We are a family of 5 - with kids ages 11, 8, and 5 - plus 3 dogs. I am a SAHM. I also provide much of the items for my parents household as well. It is just the two of them and their dog.
I have been couponing for over 10 years and have it down to a science now. I spend about $200 a MONTH for our household and my parents' household.
2011 Budget Challenge ($1500 for the year) $938.88 budget remaining ($113.93 rebates outstanding) April $85.42 April rebates $0.00 received, $65.93 mailed, $41.95 lost
March $178.87 March rebates $3.98 received, $0.00 mailed
February $120.03 February rebates $100.95 received, $0.00 mailed
January $180.78 January rebates $126.71 received, $18.95 mailed
2010 Actual Numbers $1800 Budget; $1708.47 actual ($143.91 of rebates outstanding)
2009 Actual Numbers $2000 Budget; $2107.97 actual ($63.97 of rebates outstanding)
Swagbucks
Common Couponing Abbreviations Cheat Sheet
B1G1F - Buy 1, Get 1 Free
BOGO - Buy One, Get One
Cat = Catalina (coupons that print out that can be used on your next purchase)
ESR = Easy Saver Rebate (Monthly Rebate book from Walgreens - also has Walgreens store coupons in it)
Insert coupon - coupons that come in Sunday newspapers
IP = Internet Printable coupon
OOP = Out of Pocket (how much actual money spent)
peelie - coupon that is attached to products at the store
RR = Register Rewards (coupons that print out at Walgreens that can be used on your next purchase)
winetag - coupon that hangs from a wine bottle at the store