Walmart Price Catcher Review and Secret

The Walmart Price Checker App allows shoppers to compare their shopping trip with competitors prices. The App allows you to scan the bar code of your purchase receipt. The app will compare the price of each product with that of area stores. If the app does find that your Walmart purchase was more in price, the app will add the difference to your in-app account. Once you are ready, you may visit the Walmart customer service desk to redeem the money that you have earned for a store gift card. I believe that this is a great way to save money. Every little penny eventually adds up to a dollar and so on.

 

I have been shopping at Walmart and utilizing the policy in place for  saving money with comparison shopping. I would take my local grocery store sales flyer to Walmart. I would show the cashier my flyer and then Walmart would honor the lower price. I love that this was an option when grocery shopping. Especially when they would honor a bogo product. (BOGO= Buy One get one Free!) I will tell you that Walmart has seen a great deal of my grocery shopping budget simply by honoring this price comparison shopping and when available, BOGO shopping.

 

I packed up two local store flyers and set out to go to Walmart to do the shopping. I took my time and made sure to take advantage of any sells that I could possibly find including those highly sought after BOGO deals. With a large family, those BOGO deals are valuable! I reached the cash register to check out. I had everything separated for the order. I quickly learned:

·         Walmart is NO longer honoring coupons from my local store- I am not pleased even though I lost only .55 on this transaction. (Hey that’s over half a dollar.)

·         The BOGO deals are no longer being honored as well. In fact, forget the local flyers all together.

·         I was informed that Florida is a state that was used as an experiment with the price match with local competitors. I wonder if that is true?

 

 

I shortly learned that the Walmart Price Catcher App would clearly locate the savings in price for both my coupon and my BOGO deals. I asked the cashier several times if he was indeed sure that this would be honored on the app. He informed me himself and verified twice with my question that Yes, the Price Catcher would indeed catch the deals. I went ahead and purchased all of my BOGO and price comparison shopping to the tune of $186.00 and some odd change. I definitely had multiple purchases for items that we often use at the BOGO price match. Well, several days later, I received the deposit into my app account for a whole $10.00.

 

I must say that I am not pleased. I would not have purchased all of the items that I did had I known that the BOGO would not be honored as the cashier stated. I believe that Walmart needs to get their act together, Inform both their guest and their employees of the policies and when they are changed. I spent more than I would have Because even when asked, I was misinformed. I am not too happy with Walmart or the price catcher. I understand that the company made money and that I happily forked it over believing that I would be rewarded for doing so. I just believe that both customers and employees should be informed with updates.

 

On a lighter note, I do like the Price Catcher App itself. It is nice to effortlessly collect a little discount in the form of a gift card. I would just prefer clarification, Please and Thank-You!

 

Please Note: This is my own opinion. I was not compensated in any way to write a review or promotion of the Walmart Price Catcher App. This is merely an expression of my own feelings towards employees without knowledge of their position, the store’s misguidance of the savings that they offer and my being upset that I feel that I was cheated out of savings



Speaking of money, I have been earning a little extra income by simply reading and clicking on email. The best part is that it is free to join!

Bank With The Disney Vacation Account

 

Disney has introduced an exceptional plan to save for a Walt Disney themed vacation. Disney guest may open a complimentary account to help save up for a wonderful vacation. The Disney Vacation account is a new program that allows guest to estimate the cost of a desired Disney vacation and save to turn that dream into a reality. The Disney Vacation Account webpage will allow you to;

 

·        -  choose your vacation destination. In my family’s case, our dream vacation is a Disney Cruise!

·         - Estimate the cost of your vacation

·        -  Set up a Goal Date for the date that you would like to have saved the proper amount of money for your vacation. Approximately two months prior to

·        - Set up a Goal Date for the date that you would like to have saved the proper amount of money for your vacation. Approximately two months prior to your travel date.

·       -  Learn more about booking your vacation

·       -  Open the free account and the bonus is that it is maintenance and fee free

·         - Make a one-time contribution or create an ongoing payment from you debit/credit card.

