I could devote this whole blog to couponing and being thrifty, but let me start with some honesty. I love to save, but sometimes I might go a little overboard. I walk the line between fabulously frugal and crazy cheapskate. Here are some examples:
1. Ben picked up a box of cereal on his way home from work one day. I took one look at the receipt and cried, "You paid $4 for a box of cereal??!!" That box of cereal was never opened. I returned it the next day.
2. I just finished filling out a rebate form for a kids' fruit pouch. After taking into account the cost of the stamp, I will be getting back $1.
3. I can look through my drawer right now and tell you that there is not a single bra in there that was purchased by me. They were all purchased by my mother. Which means, they were bought when I was living under her roof . . . 7 + years ago. Embarrassing.
This list could continue, but alas I have confessed enough for one day. But please don't let me deter you from saving. You don't have to be a cheapskate like me to save.
Here are some of my reasonable and non-crazy ways I like to save money:
~Many grocery stores will double any manufacturer’s coupon (up to 99 cents) that you have. During special promotions, some stores will triple your coupons or double your coupons up to $2. This can be a HUGE savings!
~ Find coupons in your local Sunday paper and go to websites like southersavers.com or coupons.com for links to online coupons.
~Some stores like Target have their own coupons that you can print from their website. The great part about this is that you can use a “Target coupon” and a manufacturer’s coupon together for the same product.
~To get the best savings, try to buy products that are both on sale and have a coupon(s).
~Stop with the brand loyalty! Couponing won’t be worth your time if you’re not willing to try new brands and new products.
~Be organized! Stuffing coupons in your purse is not being organized. Get a mini accordion folder or a notebook with baseball card holders.
~Don’t be afraid to stock up, especially in the beginning and on non-perishable products. If there’s a great sale on chicken stock and you have several coupons, stock up. No pun intended.
~Couponing can be time-consuming in the beginning, but once you have a system going, it should take less than an hour per week.
~When it comes to kids' products and clothes, buy USED or BORROW! Catch some great yard sales or look for consignment sales in your area. September is a big month for kids' consignment sales, so be on the lookout!
Some grocery deals from last summer (total-- $28). I could have used that extra money that I saved and gotten bald baby Hudson some Rogaine!
Hudson modeling his baby Crocs ($3--consignment sale) and his favorite toy (tree stump + gravel = free)
