 50c/1 coupon from 3/27 RedPlum insert
Final Price as low as: FREE
Walgreens Photo {select link to deal}
12 cent 4×6 Prints – use promo code: MAYFLOWERS$5 off any $25 Photo Gift Order – use promo code: SPRING5
Colgate Toothpaste or Toothbrush {select varieties}
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Receive $4.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 1)
Use $1/1 Total Toothpaste coupon from April All You Magazine
And use 75c/1 Toothpaste coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Or use 75c/1 Toothbrush coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two as low as: 12 cents each!
Palmolive Dish Liquid (10 oz.)
Sale Price using in ad coupon: 89 cents
Use 25c/1 Walgreens coupon from 4/17 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $.64
Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Razor System
Sale Price: $9.89
Receive $5.00 back in Register Rewards (limit 1)
Use $4/1 coupon from 5/1 P&G insert
Final Price: $.89
Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Sale Price using in ad coupon: $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price: 99 cents!
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Sale Promo: Buy 1 at $2.99, Get 1 FREE
Use $1/2 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaners Coupon
{register, then print coupons under ‘Special Offers’}
Or use $1/2 coupon from 4/17 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: $1.00 each!
Reach Advanced Design Toothbrushes {2-pk.}
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Receive $2.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 1)
Use $2/1 Reach 2-pk coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two 2-pk’s: $1.00 each!
Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler
Sale Price: 2 for $7.00
Receive $1.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 1)
Use $3/2 coupon from 5/1 P&G insert
Final Price when you buy two: $1.50 each
Nabisco Fig Newtons
Sale Price: 2 for $5.00
Use $1/2 coupon from Walgreen’s May Coupon Book
Also use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: $1.50 each
Fiber One Bars
Sale Price: $2.00
Use 4oc/1 coupon from 4/3 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $1.60
Dove Minis {8.5-11 oz.}
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Use $1/2 coupon from Walgreens May Coupon Book
Also use $1/1 coupon from 5/1 RedPlum insert
Final Price when you buy two: $2.00 each
Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Use $1/2 coupon from Walgreen’s May Coupon Book
Also use $1/2 coupon from 4/17 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: $2.00 each
Coppertone Sun Care {select varieties, excluding lip balm}
Sale Price: $9.99
Receive $3.00 back in Register Rewards (limit 1)
Use $1/1 Coppertone Coupon
Final Price: $5.99
Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers
Sale Price: 2 for $18.00
Receive $3.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy two (limit 1)
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 5/1 P&G insert
Final Price when you buy two: $6.75 each
CVS:
Carefree Body Shape Liners {20-22 ct.}
Sale Price: 99 cents
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Or use 50c/1 coupon from 3/27 RedPlum insert
Final Price as low as: FREE!
Stride Spark Gum
Sale Price: $1.00
Use $1/2 coupon from 4/3 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: 50 cents each!
Colgate Total Toothpaste Sale Price: $1.67
Use $1/1 Total Toothpaste coupon from April All You Magazine
Or use 75c/1 Toothpaste coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price as low as: 67 cents!
Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Sale Price: $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $.99
Kellogg’s Cereal (select varietiesSale) Price: $1.97 (limit 6) --This deal is also good at Dillons or Kroger, their Kellogg's cereals are on sale for $1.98 right now.