·        -  Teach you about how to use your Disney vacation savings

·       -  Show you how to order a gift card with your account balance

·        - You can even earn FREE gift cards!

 

Read more about the Disney Vacation Account by visiting Disneyvacationaccount.disney.go.com

 

You may choose the destination that you would like to save up for including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise , vacations to Aulani in Hawaii and even go an on adventure with Adventures by Disney.  There are many vacation packages that you may see and plan for with this Disney account!

 

This is a really fun and inventive way to prepare for your Disney vacation. I find it a fun way for the family to contribute to save for a vacation. You can even watch your vacation goals become a reality with the Huey, Dewy and Lewey graph that tracks your progress!

 

 

Yay! We are $15.00 closer to our dream vacation!

 

 

The Disney vacation account is a fun way to celebrate your Disney vacation and see the planning in action! Have fun and grow your Disney vacation account today!

Cutting the Grocery Budget

I would like to learn more ways to save on our food budget while maximizing each dollar. I do not want to sacrifice the quality of the food either. I would like to coupon with each grocery store visit. I would love to learn how to successfully coupon.

Not to long ago, I read about an interesting way to save on the grocery bill. Many people believe that shopping at ethnic stores may save money. I took a look in a local store to compare prices will my normal grocery store. I was visiting the store to purchase a small bag of pinto beans. I did find a one pound bag of dry beans for roughly 30 cents cheaper than the regular grocery store.

This evening, I decided to make chicken soup for dinner tomorrow. Half of our family has been sick. I thought between the illness and the first day back to regular work schedules and school, a pot of soup would be a perfect dinner idea. While running errands, we made a stop at a Dollar Tree. I stumbled upon egg noodles and frozen corn. A family favorite is a Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken, corn and noodle soup. My parents have made the soup since I was a child. It is literally the mentioned ingredients. We add onion, garlic, parsley and so forth. It is a hearty chicken based soup. We normally boil a whole chicken, cool and debone. I decided tonight,  based upon feeling really sick and my work schedule,  I will make the soup in the crock pot and with a chicken breast.

I planned to head over to Walmart with my grocery store flyer to pick up several buy one get one free sales at a lower price. However, on the way, I remembered the ethnic store. I made a stop hoping to find a reasonably priced chicken breast.

To my surprise, I found that chicken breast. I managed to pick up the breast for just over $3.00. I also found a large package of the boneless skinless chicken breast and hamburger. All for $13.00 and change. I found a five pound bag of rice for under  $4.00. I ended up getting all of my shopping trip for $30.71. I was truly surprised and shocked. The grocery store would have charged over $15.00 for the larger package of chicken itself.

I would definitely agree that shopping at an ethnic grocery store can save money. We will get at least four meals out of the meat alone. In all, I purchased:

2 packages boneless skinless chicken breast
1 package of hamburger
5 ibs. Rice
1 package yellow rice
1 ib. Dry pinto beans
2 small packages of noodles
3 packages of spices
Fresh Garlic
1 package of cookies for snack
Dried Herbal tea

This was an excellent shopping trip!

Our Financial Housing Issue

With the start of the New Year, I would like to work on our budget, financial situation and debt. Since we have moved across the country, financial challenges have defeated us. I found myself in the worst financial health of my adulthood.

I want to explore ways to assist my family with improving our finances. I have been reading about ways to cut corners and save when and where possible. Our finances have improved but our bills have soared. Similar to many Americans, we are living week to week. Unfortunately, we cannot control many issues that affect our flow of income. We are down to the bare necessities. We live in an area where rent is extremely high. This is a huge issue in our lives. We can afford a mortgage but are challenged with having the ability to qualify to buy a home. This is one major issue that we struggle with daily. I am thinking out of the box and searching for a solution. We do not have anyone that could cosign or assist with the housing issue. We moved into our current home early 2014. Between first and last months rent and deposits, it was nearly $4,000 just to get moved in. We definitely need to decrease our monthly rent.

Would anyone like to Donate a monetary gift, a home or solution?

Where do we go from here?

I am reading about great ideas from financial magazines, blogs and similar.

