Confessions of a Cheapskate

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)

And the number ONE way to save on your kids' clothes . . . birthday suits!!!