Use 70c/1 Raisin Bran Coupon
Or use $1/2 Rice or Cocoa Krispies Coupon
Or use $1/2 Corn Flakes Coupon
Or use $1/3 Kellogg’s Cereal Coupon
Final Price as low as: $1.27
Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick {select varieties}
Sale Price: $1.99
Use 50c/1 coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $1.49
Sundown Fish Oil, Herbals, Vitamin D, B or Melatonin
Sale Price: $5.49
Receive $2.00 back in Extra Bucks (limit 1)
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/17 RedPlum insert
Final Price: $2.49
Sobe Lifewater {20 oz.}
Sale Promo: Buy 1 Get 1 Free {limit 8}
Use $1.50/5 coupon from 5/1 Pepsi insert
Dillons/Kroger:
Some of the items I liked in their $5 off when you buy 10 were:
Kraft BBQ Sauce (Select Varieties)
Final Price: $.49/each (I bought 10 of these to last the summer)
American Beauty Pasta
Regularly priced: $1.29, Sale: $.99, Buy 10: Final Price: $.49 each
Campbell's soups
Regular Price: $1.50
Sale Price when you buy 10: $.89 each (I bought ten of these)
Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush
Regular Price: $2.99
Sale Price: $2.49 when you buy any 10 items
Matched with Coupon for $2.00 off any cross action toothbrush
Final Price: $.49/each
Crystal Light Drink Mix
Normal Price: $3.29
Sale Price: $2.49 (when you buy any 10)
Buy Any 10: $1.99
Matched with store coupon for $1.00/2
Final Price: $2.98 or $1.49/each
Quaker Rice Cakes:
Regular Price: $1.29
Sale: $.79/each (when you buy any 10)
Coupon I had: $1.00/2 (I had 2 of these))
Final Price: $.29 each
Kroger Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Tenderloins or Thighs
Regular Price for 3 lb bag: $8.48 (around $2.83/pound)
Sale Price for frozen 3 pound bag: $4.98 ($1.66/pound)
**I always try to have at least 1-2 bags of each kind of frozen chicken on hand. There are so many simple meals that can be thrown together with chicken! I always try to stock up when it's less than $5/bag.
I'd love to hear it if you have any other good deals that you know about!!
For now: Happy Mothers Day and Happy Shopping!!
Lesson Learned: I will not shop on a busy Saturday afternoon that happens to be a holiday weekend EVER again! But the good news: My stock pile is looking FANTASTIC again! I wiped out most of it during our recent move because I didn't have time to shop and didn't feel like moving it all to the new house. So a few months in our new home (with a fantastically big basement to house my stockpile along with several of Mia's big toys, YAY!) I finally am getting my stock pile back to how I had it before.
So, with a few frustrations I had a less than successful day (though I managed to still have a 40% savings...my personal goal is always 50% or higher...but I'll take 40%!). I did manage to enjoy the morning with my girls, walking around the Farmers Market and snacking on some yummy homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts, which are now a new favorite to both of my girls!!
SOOOO...here are a few deals I plan to snatch up this week. Some are deals I found, along with other deals I've seen posted on various websites/blogs. Walgreen's is a bit confusing, so make sure you totally understand their coupon policy before going (it took me a few months to get the hang of shopping there!)
Walgreens:
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Body Wash (16 oz.)
Sale: Buy 1 at $5.99, Get 1 Free
Use Buy 1 Get 1 Free coupon from 3/27 SmartSource insert
Final Price: 2 FREE
Carefree Liners
Sale Price: 99 cents
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Or use 50c/1 coupon from 3/27 RedPlum insert
Final Price as low as: FREE
Walgreens Photo {select link to deal}
12 cent 4×6 Prints – use promo code: MAYFLOWERS$5 off any $25 Photo Gift Order – use promo code: SPRING5
Colgate Toothpaste or Toothbrush {select varieties}
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Receive $4.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 1)
Use $1/1 Total Toothpaste coupon from April All You Magazine
And use 75c/1 Toothpaste coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Or use 75c/1 Toothbrush coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two as low as: 12 cents each!
Palmolive Dish Liquid (10 oz.)
Sale Price using in ad coupon: 89 cents
Use 25c/1 Walgreens coupon from 4/17 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $.64
Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide Razor System
Sale Price: $9.89
Receive $5.00 back in Register Rewards (limit 1)
Use $4/1 coupon from 5/1 P&G insert
Final Price: $.89
Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Sale Price using in ad coupon: $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price: 99 cents!
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Sale Promo: Buy 1 at $2.99, Get 1 FREE
Use $1/2 Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaners Coupon
{register, then print coupons under ‘Special Offers’}
Or use $1/2 coupon from 4/17 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: $1.00 each!
