I have been told, "Well, it is easier to just go to the store and buy the off brand and it is still saving me money." While I do agree with this statement I would also have to say, after years of doing just that I have found that couponing decreased my grocery budget by about half. Not only that but now I get name brand items and many things that is much better in quality. There are also many incentives to getting name brand products! Many companies run programs to collect labels off their products to donate to schools for them to receive extra funds. Here are a few I have heard about:
General Mills- Box Tops for Education
Campbells- Labels for Education
Sunny D- Reading Program for Labels (getting more info on this!)
Coke Products- Points for items
If you are buying the name brand product cheaper than the off brand and you are able to give to schools- I consider that a "win-win"! Also, If you can get items for free, items for mere pennies, two items for the price of one, or just a really great price it can open doors to giving! Think about the family that has had someone laid off, the elderly man down the street, your neighbor, the family at church that life has dealt them a tough card, or just the local food bank. I have also found coupons for great toys, health items, clothing, and restaurants that I can use to treat family and friends in ways I have never been able too before.
My rule when I go grocery shopping is that when I go to the store, I try to tithe off my number of items. If I get 40 items, I give at least 4 things away. I love the feeling I get when I find a good deal but I love the feeling even more to know that God has given me so much I can give it away!
So my challenge for you is this, try couponing and ask God to help you give 5 items each month. I am excited to hear any stories! Please let us know about other programs and how they help schools to or feel free to ask questions about progams listed here.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thriftway Coupon Match (9/29-10/5)
These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. All coupons (this time) came out of the Topeka Capital Journal. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!] The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally. There are many other deals this week however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
PLEASE read my next blog entry about seasons of giving- to find out ways that using coupons helps not only yourself but others! Couponing helps more than just your grocery budget!
PANTRY ITEMS
Folgers Coffee (Select Varieties) - $6.97
$1/1 or $1/2 (Select varieties) coupons
Final Price - $5.97-$5.47
General Mills Cereal (Wheaties or Various Cheerios)- $2.50
$1/2 or $1/3 coupon
Final Price - $2.00-2.17
Hormel Chili - $1.25
.50/2 coupon
Final Price - $1.00 each when you buy 2
Pringles - $1.50
$1/4 or .50/2(fat free)
Final Price- $1.25
Bugles - $1.50
.50/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.00
Chex Mix - $1.50
.50/2 coupon
Final Price - $1.25each when you buy 2
DelMonte Fruit - $1.00
$1/5 coupon
Final Price - $.80 wyb5
DAIRY/FROZEN/ REFRIDGERATED ITEMS
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls - $2.79
.40/2 or .35/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.54 wyb2 or 2.29
Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie Dough - $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price - $2.00 wyb2
DiGiorno Frozen Pizza - $5.49
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $4.49
Stouffers Party Size Entrees- $10.99
.75/1 coupon
Final Price - $10.24
Green Giant Vegetables & Sauce (17-24 oz) - $3.00
.40/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.50
Yoplait Yogurt (4-6 oz)- .50 each
.50/8 or .40/6
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $0.44 - 0.42
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (8 pack) - $5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $5.49 per pack
Pampers Diapers (56-96 ct) - $19.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $18.99
Charmin Basic Bath Tissue (12 big rolls)- $5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $5.49 per pack
Downy Fabric Softener (sheets or liquid) - $3.50
.50/1, $1/1, or use $1.50/1(exp 9/30) coupons
Final Price - $3.00, 2.50, or 2.00
Tide 2x Laundry Detergent - $12.99
$1/1 or use $1.50(exp 9/30) coupons
Final Price - $11.99 or 11.49
Dawn Dish Liquid - $1.99
.25/1 or .50/1 coupons
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.49
Cascade- $2.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.49
Febreze Air Freshener - $2.50
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.50
Bounce Fabric Softner- $3.50
$1/1 coupon (bar only) .50/1 (sheets only)
Final Price - $3.00 - 2.50
MEAT
Farmland Bacon Wrapped Fillets - $1.00
$1/4 (exp 9/30) coupon
Final Price - $.75 wyb4
HEALTH
Crest Pro Health Toothpaste - $3.00
.50/1, .75/1, or $1.00/1 coupons
Final Price - $2.50, 2.25, or 2.00
Crest Pro Health Rinse - $4.49
.75/1, $1.00/1, or $2.00/1 coupons
Final Price - $3.74, 3.49, or 2.49
PRODUCE
Best Choice 18 pack Eggs - $0.87!!!
