Recently a friend and I went to a coupon class. We learned the basics of saving money by buying things on sale, using coupons and stockpiling items when they are at their lowest price. I never would have thought it would be something I could do, but here I am... and blogging about it too! I just totaled up what I have spent and saved so far this month and was amazed at how well I'm doing. Sure, there are plenty of other people waaay better at it than me, but I'm still pretty darn excited.
I'll share with you some of my victories. To date this month, I have bought $694 of groceries and have paid $312. That's a savings of $382!! I'll tell ya, so far my favorite place to shop has been Publix. I have found that when you shop their BOGO (Buy one get one free) specials and factor in coupons, that is where you will get the best deal. I have also shopped some at Ingles, but my savings are not nearly as good when I go there. Prior to couponing I NEVER shopped at Publix. I always assumed it was more expensive, I couldn't have been more wrong. It has quickly become my absolute favorite place to shop.
I am by no means an expert, and I hope to get better and better with each shopping trip, but for now, I am pleased to be able to save what I am. It kind of makes feel better about being a SAHM. I feel like I am "earning my keep" in a sense. What I am saving is almost equivalent to a part time job, and the effort I have to put forth is so little in comparison to the benefits! Some of my favorite websites to help me find deals are www.couponmom.com and www.southernsavers.com. I have also recently discovered www.iheartpublix.com thanks to my cousin!
Coupons are no longer a thing of the past, or something only poor people do. It's a great way for everyone, in this crappy economy to save a little cash. Hey maybe what you can save could pay for a much needed vacation. Who wouldn't do a little extra work on their grocery list to enjoy a week on a beautiful beach somewhere?? Anyways, thats my $0.02 about coupons :) Good luck and happy saving!!