I  hope to spend the new year working on credit scores, debt and a solution to the housing problem.

An Alternative Lifestyle Tiny Home Style

While contemplating financial issues,  I stumbled upon an alternative lifestyle. It seems that there is a Tiny House Movement taking the nation by storm. The homes are charming,  small and an inventive alternative to committing to the long term mortgage.  A tiny house is a home that is extremely close to being a debt free home.

The homes can be purchased completely constructed,  as a kit or built by hand. The home scan be built with a regular permanent foundation or on a portable trailor bed. The most popular choice seems to be the later. The home can legally park in an RV park,  mobile home park or your own property. Naturally, I'd advise you to double check the laws, requirements and codes for the area that you may choose to live.

Tiny houses are categorized as recreational vehicles. They will require a vehicle registration. In addition,  the homes qualify for home owners insurance.

I've read articles,  blogs and stories about the building of Tiny Houses. I understand that they can be bought or built for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home. Many handmade homes average 10-12 thousand dollars. Tiny House enthusiasts rave about the freeing of stress, financial burden and the freedom associated with the lifestyle change.

The houses are really cute. I think this may be the answer to my hone ownership dilemma. I even stumbled upon a blog where the author actually shared a detailed budget of the home building journey. Simply amazing! The couple only spent $5,339.13 to build their home.  I must say that I am truly impressed!  You can read more about their experience at Tiny Revolution . It's a great resource for anyone thinking of building their own Tiny Home,

I read many accounts of families and couples making the move to financial freedom with the alternative lifestyle of the Tiny Houses Movement. I read about couples planning to retire in small houses. Families living happy productive lives.Twenty somethings utilizing small homes as starter homes . Communities building small houses for homeless individuals. A mayor in Oregon encouraging people to go small. People from all walks in life are downsizing their financial and material lives to upsize their quality of life.

Imagine the freedom of never having to pay a mortgage or rent . You can even temporarily reside in a small house to save or live rent free while building or saving to build your own larger home.

I think these are great homes for seniors as well. Simplify . Also there are countless reasons that this lifestyle is a green way to live. It is an excellent way to tred lightly on the earth. This is a beneficial way of life for the environment.

I love Tiny Houses! Now, to convince my family that this is a great idea for us. I would love to begin building a tiny house. I will update our plans and share them with you!

Our Financial Conundrum

I've spent a great deal of time contemplating our financial issues. I've been reading budgeting books, financial books, magazines, websites and blogs . I've considered educational options, learning more about the stock markets and retirement planning . I've sorted out a plan to pay off debt and to save. When it comes right down to it,  I know the core of our financial issues.

We try to make money working, doing odd jobs, a few business ventures, doing virtual assistant and freelance writing work and even by selling my handmade crafts. I cut expenses everywhere possible.We only use major appliances such as laundry machines after peak hours. We monitor our electric usage and have set our air conditioner ( must in Florida) at the same temperature year around. We have done these steps to reduce usage but yet the electric bill is high.Summer power bills climb regardless of use in these parts.

I've been reading a lot of tips on family blogs. I'm trying to do my best to improve our lives. I have an overwhelming wish, desire, want to own a home.I long for the stability and comfort of owning a home. I realize that opens a whole new can of financial worms. However, I hatetthrowing away money.

Our current rent is approximately $1100 each month. That is truly ridiculous.
 Power bill is $250, Gas bill $120, Car payment $301, plus insurance(s),phones, groceries, Gas, school fees, medications, personal bills etc.. Not to mention the upcoming holidays and $860 needed for a school trip.Ouch.Help.

That's a large monthly round up as far as I'm concerned. At least if it was our own home it would be money going towards our future. As it is, it's just being thrown away. I had an opportunity to purchase a home with a loan and it was something that I truly wanted. The decision to not purchase the home is very complicated. It was an opportunity that I've regretted financially but for reasons that are too lengthy to get into, one that was necessary and probably for the best in other areas of my life and relationships. It was an extremely hard choice that has brought me pain, Worry and stress as well as strained relationships and possibly burnt bridges as well. Either decision had serious reprecautions. I'm still in debt approximately $700 with the failed home purchase. This is on the top of my debt repayment plan due to interpersonal relationships that I wish to resolve.

