Personal Finance Resources for Couples

I talk about personal finance issues with my friends a lot and that means that we also talk about couples finance issues. It's one thing to try to come to grips with your own spending and debt problems, but merging finances and dealing with it for two people is doubly difficult. I have never met a couple that completely agree on their spending habits and personal finance goals when they first get together. Most of my friends, and myself included, had a lot of adjusting, fighting, and listening to do when merging finances with their spouse. Even if you keep separate bank accounts you are a team and have to learn to act like it.

This is especially hard when there is a big income gap between the couple or when there is only one income split between two people. Also, your personal views towards money and how you were raised also effect how you view your finances individually and as a couple. Who's the spender and who's the saver? Can you view your money as "our money" or is it all your money? All kinds of emotions come into the mix since no one likes to be told how to spend their money, likes to share, or wants to plan ahead. We are all still six year olds who want instant gratification and don't want to share. But, alas, we are adults now, and some of us are married to boot, so what do we do about our money? How do two people learn to work as a team and get on the same financial page?

I dug up some online resources that may be helpful. Check them out and let me know what you think. Read them with your significant other. Hope these help you get to a better financial state!

Suze Orman: 9 Important Financial Moves Couples Should Make

Suze Orman: Financial Couples Therapy

Oprah.com: Money and Relationships

US News: How Couples Can Achieve Financial Intimacy

Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace University
This is Biblically based but even if you aren't religious I have heard good things about it

Suze Orman: A Couple's Guide to Managing Money

Money Management International: Love & Money
This is a debt consolidation company so they may try to sell you their services but I have heard that they are a reputable company and have been recommended by leading financial institutions. They offer lots of free courses online.

Money Management International: Free Love & Money eBook

University of Idaho: Free Money 101 Online Class

Utah State University: Free Online Family Finance Class

Books
Check out your local library for many of these!
For Richer Not Poorer: The Newlywed's Financial Survival Guide

The Family CFO: The Couple's Business Plan for Love and Money

Money and Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples

The Heart of Money: A Couple's Guide to Creating True Financial Intimacy

Financially Ever After: The Couples' Guide to Managing Money

Financial Peace: Putting Common Sense Into Your Dollars and Cents

The Financial Peace Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your Family's Financial Health

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide to Money: The Handbook of Financial Peace University

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year

Hot (broke) Messes: How to Have Your Latte and Drink It Too

What resources have helped you and your partner deal with your finances and get on the same page? Share your experience in the comments!

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CVS Coupon Matchups: Nov 22-24 (3 Day Sale)

Here are coupon matchups for some of the best deals at CVS this week. Prices change on Sunday.

Remember to scan your ExtraCard card at the coupon machine (usually near the door) for in-store coupons. If you need help deciphering coupon lingo click here.

This week CVS is running two ad cycles, a 4 day sale 11/18-21 and a 3 day sale including Black Friday from 11/22-24.

3 Day Ad: 11/22-11/24
CVS Alkaline Batteries AA/AAA, 4 pk $3.65
Buy 1, Receive $3.65 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $3.65, Receive $3.65 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Phillips Ear Buds $6.99
Buy 1, Receive $6.99 ExtraBucks,limit 1
Pay $6.99, Receive $6.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

CVS Flossers, 90 ct $2.00
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, limit 2
Pay $2.00, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

GUM Soft Toothbrush, 2 pk $2.50
Buy 1, Receive $2.50 ExtraBucks, limit 2
Pay $2.50, Receive $2.50 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Mars Chocolate Singles $0.75
Buy 1, Receive $0.75 ExtraBucks, limit 2
Get 3 and use Buy 2 Get 1 Free Milky Way printable
Pay $2.50, Receive $1.50 ExtraBucks
Final Price: 3 Free

Cheerios, Corn or Rice Chex Cereal, 8.9-14 oz $2.87
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $0.60/1 Cheerios, Original printable
Or $1.10/2 Chex Cereals printable
Or $1.10/2 – Chex Cereals – (eatbetteramerica.com)
Or $1.00/2 Chex Cereals, SS 11/11
Or $1.00/3 General Mills Big G Cereals, SS 11/4
Pay $2.27 for Cheerios, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, Final Price: $0.27
Or Pay $4.64 for 2 Chex, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, Final Price: $1.32 each wyb 2

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CVS Coupon Matchups: Nov 18- 21 (4 Day Sale)

Here are coupon matchups for some of the best deals at CVS this week. Prices change on Sunday.

Remember to scan your ExtraCard card at the coupon machine (usually near the door) for in-store coupons. If you need help deciphering coupon lingo click here.