Jonathan Apples - $1.27/lb
Gala Apples - $1.99/3lb bag
Barlett Pears - $1.00/lb
Dole Celery - $1.00
PLEASE read my next blog entry about seasons of giving- to find out ways that using coupons helps not only yourself but others! Couponing helps more than just your grocery budget!
PANTRY ITEMS
Folgers Coffee (Select Varieties) - $6.97
$1/1 or $1/2 (Select varieties) coupons
Final Price - $5.97-$5.47
General Mills Cereal (Wheaties or Various Cheerios)- $2.50
$1/2 or $1/3 coupon
Final Price - $2.00-2.17
Hormel Chili - $1.25
.50/2 coupon
Final Price - $1.00 each when you buy 2
Pringles - $1.50
$1/4 or .50/2(fat free)
Final Price- $1.25
Bugles - $1.50
.50/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.00
Chex Mix - $1.50
.50/2 coupon
Final Price - $1.25each when you buy 2
DelMonte Fruit - $1.00
$1/5 coupon
Final Price - $.80 wyb5
DAIRY/FROZEN/ REFRIDGERATED ITEMS
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls - $2.79
.40/2 or .35/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.54 wyb2 or 2.29
Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie Dough - $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price - $2.00 wyb2
DiGiorno Frozen Pizza - $5.49
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $4.49
Stouffers Party Size Entrees- $10.99
.75/1 coupon
Final Price - $10.24
Green Giant Vegetables & Sauce (17-24 oz) - $3.00
.40/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.50
Yoplait Yogurt (4-6 oz)- .50 each
.50/8 or .40/6
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $0.44 - 0.42
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (8 pack) - $5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $5.49 per pack
Pampers Diapers (56-96 ct) - $19.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $18.99
Charmin Basic Bath Tissue (12 big rolls)- $5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $5.49 per pack
Downy Fabric Softener (sheets or liquid) - $3.50
.50/1, $1/1, or use $1.50/1(exp 9/30) coupons
Final Price - $3.00, 2.50, or 2.00
Tide 2x Laundry Detergent - $12.99
$1/1 or use $1.50(exp 9/30) coupons
Final Price - $11.99 or 11.49
Dawn Dish Liquid - $1.99
.25/1 or .50/1 coupons
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.49
Cascade- $2.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.49
Febreze Air Freshener - $2.50
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.50
Bounce Fabric Softner- $3.50
$1/1 coupon (bar only) .50/1 (sheets only)
Final Price - $3.00 - 2.50
MEAT
Farmland Bacon Wrapped Fillets - $1.00
$1/4 (exp 9/30) coupon
Final Price - $.75 wyb4
HEALTH
Crest Pro Health Toothpaste - $3.00
.50/1, .75/1, or $1.00/1 coupons
Final Price - $2.50, 2.25, or 2.00
Crest Pro Health Rinse - $4.49
.75/1, $1.00/1, or $2.00/1 coupons
Final Price - $3.74, 3.49, or 2.49
PRODUCE
Best Choice 18 pack Eggs - $0.87!!!
Jonathan Apples - $1.27/lb
Gala Apples - $1.99/3lb bag
Barlett Pears - $1.00/lb
Dole Celery - $1.00
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
My Coupon Tips
So if you are a coupon newbie and need help getting started please let me know! There are many secrets to saving hundreds on your grocery bill and I want to share them with you. Here is a few of my tips:
1) Don't pay for coupons (if possible)- Do you know anyone that gets the Sunday paper? Ask them to save the coupon inserts for you. Do you work at a school, nursing home, hospital, etc- ask co-workers to collect inserts!
2) Get multiple coupons!!!- Refer back to tip 1, and don't clip them all. Clip one or two sets and place them in your coupon organizer. When you make your grocery list- go back and clip any extras. This tip is where you are able to stock up and really save lots of money. Scenario: You normally by a gallon bottle of laundry soap for $12. You have a $1 off coupon. Buy the smaller size that is on sale for 2.99, use 3 coupons and only pay $6 for the same amount of laundry soap!