Reach Advanced Design Toothbrushes {2-pk.}
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Receive $2.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 1)
Use $2/1 Reach 2-pk coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two 2-pk’s: $1.00 each!
Pantene Shampoo, Conditioner, or Styler
Sale Price: 2 for $7.00
Receive $1.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy 2 (limit 1)
Use $3/2 coupon from 5/1 P&G insert
Final Price when you buy two: $1.50 each
Nabisco Fig Newtons
Sale Price: 2 for $5.00
Use $1/2 coupon from Walgreen’s May Coupon Book
Also use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: $1.50 each
Fiber One Bars
Sale Price: $2.00
Use 4oc/1 coupon from 4/3 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $1.60
Dove Minis {8.5-11 oz.}
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Use $1/2 coupon from Walgreens May Coupon Book
Also use $1/1 coupon from 5/1 RedPlum insert
Final Price when you buy two: $2.00 each
Revlon ColorSilk Hair Color
Sale Price: 2 for $6.00
Use $1/2 coupon from Walgreen’s May Coupon Book
Also use $1/2 coupon from 4/17 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: $2.00 each
Coppertone Sun Care {select varieties, excluding lip balm}
Sale Price: $9.99
Receive $3.00 back in Register Rewards (limit 1)
Use $1/1 Coppertone Coupon
Final Price: $5.99
Pampers Jumbo Pack Diapers
Sale Price: 2 for $18.00
Receive $3.00 back in Register Rewards when you buy two (limit 1)
Use $1.50/1 coupon from 5/1 P&G insert
Final Price when you buy two: $6.75 each
CVS:
Carefree Body Shape Liners {20-22 ct.}
Sale Price: 99 cents
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Or use 50c/1 coupon from 3/27 RedPlum insert
Final Price as low as: FREE!
Stride Spark Gum
Sale Price: $1.00
Use $1/2 coupon from 4/3 SmartSource insert
Final Price when you buy two: 50 cents each!
Colgate Total Toothpaste Sale Price: $1.67
Use $1/1 Total Toothpaste coupon from April All You Magazine
Or use 75c/1 Toothpaste coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price as low as: 67 cents!
Mitchum or Lady Mitchum Antiperspirant/Deodorant
Sale Price: $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 5/8 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $.99
Kellogg’s Cereal (select varietiesSale) Price: $1.97 (limit 6) --This deal is also good at Dillons or Kroger, their Kellogg's cereals are on sale for $1.98 right now.
Use 70c/1 Raisin Bran Coupon
Or use $1/2 Rice or Cocoa Krispies Coupon
Or use $1/2 Corn Flakes Coupon
Or use $1/3 Kellogg’s Cereal Coupon
Final Price as low as: $1.27
Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick {select varieties}
Sale Price: $1.99
Use 50c/1 coupon from 5/1 SmartSource insert
Final Price: $1.49
Sundown Fish Oil, Herbals, Vitamin D, B or Melatonin
Sale Price: $5.49
Receive $2.00 back in Extra Bucks (limit 1)
Use $1/1 coupon from 4/17 RedPlum insert
Final Price: $2.49
Sobe Lifewater {20 oz.}
Sale Promo: Buy 1 Get 1 Free {limit 8}
Use $1.50/5 coupon from 5/1 Pepsi insert
Dillons/Kroger:
Some of the items I liked in their $5 off when you buy 10 were:
Kraft BBQ Sauce (Select Varieties)
Final Price: $.49/each (I bought 10 of these to last the summer)
American Beauty Pasta
Regularly priced: $1.29, Sale: $.99, Buy 10: Final Price: $.49 each
Campbell's soups
Regular Price: $1.50
Sale Price when you buy 10: $.89 each (I bought ten of these)
Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush
Regular Price: $2.99
Sale Price: $2.49 when you buy any 10 items
Matched with Coupon for $2.00 off any cross action toothbrush
Final Price: $.49/each
Crystal Light Drink Mix
Normal Price: $3.29
Sale Price: $2.49 (when you buy any 10)
Buy Any 10: $1.99
Matched with store coupon for $1.00/2
Final Price: $2.98 or $1.49/each
Quaker Rice Cakes:
Regular Price: $1.29
Sale: $.79/each (when you buy any 10)
Coupon I had: $1.00/2 (I had 2 of these))
Final Price: $.29 each
Kroger Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Tenderloins or Thighs
Regular Price for 3 lb bag: $8.48 (around $2.83/pound)
Sale Price for frozen 3 pound bag: $4.98 ($1.66/pound)
**I always try to have at least 1-2 bags of each kind of frozen chicken on hand. There are so many simple meals that can be thrown together with chicken! I always try to stock up when it's less than $5/bag.
