So yeah, I’m always bragging about getting free this, free that, $0.30 for a box of cereal. With all of these savings, I should be rich, right? I wish.
Right now my savings are going to two places–balance out rising costs and my dogs. I am spending $10-$20 more per tank of gas these days and we all keep hearing reports on how the cost of groceries has increased. With coupons I have been able to keep pace with inflation and our monthly budget for these items has not changed. I just heard a report yesterday that grocery costs have increased 5%. I don’t know if I believe that, most of the price increases I’m seeing are much higher than 5%.
And my dogs. I have two giant (100 lb) geriatric dogs who are on tons of expensive medications and prescription food ($70 a bag!). So I am glad for my coupon savings or we would have some very difficult decisions to make. The way I have it figured now, it costs us about $7-$8 a day to have dogs, which is really the equivalent of a car payment. I participate in some rebate programs for both their food and some of the meds, but it’s only a small dent.