3) Get organized- Find a way to organize your coupons that works for you. It might be a coupon box, binder, folders, envelopes, but do what works for you. Pick a time to check out blogs, make a list, pick out needed coupons and remember that your time is money!
4) Don't buy what you don't need just because you have a coupon at the time (my exception is go ahead if it is free!). Sometimes if you hold on to that coupon you might even find a better deal down the road.
5) Don't store hop- I say this because sometimes it will cost you more time, energy, and gas money than it is worth! Once coupons become a hassle you will decrease your usage, thus decreasing your savings. My rule of thumb is that unless there are more than 5 great deals I will not go to that store unless I happen to be driving by.
Please feel free to ask me any questions! I am doing tutoring sessions, so if you need my help just send out and SOS (Seasons of Savings- my 7 year old came up with that one :). Invite your friends and we could make it a party!
1) Don't pay for coupons (if possible)- Do you know anyone that gets the Sunday paper? Ask them to save the coupon inserts for you. Do you work at a school, nursing home, hospital, etc- ask co-workers to collect inserts!
2) Get multiple coupons!!!- Refer back to tip 1, and don't clip them all. Clip one or two sets and place them in your coupon organizer. When you make your grocery list- go back and clip any extras. This tip is where you are able to stock up and really save lots of money. Scenario: You normally by a gallon bottle of laundry soap for $12. You have a $1 off coupon. Buy the smaller size that is on sale for 2.99, use 3 coupons and only pay $6 for the same amount of laundry soap!
3) Get organized- Find a way to organize your coupons that works for you. It might be a coupon box, binder, folders, envelopes, but do what works for you. Pick a time to check out blogs, make a list, pick out needed coupons and remember that your time is money!
4) Don't buy what you don't need just because you have a coupon at the time (my exception is go ahead if it is free!). Sometimes if you hold on to that coupon you might even find a better deal down the road.
5) Don't store hop- I say this because sometimes it will cost you more time, energy, and gas money than it is worth! Once coupons become a hassle you will decrease your usage, thus decreasing your savings. My rule of thumb is that unless there are more than 5 great deals I will not go to that store unless I happen to be driving by.
Please feel free to ask me any questions! I am doing tutoring sessions, so if you need my help just send out and SOS (Seasons of Savings- my 7 year old came up with that one :). Invite your friends and we could make it a party!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thriftway Coupon Match (9/22-9/28)
These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. All coupons (this time) came out of the Topeka Capital Journal. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!] The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally. There are many other deals this week however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
Disclaimer- I was not able to get coupons from this weekend's paper (sickness struck!)- so there might be missing match ups. If I am able to get the inserts from this week and if I missed any match ups I will post those later in the week. Hopefully this will get you a good start.
PANTRY ITEMS
Progresso Soup - $1.50
.50/2 - $1/4 coupon
Final Price - 1.25 each when you buy 2 or 4
Betty Crocker Brownie Mix - $1.29
$1/2 coupon (select varieties)
Final Price - .79 each when you buy 2
Marzetti Coleslaw Dressing - $2.50
.75 /1 coupon
Final Price - $1.75 each
Bugles - $2.50
.50/1 coupon
Bugles Final Price - $2.00
Chex Mix - $2.50
.50/2 coupon
Chex Mix Final Price - $2.25 when you buy 2
DAIRY/FROZEN ITEMS
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - $2.50
.40/2 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.25 each when you buy 2
Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookie Dough - $2.50
$1/2 coupon
Final Price - $1.42 each when you buy 2 or $1.17
Totinos Pizza Rolls- $3.00
.40/2 coupon
Final Price - $2.80 each when you buy 2
Wanchai Ferry Freezer Meals - $5.99
$1.50/1 coupon
Final Price - $4.49 each
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Bounty Paper Towels (6 pack) - $9.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $9.49 per pack
Charmin Bath Tissue (9 regular rolls)- $4.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $3.49 per pack
Dawn Dish Liquid - $2.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.49 each
Cascade Dishwasher Detergent- $2.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.49
Arm & Hammer 2x Laundry Detergent - $2.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.99
Tide 2x Laundry Detergent - $6.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $5.99
Tide Stain Release- $4.99
$3/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.99
Bounce Fabric Softener- $5.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $4.99
Downy Fabric Softener - $6.99
.50/1
Final Price - $6.49
MEAT
Farmland Lunch Meat- $1.50
.75/1 coupon
Final Price - .75 each!