I'd love to hear it if you have any other good deals that you know about!!
For now: Happy Mothers Day and Happy Shopping!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
$.50/1 Driscolls Printable Coupons
If you haven't done so already, you can go here to sign up for a $0.50/1 Discoll’s Berries printable coupon. My computer let me print this twice!! I'm always on the hunt for good coupons for produce since that is generally the bulk of my money spent at the grocery store. The more I save with coupons in other areas, the more I can load up on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables...both at the store and the Farmers Market. These particular coupons state that they cannot be doubled, but regardless, it's great to have a coupon for fresh produce!!
Check out your Dillon's ad this week as well....they are having another round of their save $5 when you buy any certain 10 products. I used this sale last time to stock up on 60 bags of pasta that was down to $.49/bag! These deals are the best because you can stack coupons on top of these low prices for great savings!! It's the easiest way to get your stockpile really going! The way this particular sale works at Dillon's is that you have to buy a combination of any 10 items to get the savings. So if you buy more than 10 of any of these items, make sure you do it in increments of 10 to get the good price. They will do multiple sets of 10 in one transaction which is nice!
Target Deals - We just moved baby girl #2 into her big girl car seat. Target has the Graco My Ride 65 car seat on sale for $100 right now (This normally goes for around $150). This is a good price for this particular seat, which is durable, comfortable and has tested extremely high in safety tests.
Happy Shopping!
Check out your Dillon's ad this week as well....they are having another round of their save $5 when you buy any certain 10 products. I used this sale last time to stock up on 60 bags of pasta that was down to $.49/bag! These deals are the best because you can stack coupons on top of these low prices for great savings!! It's the easiest way to get your stockpile really going! The way this particular sale works at Dillon's is that you have to buy a combination of any 10 items to get the savings. So if you buy more than 10 of any of these items, make sure you do it in increments of 10 to get the good price. They will do multiple sets of 10 in one transaction which is nice!
Target Deals - We just moved baby girl #2 into her big girl car seat. Target has the Graco My Ride 65 car seat on sale for $100 right now (This normally goes for around $150). This is a good price for this particular seat, which is durable, comfortable and has tested extremely high in safety tests.
Happy Shopping!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
FREE Ivory Body Wash at Dillons
At Dillon's right now the Ivory body wash is included in the 10/$10 sale. With the recent Ivory coupon that came out this past Sunday in the P&G Insert for $1/1, that makes these free :) I had 4 of these coupons so I got 4 FREE body washes!
Sometimes the sale will continue for 2-3 weeks and sometimes not, it just depends on the item and the specific store, so I don't know if the Ivory body wash will continue to be at that low price, so if you can, run to your closest Dillon's store tonight! :)
Happy Shopping!
Sometimes the sale will continue for 2-3 weeks and sometimes not, it just depends on the item and the specific store, so I don't know if the Ivory body wash will continue to be at that low price, so if you can, run to your closest Dillon's store tonight! :)
Happy Shopping!
