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Years ago I used a few coupons here and there on products I was already planning to purchase. I thought I was saving a lot of money each month, about $50. That’s good right? Well yes, saving $50 is good, but I was still spending $500-$600 per month on groceries for a family of 3!
Trying something new:
My husband & I decided it was time to start living within a budget. To cut our spending I started reading money saving blogs and watching what other thrifty shoppers were doing. It took some time, but I finally learned how to make the most of my coupons.
I remember my first shopping trip like it was yesterday. I had my trip all planned out. I had read the store matchups online, made a shopping list and verified all my coupons. I remember being so nervous walking into the store. I was practically shaking (yes, that’s me).
I felt like everyone was staring at me while I shopped (which they were). You see, couponing at this level wasn’t as common in my area as it is now. You would see maybe 1 or 2 coupon users in the store, not 20 like today.
I went up to the cash register expecting the cashier to roll her eyes and to question every coupon. But you know what? It was easy! I walked out of the store spending about $5 for $50 worth of products! From that day on, I was hooked!
What I learned:
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Have confidence in yourself
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If you don’t try, you will never know what may have been
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Getting out of your routine can change your life
I now spend on average $250 per month for a family of 4 with organic and natural foods. I can even skip shopping all together if I need or want to.
I have watched the money saving community grow significantly since I decided to live within a budget. It’s an awesome feeling to have money left over at the end of the month and to be able to provide my children with products such as organic milk that I never would have been able to afford.
When have you tried something new?
I agree great job!
Dana that is awesome! It is so addicting! And it is so worth it! –You are right! I have become an extreme couponer myself and I get those looks you are talking about! But when you save that much who cares! Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Great post! Couponing is addictive, but I love it. I just saved $27 at Target today and left the store wondering why some people don’t coupon?!
Woo hoo! Love the couponing rush!
I too am an extreme couponer! I have been for about 2 years! I love seeing my savings and it never gets old! I get the same excitement every week! I spend around $220 a month for a family of 5! Thanks for the post!