Farmland Fully Cooked Sausage- $2.00
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $1
Farmland Breakfast Sausage- $1.67
.55 coupon
Final Price- $1.12
PRODUCE
Select Apples - .87/lb
Iceberg Lettuce- .99 each
Green Bell Peppers- .69 each
Stop Light Peppers- 2.99
SPECIAL IN AD COUPON DEALS - Must have in ad coupon for these prices
Triscuit or Wheat Thins- $2.00
Kraft Velveeta Shells and Cheese- $1.50 each when you buy 2
Miracle Whip- $1.99
Kraft Singles - .99
A-1 Sauce- $2.99
Oscar Meyer Cold Cuts or Deli Fresh Meat- $1.99
Oscar Meyer Deli Creations- .99
Taco Bell Salsa, Taco Shells, Bowls, Queso or Dinner Kits- Save $2 on any 2
RC or 7 UP 6-packs- Buy 4 at $9 get $2 off (4/$7)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Housekeeping News
Just wanted to let everyone know that if I do get a good response from the Thriftway coupon match I will continue to publish it on Tuesday evenings.
I am also curious if anyone would like to be a guest author? Please send any tips or great ways you save money and I would love to publish it to share with all!
Last bit of housekeeping- you can easily get all the updates from this blog in your email when you subscribe!
I am also curious if anyone would like to be a guest author? Please send any tips or great ways you save money and I would love to publish it to share with all!
Last bit of housekeeping- you can easily get all the updates from this blog in your email when you subscribe!
Thriftway Coupon Match (9/15-9/16)
These are all of the local coupon match ups for our local rural Thriftways. All coupons (this time) came out of the Topeka Capital Journal. [Most rural Thriftways WILL NOT accept internet printables!] The matches posted here are just that- matches. They might not be a great deal, but using a coupon will save you money if you were planning on buying them anyway or have to buy locally. There are many other deals this week however because of time I will not post those (except produce). Please feel free to comment on things I have missed or great deals you've scored this week.
If you have questions please leave a comment at the end of this entry or email me a seasonsofsavings@gmail.com. I would love to know that people are reading this, it might prompt me to do this again next week ;) SSOOOO if you are- just leave a comment saying "thanks" if you find this helpful.
PANTRY ITEMS
Hamburger Helper- $1 each (10/$10)
.75/3 coupon
Final Price - .75 each when you buy 3
Libby's Vegetables - $1 each (10/$10)
$1/3 coupon
Final Price - .67 each when you by 3
Libby's Fruit and Fruit Cups - 2/$5.00
$1/2 coupon
Final Price - $2.00 each when you buy 2
Kellogg's Pop Tarts - 2.29 each
$1/3 coupon
Final Price - 1.96 each when you buy 3
DAIRY/FROZEN ITEMS
Roberts Cottage Cheese - $1.99
.50/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.49
Pillsbury Grands Biscuits - 4/$5
.40/3 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.09 each when you by 3
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - 3/$5
.40/2 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.42 each when you buy 2
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls - 3/$5
.40/2 coupon or .35/1
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.42 each when you buy 2 or $1.17
Pillsbury Toaster Strudels - 2/$4
.50/2 coupon
Final Price - 1.75 each when you buy 2
Red Baron Pizza - 3/$9
$1/1 coupon (possible if correct variety)
Final Price - $2.00 each
DiGiorno Pizza - 5.49
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $4.49 each
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (2 pack) - 2.89
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.39 per pack
Bounty Paper Towels (2 Huge Rolls) - 5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $5.49 per pack
Charmin Bath Tissue - $10.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $10.49 per pack
Joy Dish Liquid - $2.19
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.69 each
Gain 2x Laundry Detergent - 10.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $9.99
Cheer 2x Laundry Detergent - 10.99
$2/1 coupon
Final Price - $8.99
PRODUCE
Crimson Grapes - .97
Russet Potatoes - $2.97
Jonathan Apples - .99/lb
Bartlett Pears - .79/lb
SPECIAL IN AD COUPON DEALS - Must have in ad coupon for these prices
Kraft Cheese - .99
Kraft Velveeta - $3.99
Nabisco Ritz or Chips Ahoy Cookies - 2/$4
Kraft Salad Dressing - $1.59 (good, but not great)
Oscar Meyer Sliced Ham or Turkey - 2/$4 (good for brand)
Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce - 2/$3 (good, but not great)
7UP or RC 2 liters - 10/$8
Pepsi 12 packs - 3/$11 - Get a free bag of Doritos when you buy 3
If you have questions please leave a comment at the end of this entry or email me a seasonsofsavings@gmail.com. I would love to know that people are reading this, it might prompt me to do this again next week ;) SSOOOO if you are- just leave a comment saying "thanks" if you find this helpful.