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Best Bang For Your Buck: Minivan Shopping and 3rd row options for vehicles
I finally made the leap and officially joined the mom club...on Saturday I traded my sporty cross-over SUV -my Toyota Rav4 that I LOVED, for a Minivan. I'm not going to lie, I struggled with this in a big way! But the reality is that with two kids and a socially active 5 year old, we needed more space!! We ended up with a sporty 2010 Kia Sedona LX. It's black with tan interior and is about as sporty as you can get with a van :) So far in the 2 days I've had it, I really like it!
Here is what I found when shopping for a new vehicle, we drove several different ones and ended up with the Sedona.
Vans:
Our Top 3 choices on vans came down to what was ranked the highest in safety, reliability, features and price. The Kia Sedona, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna were the only 3 vans I would look at based on safety and reliability reviews. I've always been a car snob and have never had anything except for Toyota (yes, people laugh when we are all gathered at my parents' house because it looks like a Toyota car lot over there! We ALL have Toyota's) The reliability and the history we have with Toyota has been nothing but superb (as indicated by the 1996 Toyota Camry that has survived commuting by my dad, me and now my husband. It has 270,000 miles on it and is still going strong!)
Because Safety, Reliability and Features were all equal on the three choices of vans, the next thing it came down to was price. We could get more features for a better price by going with the Sedona. Standard on the LX is the Sirius Satellite radio, MP3/USB hookups, 6 disc CD changer, Roof Rack, Rear Air/Heat, Back up Reverse Sensors, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Stow-N-Go 3rd row with 60/40 split bench, power rear windows, security system, key less entry, extra cargo space, tons of extra storage cubbies and cup holders throughout and an overall nice design on the inside. Other options you can get include the DVD system, heated seats, automatic climate control, power sliding doors and windows and other luxury features found in both the LX and EX models. The Kia warranty is also the best out there - some are 5 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper, all of the way up to 10 year/100,000 mile warranties.
Other Vehicles:
A few other vehicles we looked at were SUVs and Cross-Over SUVs with the 3rd row. The main problem I found with all of these is lack of rear cargo space and difficulty getting access to the 3rd row. With older kids this isn't as big of a deal, but when you still have car seats latched in, it's too much work to take the entire car seat in and out to fold up the seat just to get in and out of the 3rd row seating. Most of the 3rd row SUVs were not designed for car seats...meaning you can't even use the extra seating with smaller kids.
a few we looked at and liked:
The Honda Pilot: Very nice, loaded with tons of great features. Not great on gas mileage, but great safety reviews. 3rd row didn't have much leg room, was not equipped for car seats and took up most of the cargo space in the back. I couldn't fit a full sized stroller in, only a smaller McLaren stroller fit back there.
GMC Acadia - Liked the look of this a lot but it didn't get great reviews on reliability and it was very heavy. Decent cargo space even with the 3rd row, can have car seats in the 3rd row as well. Some models come with 2 captains chairs in the middle, which made access to the 3rd row much easier with small kids.
Chevy Traverse - By far my favorite of the SUVs we looked at. If we hadn't gotten a van or if our kids were older, this is what I would have gotten. Tons of interior room, great cargo and storage space. Good reviews on safety and reliability. So/So on gas mileage. Drives a little lighter than the Acadia. Still harder to get in and out of the 3rd row if you have car seats.
Toyota Highlander - I've always wanted a highlander, but would only do it if I knew we weren't having any more kids and only had the 3rd row for occasional guests. It's not functional for everyday use with 3+ kids. The 3rd row takes up the entire cargo area, I couldn't fit any strollers back there with the 3rd row up.
So there are a few ideas if you are in the market for a new car! I loved my Rav4 and highly recommend it if you are needing a sporty little fuel efficient SUV. But we are on to the more practical phase of life where the reality is that a minivan just makes like SO much easier with small kids :) Our find, the Kia Sedona offered the most "bang for our buck".
Here is what I found when shopping for a new vehicle, we drove several different ones and ended up with the Sedona.
