A little less than a year ago, my paths crossed with a local lady who introduced me to the idea of “Couponing”. I now call it my dorky hobby. But it’s not just a hobby, it is a lifestyle change. It’s a new way of thinking. It is my way of contributing to the family financially without having to put my kids in public school and get a job.
Before I get on my soapbox about couponing, let me tell you about the pre-coupon me. In my pre-coupon life, my husband and I were spending anywhere from $150 to $200 a week in groceries. We weren’t really particular about which store we shopped at but Wal-Mart and Ingles were our typical stops. We didn’t make grocery lists. We didn’t look at prices. We simply strolled down each isle and tossed into the buggy whatever caught our fancy. Sales Ads? NO! Clearance Items? NO! Boy did we pay for it and didn’t think twice about it.
I thought coupons were for people who were dirt poor and couldn’t afford anything. I thought coupons were for stuff a person never needed. Oh, how I was wrong. Then a whole new world was opened to me.
I love to talk coupons! I get excited over them! I find enjoyment in clipping and sorting them! I’m such a dork! 🙂
But you know what’s totally amazing to me? I spend about 10 to 20 minutes a week planning my groceries and coupons, and save at least 50% every week. My grocery budget (I didn’t have a budget before) has went down to $75 a week; no more than $300 per month. The Hubby still enjoys seeing me save so much money and get so many groceries for such a minimal amount. And I’m picky as to which store I shop at. Sometimes I make a couple of stops as to find the best deal for an item I need.
Let me share a little secret: Wal-Mart doesn’t always have the best prices. Shocker, I know!
I’ve taught my sister and so many other’s since then how to save money. I enjoy sharing this exciting news with others. God has called on us to be good stewards of our money (and other possessions) and this is a great way to do that. What a ministry He has put before me! And usually once someone see’s how easy it is and how much they can save their family’s budget, they are eager to jump on board.
How about you? How do you find ways to save your family’s money? Do you use coupons? Maybe you are just a thrifty shopper? Please leave a comment to share you savings ideas.
The Milk Maid
I noticed one little hidden remark yesterday at coffee when we were talking about Facebook…”but I DID blog!” SO this morning when I thought of that, I realized I hadn’t seen your blog yet. I’m so glad I found it :o) I love it and I love you!
Aw… Thanks. It’s nothing great but like me it is a work in progress. Love you too!
It’s an amazing work in progress. Love coming here and reading my friend’s life…
Love her!!!
I’m back…. I want to save more money…. and I’m pretty thrifty…. but I gotta get into this couponing thing… I used to do coupons years ago… understand the concept, just don’t know how to find all the deals… Can you help a girl out???
I’ve got your back, Lil’ Boom Boom!
It is my dorky hobby as well!! It is my “thrill of the Hunt” Nothing makes me…or my Hubby happier than saving money! Being a stay at home mom also, I thought my Hubby works hard for the money we have…I should work just as hard to stretch that money further!! I thought I was faily adept at couponing…till I came to a class of yours(Beginner, no less) and learned several new things!!