This week CVS is running two ad cycles, a 4 day sale 11/18-21 and a 3 day sale including Black Friday from 11/22-24.

4 Day Ad: 11/18-11/21
Powerade, 32 oz $1.00
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.00, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Hot Wheels Car, 1 ct $1.00
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.00, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Coke Products, 1.25 Liter $0.99
Buy 1, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $0.99, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Starbucks Refresher Beverage, $1.50
Buy 1, Receive $1.50 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $1.00/1 Starbucks Refreshers printable (not a reset if you previously printed)
Pay $0.50, Receive $1.50 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $1.00 Moneymaker

Starbucks Double Shot, 6.5 oz or $1.99
Buy 1, Receive $1.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.99, Receive $1.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Kleenex Slim Pack Facial Tissue, 3 pk or Sparkle Single Roll Paper Towels $1.00
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 2
Use $.30/3 Kleenex Boxex 50+ ct, or bundle, SS 11/4 (if included)
Pay $1.70, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $.30 Moneymaker

Cepacol Sensations, Cooling, Hydra, or Warming, 4 ct $1.00
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.00, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

3M Command Hook Sample Pack $0.99
Buy 1, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $1.00/1 Command Product printable
Pay Nothing, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.99 Moneymaker

Advil, 10 ct vial $2.99
Buy 1, Receive $2.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $2.99, Receive $2.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Advil Children’s Suspenion Liquid White Grape, 1 oz $2.37
Use $1.50/1 Advil Children’s Product printable
Or $1.00/1 Advil Children’s Product, RP 9/10
Or $1.00/1 Advil Children’s Product, RP 10/28
Pay as low as $0.87, Receive $2.37 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $1.50 Moneymaker

AirWick Oil Warmer Unit $0.99
Buy 1, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $2.00/2 Air Wick Products printable
Pay Nothing, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.99 Moneymaker, when you buy 2

Kraft Mac ‘n Cheese, 5.5-7.25 oz $0.99
Buy 1, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $0.99, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Nips Candy or Haviland Thin Mints $0.88
Buy 1, Receive $0.88 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $0.88, Receive $0.88 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Carmex Lip Balm, select varieties, $1.00
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $0.75/1 Carmex Lip Moisture Plus Lip Balm printable (if included)
Or $0.30/1 Carmex Lip Balm, SS 10/21
Or $1.00/2 Carmex Lip Balm, SS 10/21
Pay $0.25, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.75 Moneymaker

Charmin Basic Single Roll $0.99
Buy 1, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $0.25/1 Charmin Product, PG 10/14
Pay $0.74, Receive $0.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.25 Moneymaker

Glade Scented Oil Base Warmer $1.25
Buy 1, Receive $1.25 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $1.00/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer printable
Or $1.00/1 Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Warmer or Starter Kit, SS 10/14
Or $1.00/1 Glade Plugins Scented Oil Warmer, SS 11/4
Pay $0.25, Receive $1.25 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $1.00 Moneymaker

Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks, 10 pk $2.00
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $2.00, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

South Beach Diet Bar, 5 ct chocolate or whipped peanut butter $4.99
Buy 1, Receive $4.99 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $4.99, Receive $4.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Somnapure Sleep Aid, 4 ct $1.87
Buy 1, Receive $1.87 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.87, Receive $1.87 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Street King Energy Shot, 2 pk grape or orange mango, $3.99
Buy 1, Receive $3.99 in ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $3.99, Receive $3.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Thermacare Back & Hip Wrap, 1 ct $3.49
Buy 1, Receive $3.49 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $3.49, Receive $3.49 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Play-Doh Soft Pack Resealable Bag, 8 oz $1.00
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.00, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Youtheory Collagen Formula 1 & 3 $9.49
Buy 1, Receive $9.49 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $9.49, Receive $9.49 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free

Chex Mix or Gardettos, 5.5-8.75 oz $1.99
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Use $0.50/1 Chex Mix or Chex 100 Calorie Snack, 4.5 oz or Larger printable
Pay $1.49, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.49

Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars, 5 ct $2.99
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $2.99, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.99

Right Guard Total Defense Deodorant $2.99
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, limit 2
Use $2.00/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Antiperspirant or Deodorant printable
Or this$2.00/2 Right Guard Total Defense 5 Antiperspirant, Deodorant or Bar Soap Products printable
Pay $3.98, Receive $4.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.02 Moneymaker, when you buy 2

U By Kotex Barely There Liners, 18 ct $1.49
Buy 1, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks, limit 1
Pay $1.49, Receive $1.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.49

