Far Above Rubies

I never did a lot of shopping at Target, mostly because I find their things are more expensive than I'm willing to pay.  However, that's not always true. Target does run their own sales, deals and clearance items.  And, occasionally, you can find some wonderful items for an amazing price.  When that's the case, I walk out feeling accomplished without having used a coupon, app or rebate.  For the most part, though, you will often pay full price.  Especially when you're looking for something specific.  Here is how to help save yourself some money even when you find yourself buying non-sale items.  Manufacture Coupons - you can find them in Sunday papers as well as  online .  Occasionally the coupons in the paper are not always available on a website, and the paper typically offers a higher face-value than the ones you print off the internet.  Manufacture coupons are wonderful since you can use them at any store, and occasionally (if it does not say "limit

" Finances - A virtuous Woman seeks her husband's approval before making purchases and spends money wisely.  She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs."    Budget, it's the word most people shudder at.  Why worry about budgeting when there's money in the bank account?  Why stick to a budget when there's something I really want?  Why even bother sorting through a budget when it takes so much time? Budgeting is fresh on my mind this snowy morning.  Just last night Dave and I sat down to go through our spending habits for January, February and March.  It takes us, on average, several hours to pour over all the expenses of the quarter and categorize every transaction.  It's a process that neither one of us necessarily enjoys, but we know is necessary to hold ourselves accountable.   I often find myself getting defensive, as I did last night, when I've spent more than I should on things.  I try and justify why I bought those