In the last few months things have been a bit harder in our home. Hubby was laid off for several weeks and thankfully got his job back.
Then I stopped getting paid from my job (I am a part owner of a bike messenger service in Manhattan) the decision was made out of need not want or luxury. It was a choice between closing the company in 6 months to a year or do everything we could to save money for 6 months to a year, and keep the company open.

We opted to cut my salary completely and the other 2 partners would be paid minimum wage. A total savings that has made it possible for our small company to pay its rent, utilities and phone bill without a struggle.

So I have been working from home doing the bililng, the books, cold calling, payroll and customer services. While going in to the office once a week to collect the mail and do some filing.

Me staying home is a savings for my family within itself no more babysitter and much heathier meals.

We did not have the extra to buy the 5 newspapers I used to, we did not have the extra for gas money to drive around town, my coupons mostly expired or simply dwindled. I gave some away, I left some on shelves at the store.

I was greatful though for the many months I had been stocking up most using AFC, I have not bought toothpaste, shampoo or conditioner, deodarant, hair products, rice, ketchup, body soap and a whole mess of other things in almost 6 months. And still don't need to buy them anytime soon.

I have currently updated my AFC wishlist and an hoping to get some help with boosting my coupons, and I will be selling some items on ebay to get some money into my paypal account so that I can buy some from coupon sites.

I understand it may take a few weeks to building up my stock the way it was before, but I know it will be well worth it once my stockpile is back up to par.