Listerine Cool Mint, Fresh Burst, Zero, 500 mL or Pocket Packs, 72 ct $2.99
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, Limit 2
Use $1.00/1 Listerine Whitening Rinse Product, 16 oz or Larger printable
Or $0.50/1 Listerine Pocketpaks or Pocketmists printable
Or $0.50/1 
Listerine Antiseptic, Ultraclean, Zero, Total Care or Fluoride Defense, 500 mL or Whitening, 16 oz or larger, SS 10/28
Pay $1.99, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $0.01 Moneymaker

Visine Tired Eye Relief, 0.5 oz $5.50
Buy 1, Receive $1.50 ExtraBucks, Limit 1
Use $3.00/1 Visine Product with HydroBlend Moisturizers, .5 oz+ printable
And use $4.00/1 Visine Tired Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops, .5 oz+, CVS Coupon printable
Pay Nothing, Receive $1.50 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $1.50 Moneymaker

Lindsay Olives $1.00
Use $1.00/1 Lindsay Olives Product printable
Final Price: Free

Gillette Fusion Ultra Sensitive Hydra Gel, 2.5 oz $2.37, regular price
Buy 1, Receive $2.00 ExtraBucks, Excludes Foamy, Limit 1
Pay $2.37, Receive $2.00 Extra Bucks
Final Price: $0.37

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Couponing Time Out

I was watching Extreme Couponing last night (yes, even though its clearly exaggerated and cheesy I still enjoy it) and got to thinking about stockpiling. When is enough enough? When is it time for a couponing time out?

Over the past few weeks I have taken a couponing time out. Sure, I have continued to clip and use some coupons at the grocery store and such, but I am pretty well stocked on drugstore staples so I have skipped many of the CVS and Rite Aid deals over the past few weeks. Money has been really tight with car repairs and registration (hence the DMV this weekend) so I have been trying to stay out of the stores and eat what I already have. I have only gone for quick trips for staples like milk, bread, coffee, eggs, and cheese. Yes, because cheese is a staple.

The point of couponing is to save money and stock up on food and toiletries at rock bottom prices so that you don't have to pay full price for those items later on. This stockpiling method is the same method I grew up with my mother employing where she bought a few of an item when they were on sale and kept extras stocked in the basement so we never ran out of Cheerios, ketchup, or anything else we regularly used. I continue this tradition by combining it with coupons to get even better deals. But when I'm stocked on something, the key is to stop buying it, even if it's a great price. Why?

1. You need to use up what you have before it goes bad. Keep tabs on shelf lives, write the expiration date on the box, and refill your shelves from the back so that the oldest product is up front and gets used first.

2. Space costs you money. You don't need a bigger house with big closets for a big stockpile. Then you are paying more money to rent and heat/cool that space. Instead just make use of the space you have and don't cut into your living space. Paper towels aren't that important and shouldn't get in the way of your life.

3. Don't be greedy. Just because I can buy it and have a coupon for it AND it's a great price (or free) doesn't mean I need it. If I am well stocked on something, like toothpaste for example, I will start bypassing the sales and stop buying it. If I do get it I will donate it or give it to friends. Toothpaste and coupons are not the precious.

4. Save on out-of-pocket expenses. Once you are stocked, stop shopping and you will have more money left in your account that can be used for bills, debt, or going to see a movie with your family.

5. There are more inportant things in life than couponing. Yes, Extreme Couponing last night had a woman on that was at the beach clipping coupons rather than playing in the surf with her kids and husband. I sure hope that was just exaggerated for TV. Saving money is important and clipping coupons can help you do that. But if that means you are skipping family time to run out to get Black Friday deals and ignoring your loved ones because you need to clip one...more...coupon...that is not a life well lived.

That being said I will probably do some more couponing in the coming weeks to get items I am running out of and because there will be so many freebies soon with the holiday sales. But I am trying to remember to keep it all in perspective, to not be greedy, and to give thanks for what I have.

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Oh joy, the DMV

Yes, I arrived at the DC DMV at 10:30am on a Saturday morning.  This is the line that is extending outside the building.  I would have gotten here earlier but I had forgotten to get my proof of DC insurance from State Farm and had to call around to them to get it this morning.  Sigh. Planning ahead is a time saver indeed.

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I Got Paid!