PANTRY ITEMS
Hamburger Helper- $1 each (10/$10)
.75/3 coupon
Final Price - .75 each when you buy 3
Libby's Vegetables - $1 each (10/$10)
$1/3 coupon
Final Price - .67 each when you by 3
Libby's Fruit and Fruit Cups - 2/$5.00
$1/2 coupon
Final Price - $2.00 each when you buy 2
Kellogg's Pop Tarts - 2.29 each
$1/3 coupon
Final Price - 1.96 each when you buy 3
DAIRY/FROZEN ITEMS
Roberts Cottage Cheese - $1.99
.50/1 coupon
Final Price - $1.49
Pillsbury Grands Biscuits - 4/$5
.40/3 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.09 each when you by 3
Pillsbury Crescent Rolls - 3/$5
.40/2 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.42 each when you buy 2
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls - 3/$5
.40/2 coupon or .35/1
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.42 each when you buy 2 or $1.17
Pillsbury Toaster Strudels - 2/$4
.50/2 coupon
Final Price - 1.75 each when you buy 2
Red Baron Pizza - 3/$9
$1/1 coupon (possible if correct variety)
Final Price - $2.00 each
DiGiorno Pizza - 5.49
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $4.49 each
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (2 pack) - 2.89
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $2.39 per pack
Bounty Paper Towels (2 Huge Rolls) - 5.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $5.49 per pack
Charmin Bath Tissue - $10.99
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $10.49 per pack
Joy Dish Liquid - $2.19
.25/1 coupon
Doubles to .50
Final Price - $1.69 each
Gain 2x Laundry Detergent - 10.99
$1/1 coupon
Final Price - $9.99
Cheer 2x Laundry Detergent - 10.99
$2/1 coupon
Final Price - $8.99
PRODUCE
Crimson Grapes - .97
Russet Potatoes - $2.97
Jonathan Apples - .99/lb
Bartlett Pears - .79/lb
SPECIAL IN AD COUPON DEALS - Must have in ad coupon for these prices
Kraft Cheese - .99
Kraft Velveeta - $3.99
Nabisco Ritz or Chips Ahoy Cookies - 2/$4
Kraft Salad Dressing - $1.59 (good, but not great)
Oscar Meyer Sliced Ham or Turkey - 2/$4 (good for brand)
Bull's Eye Barbecue Sauce - 2/$3 (good, but not great)
7UP or RC 2 liters - 10/$8
Pepsi 12 packs - 3/$11 - Get a free bag of Doritos when you buy 3
Friday, September 10, 2010
Overview of this "Month"
So this month our pantry was full and our time was limited (we get paid once a month, so our "fiscal" month is the 15th to the 15th). We ended up spending way over our budget on dining out. We were able to stay within our allotted food budget because we took the money from our grocery budget and used it on eating out. This month with all of the changes of school, sports, and birthdays, I felt like we were running everywhere! It astonished me to find out that I only spent $124 on groceries this month! Too bad its only a few dollars less than that on eating out :(
So we are at the end of the month and we were bare bones in our fridge. I was so excited to score this deal at HyVee yesterday! I way over paid for the tortillas ($1.65) but since my oldest will not eat bread I didn't want to go to Aldi for just one package of .99 cent tortillas.
Happy to say we are going to make it to payday with our budget intact- however, not as many savings, but there is a season for everything. However, knowing I can get by on such little money has challenged me to do even better about shopping next month! And a huge praise for this month- ALL doctor bills are now paid off completely!
Do you have any success stories or how-tos you'd like to share? Send them to me to share with everyone!
