Couponing

I decided to do a post on couponing because I have a new coupon organizer that I'm excited about. I bought it on Etsy a few weeks ago and just started using it. I love it! If you've read the money saving blogs you know all the details of how to save money on your grocery bill using coupons. The main idea is to use coupons strategically by waiting to use them when items go on sale. If it's an awesome deal stock up (meaning get enough for your family to use until the next sale, not fill up rubbermaid bins in your basement like some women do, seriously it was on Oprah). It takes a month or so to get into this groove of getting the best deals and acquiring a good coupon stash. I learned this first from Megan's aunt who spent nearly nothing on her grocery trips and was amazed!!

So I started to REALLY coupon about a year ago as a hobby and challenge for myself and now that I'm at home it really helps us stretch the budget and use the grocery money in other areas. I was saving $40-$60 per trip. At the time I was buying more prepackaged things since I was working. Unfortunately that's where most of the couponing saves money. Now, that I make more things from scratch and have been buying more organic items I've been saving around $20-30 per trip which is still good.

I shop at Kroger and Publix where shopping is a pleasure :) They may be a little more expensive but they double coupons and they load my groceries and I don't leave with a headache like I do when I go to Walmart. I get most of our toiletry items on sale at the grocery store or get great deals at Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid. Last year I had an all time great trip to Walgreens. I bought 56.00 worth of items I didn't necessarily need but I got it all for FREE....I had to buy a tube of Burt's Bees lip gloss at the end just so they wouldn't owe me! That is rare but it's possible if everything goes your way.

So if you don't already coupon I hope this inspires you to check into it. Money saving mom blog is what I like to use and I started with a free trial on the GROCERY GAME just to get me started on how everything works. Oh yeah and they are some CRAZY ladies out there that clear the shelves. I've heard the go on Sunday morning before church!! But they always get to the good deals on the diapers before I do... one day I will beat them. May the force be with you!! ;)



My baseball card method- I got some crazy looks from people with this, but who cares I'm Saving Money!




My new organizer


My best trip ever! I paid .96 for almost $60 worth of stuff