Over the past few weeks, couponing has been much fun and since my last post, I’ve learned of more ways to save.  I officially started couponing about three months ago and never would have guessed that I could have a freezer full of Luigi’s Italian Water Ice for FREE!

My new favorite couponing website is livingrichwithcoupons.com.  The site is amazing!  At least I think so.  Why?  Because the site has answered many questions as well as provide realistic and useful tips on how to begin couponing. There’s a great video on how to organize your coupons and more.   Along the way, I’ve visited many sites only to find that the links to the coupons do not work. 

Last week Shoprite had a great deal, where shoppers earned $5.00 on their next shopping order after purchasing toilet paper and a recycling bag.  Today I cashed in on some of my $5.00 coupons.

• ·         2 boxes of Barilla Pasta
• ·         2 – 9 oz. boxes of Cheez-IT’s
• ·         2 – 11.5 ox packages of Keebler Fudge Stripes cookies
• ·         1 package of Oral B Dental Floss
• ·         1 box (10 count) box of Aunt Jemima Waffles
• ·         2 half gallons of Silk Vanilla Soymilk
• ·         1 – 16 oz. Shoprite Organic Baby Carrots

Total OOP (out of pocket) – $3.24!!!  Yup!  Not bad Hugh?  I’m learning!

While I am very much a novice at this, I’m very pleased with my savings and look forward to future savings.  A few months ago, hubby was laughing at my prize of two bags of free potato chips, but all that has changed.  He’s taken notice of my savings and has joined my coupon bandwagon.  Hee! Hee!  I get the last laugh on this one. 

I’m still figuring out which day newspapers carry, SmartSource, Red Plum, and Proctor & Gamble circulars, but I don’t stress over it.  I’m just having fun and do what I can with the time that I have and save as much as  possible.  To date, I haven’t officially tracked my savings, but I know for a fact that in three months’ time, I’ve reduced my grocery bill by a couple hundred dollars.

Currently I use a filing system in a plastic tub,  but have decided to move to the binder system.  I like the binder because my coupons will be with me at all times; I’ll be able to catch more savings this way. This month my son started  football, once school starts, my time will be extremely limited; I’m planning my strategy now.

I read and listen to Suzie Orman; therefore, I decided to bank my real savings from each shopping trip.  I’m putting the money away to save for whatever I decide.  The point is to not blow my savings on something frivolous, like a tube of my favorite lipstick!  Lol!  I’m for real! I’ve come a long way from my early 20’s of juvenile spending. 

The economy, sky rocketing unemployment rates, having a young child, and thoughts of retirement has shifted me into a higher gear of saving.  Last week’s news of the S & P downgrading the United States’ credit rating and two consecutive days of a plummeting  stock market  is enough to make everyone stop and evaluate their financial status.  OMG!!  As I’m writing this, ABC News is airing a piece on couponing… stacking….sales…etc….    Oh, that reminds me, livingrichwithcoupons  also has a great vocabulary glossary.  Coupon lingo can make your head spin. 

As I said before, couponing is new to me.  I’m having fun and want to learn as much as possible.  I’ll continue to share what I learn. Furthermore I could use more tips, tricks and advice and would love to hear from you.   

Think Forward!

Related articles

• ShopRite Coupon Match Ups 8/7 – 8/13 (livingrichwithcoupons.com)
• Fannie and Freddie Downgraded: Are States Next? (abcnews.go.com)
• America’s Multi-Billion Dollar Coupon Industry (billshrink.com)