So, I've been trying to"Bloom Where I'm Planted" (Author unknown to me) I'm cutting corners and trying to find my way through the financial maze. It's a mess.We are working hard just to try to keep our heads above water.

So, where do we go from here? We would love the American Dream. A nice home and the like . Naturally, that would require a down payment,  loan/mortgage and payments forever. So, what to do?

Ready To Clock Out Please

It has been an extremely challenging month for this return to work mom. I miss the days of SAHM  but I'm welcoming the weekly paycheck with open arms. I can definitely see great benefits of having a job outside of the home. I've been enjoying talking with new coworkers and clients. It's been interesting to learn about the company I'm working for . It's an interesting company with nice benefits. I can definitely see the potential of a career within the company.



 However, it's been extremely hard to get into the swing of being on a schedule. I've never been one to like being on a schedule designed by someone else. I'm by far not a morning person. I have struggled with health related issues that cause fatigue. The Morning routine has been rough at best.I was hired on part time but the training period has been full time. It has been hard not to be accessible to my family. My home has suffered a bit with my time being so scarce. When I come home from work, it's homework and dinner time, time to put on my taxi driver hat, cooking and cleaning await.  I have been exhausted, plagued by headaches, lightheaded, stressed, and experiencing panic attacks. My health has issues and stress pushes the envelope. I haven't even been able to exercise over the past month. I was swimming 4 to 5 days each week. My body feels the change and it isn't helping my need to lose weight.

Anyway I have been having a rough time returning to work after a long spell as a SAHM, even though I did work from home. I am still available for creating Crafts, confetti, banners and similar with my Cricut Machine and Freelance writing, reviews,  and virtual assistant assignments. In some ways I'm thinking that working full time from home is a pretty good idea. So, one of the reasons I returned to work besides income and debt pay down was ti secure health insurance. Unfortunately,  I learned that the company that I work for no longer offers insurance for part time employees. This week, I complete my training and my schedule will (Thank goodness) be reduced to full time status. Although I have the ability to work full time, my status will be part time without the possibility of health insurance. I'm happy to only work there part time as with a young child and health issues, part time works best . However, I'm disappointed to learn that due ti governmental health coverage options aka Obama Care, part time employees no longer quality for health insurance. This defeats the purpose of taking a "real" job. I fee l stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Of course with additional stress and worry, My health issues have flared up including headaches, stressed, panic attacks and lady reproductive issues, thanks a lot job.

At least I can look forward to hopefully adding to the pantry, debt paydown and holiday health.

My Budget Train Detailed Derailed

If my bank account and budget was a train, it would have derailed and exploded. A brief history lesson,  I grew up in a somewhat middle class at best family. My mother always worked hard and her efforts were spoiled by an alcoholic husband. She always worked hard and sacrificed for her family. This was a stepfather and not worth writing much about. When I was fourteen,  my mom met my Dad ( stepfather but my Dad.A wonderful man) Anyway, Dad had health problems but was a hard worker and encouraged my mom to become a stay home mom. We were absolutely delighted and loved her being home.They had a small business and did well, not rich, but we always had what we needed and we were fed and happy. We truly loved mom being at home!

