How long can you live off $20

Being one of the working poor, I have found that November wiped me out. I had to buy a new coat, sweaters, shoes and hat for my ever growing son. I needed new boots for me (I need a coat and shoes too, but that will wait). So on Sunday I faced what would be a dilemma to most, I only had $20 cash to last me about 10 days. Don't feel sorry for me though, because it is more than enough. Here is how I work it.

Sunday am Walgreens trip
1 Sinex
1 Nyquil
1 5 ct Salon Pas heating pad
6 candles
1 star wars m&ms machine (stocking stuffer even though its a little big).
1 command hook
1 command picture hanging strips
I had coupons for almost everything AND I used a number of Jingle Bucks (Register Rewards) to get my total to under $1. I also got back a $5 and a $6 jingle cash woo hoo

Jewel Sunday (Double stamp day)
1 Welchs Healthy start
1 Welchs Essentials
1 Florida Naturals
1 Barilla Pasta Plus
1 Honey Crisp Apple
2 pkgs Cranberrys
1 Sunsweet antioxidant package
4 McCormick Gravy Packs
1 small deans buttermilk
Dannon activia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cottonelle moist wipes
baking soda
corn starch
2 Deans Ice Cream 1.5 Qt
Cheese Grater
2 packs of Gum
I used coupons (lots of free coupons) and some Jingle Bucks (Register rewards) I paid $1.70 and got enough stamps to redeem for my pan!!! Woo Hoo!  This was not without issues, once the cashier saw all my coupons her demeanor quickly soured. They tried to say I printed two of the coupons even though there were watermarks and on security paper. One of my freebie coupons was for the Florida Natural Orange Juice was from Smile.ly. That was one they swore I had printed so I contacted Smile.ly on Monday, and told them I would not be passing out the other coupons they sent and why. They asked what store, address and phone number so they can address it and I gave it to them. When Smile.ly saw I redeemed it at Jewel, they informed me it was only to be used a meijers, ooops. My sickly brain then called Jewel and spoke to the manager. I explained I had mistakenly used a coupon there I shouldn't have and wanted to make it right. The manager said I could come in today. She seemed very surprised by my call, but I try and be as honest a couponer that I can be.

Today- Still sick, but we moms don't get sick days so
Walgreens again, 2 identical transactions
1 Salon Pas 5 Ct
3 Votive candles
I used Jingle bucks and paid $.68 AND got back $6 Jingle Cash
I couldve saved even more if I waited until tomorrow and used this 15% off One day coupon but lets get real I only spent $1.38 total and got back $12 in Jingle Cash.

Jewel
Back to Jewel
So I go right to customer service and speak to the manager I talked to yesterday. She asked me who told me it could only be used at Meijers and I told her. She said it was a manufacturer coupon and that she could indeed take it. This is where I learned they pulled all my coupons from the transaction for an audit. I told the manager that I usually shop in the daytime and the people working then are on point.  However, I did not like the treatment I received Sunday night. I informed her I was an honest couponer (proven by the way I called them when I learned of a discrepancy). She apologized profusely and was generous enough to give me some extra stamps for my trouble. So off to the shopping....

1/2 gal deans choc milk
1 gallon 2% milk
1 large Sunny D
1 M&M
1 Butter Finger
1 fresh express salad
1 Nancy's quiche
Styrofoam cups
Stir Fry Pan
I turned in my 100 stamps, a few coupons and some Jingle Cash, I paid $1.20

So I still have more then half of my original $20, I still have Jingle Bucks and we have everything we need and then some. I will probably have to go for milk again before the 8th but that is all.

It is good to see the fruits of my shopping labors. Because I stock up when prices are low, I have ample supply to get through the lean times without having to sacrifice. Heck I have even donated to the food pantry's and the soldiers overseas (twice).

How long can you survive of $20?