I know, I know. Those people, generally women, on that Extreme Couponing show are CRAZY! I am amazed at how much they get for a "dollar" as well as how much they can store behind their tv and above their book shelves.
A year ago, we had a little family crisis that threatened our expendable budget. The future was unknown regarding my husband's job and that was the gentle hand that guided our family to more practical spending. Less frequent dinners out. No new clothes. I searched for more budget-friendly bean and rice based meals. I also started to clip coupons.
At first, I was just excited that I was able to remember to use the coupon that I clipped. My excitement led me to stacking coupons, using the manufacturer and store coupons together to get almost double the savings. Now I've stepped it up a notch and I've been watching sales. I've been pleased with what I've been able to find on sale that I can use my coupons with.
Yesterday I went to Vons. Not my favorite place to shop, but they had what I wanted on sale. Not 10 minutes in the store and this is what I came out with for just under $9:
2 boxes of Fruit Gushers, 2 boxes of Nature Valley granola bars, A box of Honey Nut Cherrios, A 2-liter bottle of Dr. Pepper, a bag of Kettle brand potato chips, 4 lb. bag of C&H granulated sugar, and a bottle of 409 kitchen cleaning solution. It was like shopping at the dollar store, but coming out with "better" stuff!!!!!
I have to say. Saving money can be fun and now that I am the official manager of the household, it feels good knowing that I am saving money so we can do MORE fun stuff, like pay our library fines or plop pennies into the fountain at the mall.
Just a small facet of our new lifestyle. I love that we are teaching our kids to use their money wisely. They are by no means, poor starving boys. They still get a good meal and junk food. We still step foot into McDonald's on occasion.....but they know that it will always be with a coupon.
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