DisneySteve made a comment today that he knows someone who goes to a convenience store to buy milk...even though he over pays by .50 he really saves because he doesn't buy other unexpected items.

I took his advice to heart today. I needed to refill our propane gas tank for the forth of July; I also needed diapers, milk and a new collar for our cat--the old one broke off one night while she roamed the streets.

It was my plan to conveniently go to Home Depot and to Target...two stores that get me to overspend every time. Instead I went to Petco for the collar and new tag ($14). The collar was .30 more than Target, but over all a much cheaper shopping trip (I never leave Target for under $100). I went to a mom and pop boat store for the propane gas and actually spent much much less for the gas than at Home Depot as they refill your empty tank for 1/2 the price as a tank exchange...you just have to wait 10 mins--for 1/2 the price I had time). I was stoked! I saved almost $15! Not to mention the $85 I saved by not buying "no needs" at Target!

I went to Albertsons for the store brand bulk diapers and 2 gallons of soy milk which I just discovered is cheaper than Vons.

For the first time in my life I cut up a credit card that was not yet expired! Wow how surprisingly inspiring it felt!

The only bummer was that upon paying bills later I realized that another credit card with a low promotional 1% rater had a minimum due on July 1st...yesterday...a Sunday that I didn't realize. I really hope they don't increase my rater considering the due date was a Sunday. I went first thing this morning to the bank to pay it directly.

Any suggestions, or prior experience in this area?

Just got groceries for the week at Trader Joe's. Again I went over by about $25. I also need to make my quarterly stop at Smart and Final where I get our cleaning supplies/paper towels/etc. I wanted to keep it to only $100.00, I went over by about $25, because they had sugar free Popsicles $4.00 which my 3yr old loves, also they had a special on Eggo Waffles $8.00 for 60 waffles (normally 3.99 for 12), and the large Hebrew National Hot dogs on special for $7.79; Oh...and also 2 boxes of snack pack size gold fish crackers. So I bought 4 things that I wasn't anticipating on buying, but at least they are things I know we will consume, and things I know I would have paid almost twice as much for at the regular grocery store.

I went into Trader Joes today to buy food for a lunch barbecue we're having with friends tomorrow. I went in with the intension of only spending $50 and only grabbed a hand basket so as not to spend too much. I went over by $25. I spent $75 total. At that I still forgot to get Avocados and lemons. I did tell my friend to bring avocados which will cost me nothing!

After I talked myself down from a Party City 4th of July spending spree, I found myself in CVS pharmacy picking up some photos I had dropped off the day before. My daughter was with me and begged me for a $7 Hula Hoop. Instead of saying no, I bought it, plus I bought one for me! Ridiculous. So a $13 photo trip turned into a $29.00 waste of money. I am really not allowed to go to party city now--only $30 in the save pot now