Vans:
Our Top 3 choices on vans came down to what was ranked the highest in safety, reliability, features and price. The Kia Sedona, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna were the only 3 vans I would look at based on safety and reliability reviews. I've always been a car snob and have never had anything except for Toyota (yes, people laugh when we are all gathered at my parents' house because it looks like a Toyota car lot over there! We ALL have Toyota's) The reliability and the history we have with Toyota has been nothing but superb (as indicated by the 1996 Toyota Camry that has survived commuting by my dad, me and now my husband. It has 270,000 miles on it and is still going strong!)
Because Safety, Reliability and Features were all equal on the three choices of vans, the next thing it came down to was price. We could get more features for a better price by going with the Sedona. Standard on the LX is the Sirius Satellite radio, MP3/USB hookups, 6 disc CD changer, Roof Rack, Rear Air/Heat, Back up Reverse Sensors, 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Stow-N-Go 3rd row with 60/40 split bench, power rear windows, security system, key less entry, extra cargo space, tons of extra storage cubbies and cup holders throughout and an overall nice design on the inside. Other options you can get include the DVD system, heated seats, automatic climate control, power sliding doors and windows and other luxury features found in both the LX and EX models. The Kia warranty is also the best out there - some are 5 year/50,000 mile bumper to bumper, all of the way up to 10 year/100,000 mile warranties.
Other Vehicles:
A few other vehicles we looked at were SUVs and Cross-Over SUVs with the 3rd row. The main problem I found with all of these is lack of rear cargo space and difficulty getting access to the 3rd row. With older kids this isn't as big of a deal, but when you still have car seats latched in, it's too much work to take the entire car seat in and out to fold up the seat just to get in and out of the 3rd row seating. Most of the 3rd row SUVs were not designed for car seats...meaning you can't even use the extra seating with smaller kids.
a few we looked at and liked:
The Honda Pilot: Very nice, loaded with tons of great features. Not great on gas mileage, but great safety reviews. 3rd row didn't have much leg room, was not equipped for car seats and took up most of the cargo space in the back. I couldn't fit a full sized stroller in, only a smaller McLaren stroller fit back there.
GMC Acadia - Liked the look of this a lot but it didn't get great reviews on reliability and it was very heavy. Decent cargo space even with the 3rd row, can have car seats in the 3rd row as well. Some models come with 2 captains chairs in the middle, which made access to the 3rd row much easier with small kids.
Chevy Traverse - By far my favorite of the SUVs we looked at. If we hadn't gotten a van or if our kids were older, this is what I would have gotten. Tons of interior room, great cargo and storage space. Good reviews on safety and reliability. So/So on gas mileage. Drives a little lighter than the Acadia. Still harder to get in and out of the 3rd row if you have car seats.
Toyota Highlander - I've always wanted a highlander, but would only do it if I knew we weren't having any more kids and only had the 3rd row for occasional guests. It's not functional for everyday use with 3+ kids. The 3rd row takes up the entire cargo area, I couldn't fit any strollers back there with the 3rd row up.
So there are a few ideas if you are in the market for a new car! I loved my Rav4 and highly recommend it if you are needing a sporty little fuel efficient SUV. But we are on to the more practical phase of life where the reality is that a minivan just makes like SO much easier with small kids :) Our find, the Kia Sedona offered the most "bang for our buck".
Good Deals and Coupons this week!
Here are a few quick deals I've found this week!!
Goldfish Crackers - right now at Dillon's (Kroger) these are 10/$10. If you go to http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/News.aspx you can print two coupons for $.75/2 bags of goldfish crackers. Since this would double up to $1, that works out to be $.50/bag. Not bad to get 4 bags of goldfish (any flavor) for $2!
Yoplait Greek Yogurt - $.99/1 right now at Dillon's. With my Coupons from the last few papers for -$.60/2, I was able to get these for as low as $.49/each. That's a good deal, normally the Greek yogurts retail for around $1.20-$1.30 each. I stocked up on 16 of these! These are great in the mornings and wonderful source of protein for before or after a workout!