Online surveys and mystery shopping get a bad rap. Many people think that they are just scams but there are really some great (and legitimate) companies out there that will pay you for your time and effort. And to prove it, here's what I earned from online surveys and mystery shopping last month, among other endeavors. I completed these mystery shops and surveys in the previous month (or earlier) and received the payment this month. Some of these mystery shops required me to pay something out of pocket to purchase a good or service (which I get to keep) but I was reimbursed for my purchase and was usually paid an additional fee.

October 2012
WeReward- $12.50
Pfizer Advil Rebate- $10.00
eBay sales profits- $21.00
Marketforce- $53.25
Second To None- $13.00
Trendsource- $8.25
Goodwin & Associates- $15.00

Total Earned: $133.00

Sadly, WeReward is going away Nov 30th and is transitioning into Staree. So there goes one of my favorite money-making apps.

I tried my hand at selling stuff on Ebay last month for the first time and it was really easy to do. I sold a pair of almost new jeans that I got from a clothing swap that don't fit and a perfume that I received as a gift but I have never worn. The process of listing and selling was really easy and eBay takes a small comission for their services. I think I will definetely do it again. One thing I learned though is that I really underpriced my items. I listed them too low in hopes that people would go into a bidding war. That didn't happen at all and I didn't get the price I wanted for my items. Oh well, at least I learned something.

What did I do with this money? I put it toward debt payoff. It's really nice to cross any items, even small ones, off my list. Well, my list is actually a google docs spreadsheet and is color coded. Yep. Cause I love spreadsheets. Also, I feel much more in control when I can see everything in one place and can keep track of my debt payments. Then I can see the dent I am making in my debt even if its a small one and that gives me hope.

Did you make any extra side income last month?

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Harris Teeter Shopping Trip: October 31

Harris Teeter's Super Doubles promotion is this week and I some great deals! I saved 92% on my grocery bill!!

What I Got:
2 Silk Fruit & Protein quarts- $1.77 each (sale)
1 16oz Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice- $2.75
1 16 oz Coffee Mate Peppermint Mocha- $1.69* (sale)
1 Harris Teeter Applesauce- $2.75
2 Sambazon smoothies- $2.50 each (sale)
Lender's Bagels- $2.15
Crunchy Nut Cereal- BOGO @ $4.25 (sale)
2 Minute Rice Multigrain- $1.24 each (clearance)
Triscuits- $3.00 (sale)
2 Nectresse- $3.49 each (sale)
2 Cabot Cheese- $2.27 each (sale)
4 McCormick Grill Mates- BOGO @ $2.69 (sale)
Waggin Train Dog Treats Yams- $3.75
Waggin Train Dog Treats PB&J- $3.69

*Argh! Different flavors and they weren't both on sale!)
Subtotal: $69.19
Tax: 1.14

Coupons Used (up to $2.00 value doubled or up to value of product):
2 $1.00/1 Silk Fruit & Protein printable
2 $.75/1 Coffee Mate printable (NLA)
2 $2.00/1 Sambazon printable
2 $.70/1 Crunchy Nut, RP 10/7
2 $.50/1 Minute Rice, RP 10/21
Free Triscuits Coupon- won on Facebook (NLA)
2 $2.00/1 Nectresse, SS 9/30
$1.00/2 Cabot Products printable
2 $1.75/2 McCormick Seasonings, RP 10/7
2 $2.00/2 Waggin Train, RP 10/21

Note: BOGO items ring at half price at Harris Teeter so you can use one coupon per item

Final Price: $7.42

Wow!!! That's a 92% savings!
And this goes to show that you can indeed get healthy food with coupons!

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Frugal Fashion: Twice- Secondhand Designer Clothes at Great Prices

Wow! I think I just found my new favorite website.

Twice is a designer secondhand clothing website which offers great clothes at great prices. I am a huge fan of clothing swaps and this is a virtual one! You can shop the website for great discounted items, sell your old gently used clothes, and help save the planet all at the same time!

The designers on the site are mostly what you would find at the mall. They have Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, J Crew, all the goodies. What I like about that is that I know how these clothes fit since I have a lot of the same labels in my closet already. But they also have some Marc by Marc Jacobs, Missioni, Tahiri and others in the mix. Also, the site offers free returns and full refunds within 30 days which is someting I always look for when shopping online because I want to make sure I love it and it fits right.

The website offers a wide selection of clothing (seriously, 1000s of pieces in each category) but the sizes are limited, as is usual with secondhand clothes. You can get free shipping on any order over $49 ($5 flat rate shipping otherwise) and if you click here you can get a $10 credit to use with a minimum $25 purchase to buy something that makes you happy! Seriously, here's $10 bucks and yes, you can get a sweater for that price!

You can sign up for Twice here and get your free $10 shopping spree on :)

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