This post is a little long and different than the usual things I post about saving but hang on for the story and I promise to get to the saving part at the end. Saving money is not always about finding the best deal or using the coupons but in reality it is about being a good steward of your money!

Fostering a child is a huge commitment of both time and money.  But the hardest part of the entire process is that you are expected to treat the child like your own but in reality you don’t any control. DSS is in control of his schedule and they decide when visits are without any regards for our schedule or what would work easier for the foster parents. I also have to get permission to get a hair cut but if it is not a hair cut they (either DSS or the parents) like I also get questioned about that decision.  One of the reason we decided to pursue becoming licensed foster parents was the stipend that is provided. Let me say up front it is not a huge amount nor is it the only reason we are licensed. E is a huge picky eater so groceries are expensive.  One of the huge benefits is that he is given free lunch and breakfast at school. This makes mornings easier for everyone. I should also mention that he eats breakfast every single day before we head to school as well.  While we were traveling, I read that all foster kids in NC received $120 in food stamps for the summer. This amount would definitely not cover even a month of food but it is something.  I called and asked about E’s, I was told it was mailed to the DSS office. So I called the office and was initial told “We are missing a bunch of those.” At that point I said well I have a case number and they confirmed it was mailed. After a week of back and forth, I was provided the original card which according to the date stamped on the front was received June 1st. Oh but wait, we called and reported it lost just this morning so now it will take another week or so to get another card. Finally this week I received and activated the card.
Now back to the saving part, I try to watch the Dollar General sales on soda as they have consistently been significantly cheaper.  This week, I purchased 3 12 packs of Diet Coke, and 3 12 packs of Dr. Pepper.  The Dr. Peppers work out to 33 cent each and Diet cokes are 44 cent each.  I also picked up cereal and candy on clearance as well. My receipt shows a total of $33.37 with  a savings of $32.73!  But I was able to use the sun bucks card and paid fourteen cent!  Using what God has provided is always the best option!

I made up two batches of banana bread today with the second batch canned in jars for future meals! I also made a double batch of brownies to be used a snacks and desert this week as well. Small things add up!