I began couponing about a year ago. For years I would clip out a coupon here and there out of the Sunday paper, but was rarely using them at the grocery store and I certainly wasn't saving money. I would spend at least $200 every week on groceries and it was killing our budget. I would sometimes make a list that usually consisted of things we wanted and what I thought we needed for the week. I also liked to buy organic because we were trying to eat healthy, and that got so expensive in itself! I would use a couple coupons for my whole shopping trip and would save no more than $2 or $3. You see, I always thought that you were only allowed to use 1 coupon at a time at the store, I didn't know all the rules. There was one point that I got so frustrated that I broke down and from that moment I knew that something had to change!
I heard about the show "Extreme Couponing" and thought this was just what I needed! I watched the show for the first time and was amazed at how much money people were saving by using coupons. But how did they do it? And was it really possible? Could I actually get things for free? All of these questions filled my head. I decided to put this into action and started researching every website I could find in order to learn about couponing. I bought books, signed up for deals and coupons on different websites, and instantly became hooked and knew that I had to try this out for my family. Our budget was tight as it is, and I knew we had to find a way to cut costs. Grocery shopping was definitely a HUGE cost every week, and every time I left the store I felt guilty for spending so much and simply defeated.
After learning all the ins and outs of couponing, I was planning for my first shopping trip! This was both nerve wracking and exciting. I didn't know how it was going to work, but I just stuck to the plan and rules that I learned about. On my first shopping trip, I remember getting some toothpaste for free and I couldn't believe it! It was possible! Couponing took a little while getting used to, so on my first few shopping trips I saved alot but paid more as well. Once I got the hang of it, I started saving a ton and built up a nice little stockpile.
Since I began couponing I haven't had to buy laundry detergent, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, or deodarant! I even took a break for a few months and we lived on the things stored in our stockpile.
In order to save big with coupons, you don't need to buy 100 bottles of mustard and allow your stockpile to take over your entire home! Although the show "Extreme Couponing" is entertaining to watch at times, I don't think it is possible to get $1000 of groceries for only $30, and I'm not here to show you how to do that, because honestly it won't happen! What I am here to show you is how you can consistently save 50-90% off your weekly grocery bill! This is possible and you can do it, just like I do! I'm going to show you how to coupon like a normal person. You'll be able to create a stockpile of food and household products for your family in no time and take all the money you saved to buy something you really want!
I hope you take this journey with me and learn how to save like a pro! I'd love to hear about all your savings each week as well, so feel free to post those on here in the comment section!
Happy Couponing!
Melanie
"The Coupon Mama"