So we are at the end of the month and we were bare bones in our fridge. I was so excited to score this deal at HyVee yesterday! I way over paid for the tortillas ($1.65) but since my oldest will not eat bread I didn't want to go to Aldi for just one package of .99 cent tortillas.
 |
| Spent only $3.15 after sales and coupons! Notice the crisp, yummy Braeburn apples? |
Do you have any success stories or how-tos you'd like to share? Send them to me to share with everyone!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
A Friendship of Savings
Couponing is a great first start to reducing you grocery/household cost. But if you are interested in taking savings one step farther you can always turn to a friend. A few years ago one of my friends taught me the value of learning how to "network" with friends. Though I barely knew her but she gladly reached out to me. She handed me a "mommy card" and took me under her wing. She has been a SAHM since her first was born and knows way more about being frugal and keeping a home. There are things I learned from her I never knew were possible (like freezing bread!). Friends like that only come around every so often and I am ever so thankful to have her in this season of my life right now.
To begin "networking" you have to be able to step out. For a long time I was not exactly an outgoing person. My husband would make fun of me for not going through the drive-thru or toll booths for the fear of having to talk to a stranger. Even though I am grateful for my days where I don't have to talk to anyone but family, I have learned that with relationships come with wisdom and sanity. First, think of ways you can branch out regularly. Is there a Bible study, a women's group, a scrapbooking club, coworkers, parents to your children's friends, or a community organization you attend or could become involved in?
Then remember to introduce yourself! I have an extremely hard time doing this and often even forget to give them my name. So I have a mommy card I have so I can hand out incase I am nervous, in a hurry, or just being forgetful. A mommy card is just a business card with my information on it. The fun part about these is that I can write stuff on the back of them and hand them to people that stop me at Dillons to ask me about coupons. Then they have answers to their questions and have a way to contact me for more help if they need it.
Once you have established some aquaintences and have a circle of like minded thinkers- reach out. Maybe they have a garden and have bumper crop of tomatoes canned. Would they be willing to trade a few jars of canned tomatoes for a few boxes of cereal you got paid for at HyVee? Or maybe you need a babysitter and only have a bunch of shampoo and body wash you got for free at Dillons. Bartering is an excellent tool of frugality and coupons have opened that door for me. What if you do not go to the store often but would love to help stock the pantry of a friend in need or a food bank? You might be able to save the coupons from the paper or even be willing to print internet coupons for others.
One thing I always try to remember is that there is a season for everything and that sometimes I have friends that will need more at certain times. This is important to remember because there will also be seasons when my need will be higher than my ability to give. God is faithful to provide those people in our lives when we need them and we are also a provision from God for them. We are created as relational people and we glorify God when we are willing to be used by Him.
To begin "networking" you have to be able to step out. For a long time I was not exactly an outgoing person. My husband would make fun of me for not going through the drive-thru or toll booths for the fear of having to talk to a stranger. Even though I am grateful for my days where I don't have to talk to anyone but family, I have learned that with relationships come with wisdom and sanity. First, think of ways you can branch out regularly. Is there a Bible study, a women's group, a scrapbooking club, coworkers, parents to your children's friends, or a community organization you attend or could become involved in?
Then remember to introduce yourself! I have an extremely hard time doing this and often even forget to give them my name. So I have a mommy card I have so I can hand out incase I am nervous, in a hurry, or just being forgetful. A mommy card is just a business card with my information on it. The fun part about these is that I can write stuff on the back of them and hand them to people that stop me at Dillons to ask me about coupons. Then they have answers to their questions and have a way to contact me for more help if they need it.
Once you have established some aquaintences and have a circle of like minded thinkers- reach out. Maybe they have a garden and have bumper crop of tomatoes canned. Would they be willing to trade a few jars of canned tomatoes for a few boxes of cereal you got paid for at HyVee? Or maybe you need a babysitter and only have a bunch of shampoo and body wash you got for free at Dillons. Bartering is an excellent tool of frugality and coupons have opened that door for me. What if you do not go to the store often but would love to help stock the pantry of a friend in need or a food bank? You might be able to save the coupons from the paper or even be willing to print internet coupons for others.
One thing I always try to remember is that there is a season for everything and that sometimes I have friends that will need more at certain times. This is important to remember because there will also be seasons when my need will be higher than my ability to give. God is faithful to provide those people in our lives when we need them and we are also a provision from God for them. We are created as relational people and we glorify God when we are willing to be used by Him.
Coupons: Testimony!
