Have you heard of the the new trend? Couponing. Yes you read this right. Couponing. All of a sudden TLC makes a series about extreme couponers and the idea catches on like wild fire...myself included!? Wow,how friggin stupid are we?! Paying 40-60% more for our groceries than we need to while we throw free money into the recycling?! Sooo that's where I have been instead of blogging-coupon hunting,printing,cutting and organizing. THEN... reading store coupon policies and figuring out how to combine sales and coupons for the lowest possible price on the amount of that item I need. It requires 2 of my biggest weaknesses-math and organization. BUT....it also works with a few of my strengths-people skills and grocery shopping. I also have time and a fair budget (thanks to Vern and my tips) to my advantage. Tonight I went on my first coupon adventure. Everything I purchased I had budgeted and had a coupon for. I did 2 separate transactions at Walgreen's and 2 separate transactions at Safeway. I got $190 worth of grocery and house hold items for $100! I will spare you the long list but I stocked up on items I usually find expensive and/or have a long shelf life like batteries ( 4 8-packs BYGOfree=3.50 each)),peanut butter (12 at .99),seasonings (6 at .79 each),paper towels (3.99 for 8 pack),Dawn dish soap (6 at .99 each + .25 off manufacturers coupon),scotch tape (6 at .39 each) to name a few. I have displayed it all on the kitchen table for Vern to see when he wakes up because I know he is also anxious to see how I did. I saved almost 50% on items we use almost everyday and I have enough of some things (bleach,salt,tape,Ajax) that I will not have to buy them again for a year or more!
So this leads me to the other hot new concept I am learning...stockpiling a pantry with enough essential items to last your family 3-6 months. Crazy huh? ha ha Women have been doing this for decades yet my generation has to see it on a TV show before it'll click? Sadly I think it's true. Major kudos to those of you out there that have been couponing and stockpiling all along! As for me I thought I was thrifty by stocking up during sales or at and discount stores...and I was...but using coupons at discount stores to build your stockpile is even better!
MY GOAL: To someday save 80% on a trip to the grocery store on a cart full of items. In the meantime, save 40-60% on groceries consistently and treat my couponing like a part time job (because so far it's paying like one ha ha). To have a stockpile of enough food and household items to last us 3-6 months so I can wait and restock them at the lowest prices,spend less on my monthly grocery bill and be prepared in case we were to fall upon hard times or are called to help others.
(Of course I will be including some of what I learn on here too!)
I think I am finally tired after a late night shift at work and the rush of couponing that followed. I took the night off from couponing as a reward for my hard work as I am also planning a larger trip in a few weeks. I would be so grateful if I were really able to get this...so far it's a little hard on my usually somewhat lazy brain :) I will keep trying...
A collection of random events and thoughts in my life that I think are worth sharing
Good for you!!!!! That takes so much skill! Kudos! There's a blog that I read, who also has a couponing blog, on the east coast. It's called South Jersey Shopper. It's pretty amazing to see all the stuff she gets FOR FREE! Like she will actually make money on her shopping trips. Just yesterday I overheard some moms talking, and they were saying that coupling is much easier on the East coast. That it is possible to come out ahead back there, but here on the West coast the stores have stricter polices. So while you can save a bunch on money, it's
ReplyDeletetough to become an "Extreme Coupon".
Man oh man, do I wish I had the time/energy to do this. But, I.just.don't. I've considered it many times, but find the whole thing totally overwhelming at this point in my life : - )
Best of luck in your cooping adventures!