Crest Toothpaste - part of the 10/$10 sale at Kroger right now. With -$.50/1 coupons that double up to $1 it made these totally FREE! I had 6 coupons for these, so 6 FREE toothpastes.
Kellogg's Cereals - Several Kellogg's Cereals are on sale for $1.98/each right now at Kroger. If you go to the Kellogg's website you can print off coupons for different Kellogg's cereals to stack with this sale price. I normally try to stay around $1/box, sometimes I'll go as high as $1.25 per box. For boxes that normally retail for $3-$4, this is still a great deal.
Some Target Deals I also found:
The P&G insert in this weeks paper had a Target Coupon that was good for $5.00 off one box of Pampers Diapers and one wipes. Plus, Target is offering a deal that if you buy these two items together, you get a $5.00 off gift card at check out. I bought a box of diapers ($19.99) and a pack of wipe refills ($6.99). With my $5 off coupon, plus a $3 off Pampers coupon stacked on top of it, plus the $5 gift card, it makes a box of diapers and a 3-pack of wipe refills $13.98 total.
Aquafresh Training Toothbrushes for Kids — $1.99
Use $1/1 Target couponStack with the $1/1 Aquafresh Kids toothbrush coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum insert (or use the $.50/1 Aquafresh coupon)
Free after coupons
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars – $2.50
Buy 4 – Get 1 Free
Buy 5 and use 2 $0.75/2 coupon from the 3/13 RedPlum insert
Stack with 2 $1/2 Target printable
$1.30 each after coupons
Tostitos Chips – $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from the 5/1 Moments to Save insert
$1.50 after coupon
Happy Shopping!!!
Goldfish Crackers - right now at Dillon's (Kroger) these are 10/$10. If you go to http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/News.aspx you can print two coupons for $.75/2 bags of goldfish crackers. Since this would double up to $1, that works out to be $.50/bag. Not bad to get 4 bags of goldfish (any flavor) for $2!
Yoplait Greek Yogurt - $.99/1 right now at Dillon's. With my Coupons from the last few papers for -$.60/2, I was able to get these for as low as $.49/each. That's a good deal, normally the Greek yogurts retail for around $1.20-$1.30 each. I stocked up on 16 of these! These are great in the mornings and wonderful source of protein for before or after a workout!
Crest Toothpaste - part of the 10/$10 sale at Kroger right now. With -$.50/1 coupons that double up to $1 it made these totally FREE! I had 6 coupons for these, so 6 FREE toothpastes.
Kellogg's Cereals - Several Kellogg's Cereals are on sale for $1.98/each right now at Kroger. If you go to the Kellogg's website you can print off coupons for different Kellogg's cereals to stack with this sale price. I normally try to stay around $1/box, sometimes I'll go as high as $1.25 per box. For boxes that normally retail for $3-$4, this is still a great deal.
Some Target Deals I also found:
The P&G insert in this weeks paper had a Target Coupon that was good for $5.00 off one box of Pampers Diapers and one wipes. Plus, Target is offering a deal that if you buy these two items together, you get a $5.00 off gift card at check out. I bought a box of diapers ($19.99) and a pack of wipe refills ($6.99). With my $5 off coupon, plus a $3 off Pampers coupon stacked on top of it, plus the $5 gift card, it makes a box of diapers and a 3-pack of wipe refills $13.98 total.
Aquafresh Training Toothbrushes for Kids — $1.99
Use $1/1 Target couponStack with the $1/1 Aquafresh Kids toothbrush coupon from the 4/17 RedPlum insert (or use the $.50/1 Aquafresh coupon)
Free after coupons
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars – $2.50
Buy 4 – Get 1 Free
Buy 5 and use 2 $0.75/2 coupon from the 3/13 RedPlum insert
Stack with 2 $1/2 Target printable
$1.30 each after coupons
Tostitos Chips – $2.50
Use $1/1 coupon from the 5/1 Moments to Save insert
$1.50 after coupon
Happy Shopping!!!
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