At a birthday party in March a woman told me about moneysavingmom.com and many of you know it is one of my favorite resources. From there I have branched out to using my internet resources wisely saving me more time, money, and mental fatigue! So is couponing worth your time? Here deal that I snatched up last night at HyVee (please keep in mind that this "deal" is now expired):
In my first transaction I had my husband by 6 boxes of cereal (three boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and three boxes of Golden Grahams). With a total of $3.45 out of pocket after coupons and discounts I also recieved a voucher for $6 off my next purchase.
The second transaction was another 6 boxes of cereal (we purchased four boxes of Cocoa Puffs and two boxes of Wheaties) our grand total out of pocket was $3.88 after coupons and discounts. We also recieved another $6 voucher! Now, on Tuesdays at HyVee it is double coupons to $1, however, in this transaction the cashier forgot to double them. My total should have been closer to $2.70.
My last transaction I went hog wild and got some favorites eventhough I didn't have great coupons. I got 6 more boxes of cereal and 9 cans of Van Camp Pork and Beans. I used one of the $6 vouchers and more coupons (which were doubled) and discounts to give me a total out of pocket price of $4.73. Once again, I recieved another $6 voucher!
My grand total out of pocket expense for 18 boxes of cereal and 9 can of beans was $11.31 and I still have 2 $6 vouchers next time I go to HyVee! Now you are probably asking what am I going to do with that much cereal? Well, some of it we will eat the rest we are going to give away. I would not of gotten the beans if I had not recieved two emails and a letter saying that is one of the greatest needs at the Topeka Rescue Mission right now. The Lord provides, and he does it abundantly!
In my first transaction I had my husband by 6 boxes of cereal (three boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and three boxes of Golden Grahams). With a total of $3.45 out of pocket after coupons and discounts I also recieved a voucher for $6 off my next purchase.
The second transaction was another 6 boxes of cereal (we purchased four boxes of Cocoa Puffs and two boxes of Wheaties) our grand total out of pocket was $3.88 after coupons and discounts. We also recieved another $6 voucher! Now, on Tuesdays at HyVee it is double coupons to $1, however, in this transaction the cashier forgot to double them. My total should have been closer to $2.70.
My last transaction I went hog wild and got some favorites eventhough I didn't have great coupons. I got 6 more boxes of cereal and 9 cans of Van Camp Pork and Beans. I used one of the $6 vouchers and more coupons (which were doubled) and discounts to give me a total out of pocket price of $4.73. Once again, I recieved another $6 voucher!
My grand total out of pocket expense for 18 boxes of cereal and 9 can of beans was $11.31 and I still have 2 $6 vouchers next time I go to HyVee! Now you are probably asking what am I going to do with that much cereal? Well, some of it we will eat the rest we are going to give away. I would not of gotten the beans if I had not recieved two emails and a letter saying that is one of the greatest needs at the Topeka Rescue Mission right now. The Lord provides, and he does it abundantly!
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| Transaction #3 (not pictured one box of Cookie Crisp- it has already been given away!) |
And I did not figure this out on my own, this deal was courtesy of Shannon at thegroceryweekly.blogspot.com! Could this type of couponing help your family (and potentially others)?
Coupons: why use them?
So I picked the first topic to discuss to be coupons because that is what so many asked about. But before you get into the hassle of couponing (I say "hassle" because it is one more thing to do), why do you want to do it? I would encourage you to sit down with a list of reasons why. Once you have this list, decide how "into it" do you want to get? Depending on what your reasons of why will determine how much time and energy you should put forth. Before I give out some of my secrets here are some thoughts to consider:
First off our goal is to glorify God with our money. Getting into couponing and finding out how you can get lots of stuff because of some great deals can easily consume you! You could be wasting your time, energy, and money, on things you don't need! Pray for wisdom and ask for Him to bless you. Remember not to get greedy because you don't want to miss out. God is the Provider and he will take care of us.
Second, when we choose to glorify God with our money, we are saying we will be a good steward. This does not just mean smart buying for our family. It also means to remember to use the resources and wisdom God has given you to bless others. (Please understand this is the main reason I am doing this blog!!) I know how much couponing has changed my life and finances, it would be selfish of me not to share this with you. Through couponing I have seen an over abundance of blessings. "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."- 2 Corinthians 9:8
If you have gotten this far, I would assume that many of you are still into the thought of couponing. If you are a new beginner at coupons I would encourage you to look at moneysavingmom.com and read the series ""31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget". This is a great refresher course too! One of my favorite local blogs that tell me many of the good deals in the Topeka area is thegroceryweekly.blogspot.com.