Fast forward,  I grow up go to school while working 60 odd hours a week and marry at 21. My husband haf a great work ethic. We were doing well. If we wanted to go out big deal, we went out. If we wanted this or that we usually got it. We planned a baby and were blessed with a little lady when I was 24. I stayed home until she was in school because I wanted to be the person to raise my child.I loved my mom being home and wanted that for Miss.J. We loet income and I contemplated returning to work when she was a little bigger but with the average expenses for clothing, gas, child care and so forth,  it was a waste of money for meto work. So eveventually, it was time to work but unfortunately,  this time was matched with the unexpected loss of my husband. Unfortunately, this meant that working would not enhance our family income but become necessary. I worked and cared for my daughter as a young widow.It was a trying time to say the least. Fast forward and life took an interesting but life changing direction again, as life's curve balls usually do. An unexpected turn of events found a six year old family member in need of a foster home placement. Two years later, I became the adoptive mother of this little girl and her newborn brother. so, within 2 1/2 years of losing my husband,  I was now a widow with three children. After a maternity leave of eight months, I returned to work but quickly learned that my son's health management would be a full time endeavor. Due to health problems relating to fetal exposure to drugs and alcohol,  my son would need around the clock care. When he came home from the hospital, I was informed to not expect him to see his first birthday. (Happy to report he's a thriving wonderful seven year old!) I had to stop working to care for Mr.K. So, we've been on a tight budget with little room for fun!

So, with having to juggle a thin budget, I've learned to be creative . I'm always looking for ways to save money. This January,  I wrote iut a budget. It was going pretty well. At least, the bills were getting paid and beginning to pay down debt. We relocated at the beginning of summer to an area that we have been interested in. I personally would love to leave this state but I'm out voted, yet once again.  So, I've decided to try to "Bloom Where I am
Planted!" ( Quote Author unknown to me.)

So, now that summer is winding down, our fall schedules will begin. I decided that now thatMr.K. wwill be starting the first grade that it's time for me to go back to work . I've piddled here and there to make extra money with online endeavors including blog jobs, freelance writing, an Etsy shop and craft shows. However, I'd like to continue my odd jobs with a stable income to speak of. It's incredibly hard to budget when the income is tight. So, as I learn to pay down debt, save money and save for important occasios, this novice beginner of learning to coupon,  save and so firth, I'd like to invite you along to share experiences. People feel to share your wisdom.

Time to get this derailed budget and financial house in order. (I Hope.)

Blue Skies ahead? I think I see some bumps ahead?

Freezer Meals To Save My Sanity and Budget

We recently made a move and a new schedule has moved in to attempt to dominate our time. Both work and school schedules have changed. The schedule has cut into our normal time frame to make dinner. The result has been later dinners, dinner outtings and one epic dinner fail.

The problem: Late dinners cut evening quality family time short, cause grumpy children, impulse buying and going out to eat, reduction in healthy meals and quality food and the surprise dinner fail.

We have been adjusting to a new schedule and new bills. Going out to dinner is a luxury that i'd rather reduce or eliminate for awhile. I would like to create my new budget and stick with it. When we do dine out, i'd enjoy planning the outting and having a nice time. I would rather not dine out in desperation.

This past month, we have been adjusting to the new bill schedule and numbers. I feel that it has been a rough month. We are trying to budget to adjust to the new bills, pay off debt, plan school fees and similar and start saving in general.

This past week we had a dinner fail and unexpected company. I was making a comfort meal of a stroganoff. I prepared my ground beef, boiled my water, had my gravy ready to add to this one pan casserole meal. I was ready to add the noodles. As I poured the noodles Into the boiling water, I noticed the pan was suddenly filled with black spots. The noodles had an overabundance of what appeared to be dead boweavles. I was so upset. Unfortunately, I only did not have anything else thawed out. So, as dinner was already getting to the table late,  cereal it was.

We prepared for company this week as our oldest child is graduating from
high school! Grandma came to visit from out of state. We have a family of 8. The problem: unexpected company. Three additional family/ friends decided to take a spontaneous road trip. ( Without funds) We are not prepared for twelve in the home. We are happy to see everyone but we are still in recovery phase from our recent move. We've been stretching meals and had to order pizza once because half of the family were attending a planned event and we were left home without a vehicle to make a better strategy.

The resolve: Planning meals in advance including freezer cooking to save money. My children love menu planning. My youngest especially enjoys knowing what meal is on the daily menu. I just read a few interesting articles on the Money Saving Mom Blog and the Who Needs a Cape Blog! Both sites have great information to learn about the planning and incorporating of freezer and crockpot meal planning!

I will be sharing more of my plan in an upcoming post.

I would love to prepare freezer meals, crockpot meals and a neighborhood co-op!