Next, I hope to post on one of my latest deals or maybe about my coupon box. Another feature I would like to include is local Thriftway match ups and feature awesome deals you have found! So check back often or become a subscriber!
First off our goal is to glorify God with our money. Getting into couponing and finding out how you can get lots of stuff because of some great deals can easily consume you! You could be wasting your time, energy, and money, on things you don't need! Pray for wisdom and ask for Him to bless you. Remember not to get greedy because you don't want to miss out. God is the Provider and he will take care of us.
Second, when we choose to glorify God with our money, we are saying we will be a good steward. This does not just mean smart buying for our family. It also means to remember to use the resources and wisdom God has given you to bless others. (Please understand this is the main reason I am doing this blog!!) I know how much couponing has changed my life and finances, it would be selfish of me not to share this with you. Through couponing I have seen an over abundance of blessings. "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."- 2 Corinthians 9:8
If you have gotten this far, I would assume that many of you are still into the thought of couponing. If you are a new beginner at coupons I would encourage you to look at moneysavingmom.com and read the series ""31 Days to a Better Grocery Budget". This is a great refresher course too! One of my favorite local blogs that tell me many of the good deals in the Topeka area is thegroceryweekly.blogspot.com.
Next, I hope to post on one of my latest deals or maybe about my coupon box. Another feature I would like to include is local Thriftway match ups and feature awesome deals you have found! So check back often or become a subscriber!
'Tis the Season
School has started and soon the the hot summer will slowly fade away into a crisp autumn. Things will be done differently merely because it means times they are a changing. We will start to grab our jackets, put away our sandals, and trade in those long summer evenings relaxing outside for nights at football games and raking leaves. Though it does take time to adjust, we can choose to go through life focusing on getting from one exciting thing to the next or choose to "enjoy our work- because that is our lot." (Eccl 3:22).
This blog will be about how we get through life enjoying it, cherishing it, and helping others along the way. Please remember: you are not going to be just like everyone else on here and you are not going to do things exactly the same way. We are all in different stages or "seasons" of life and what your needs now will probably look completely different than another persons. I find it amazing that we can be individuals but we all can share and help others grow in some way! Please remember to pick and choose wisely what God wants you to get out of the post that day. This is here to help you feel encouraged, save you time, energy, and provide wisdom, not make you feel guilty for not doing it all.
I want to know how you do it! I welcome, recipes, tips, encouraging thoughts, any wow moments that need to be shared. Send me an email or leave a comment. Let me know how you want to make an impact on someone's life. First topic to be discussed with be, you guessed it- couponing! While I do not claim to be an expert, probably more like a amatuer, I can hopefully help encourage you to start saving!
This blog will be about how we get through life enjoying it, cherishing it, and helping others along the way. Please remember: you are not going to be just like everyone else on here and you are not going to do things exactly the same way. We are all in different stages or "seasons" of life and what your needs now will probably look completely different than another persons. I find it amazing that we can be individuals but we all can share and help others grow in some way! Please remember to pick and choose wisely what God wants you to get out of the post that day. This is here to help you feel encouraged, save you time, energy, and provide wisdom, not make you feel guilty for not doing it all.
I want to know how you do it! I welcome, recipes, tips, encouraging thoughts, any wow moments that need to be shared. Send me an email or leave a comment. Let me know how you want to make an impact on someone's life. First topic to be discussed with be, you guessed it- couponing! While I do not claim to be an expert, probably more like a amatuer, I can hopefully help encourage you to start saving!
What are you looking for?
Many of my friends asked me to do a blog about saving money, however, I found that kinda redundant to what I am trying to do in my life right now. We have been in a process over the last two years of simplifying our lives. For our family it has been downsizing our home, our schedules, our debt and re-examining our spiritual well-being, our health, and our mental state! It seems like we as Americans are always busy spending our time, money, energy, efforts, and ideas, but not doing much to save those things. I didn't want to spend my time on a blog, that is probably already out there, because honestly that would be wasting my time (and the time of others that spend their time on their blogs that are already up and running.) So I am heading toward another approach and will hopefully address needs that are sometimes overlooked.
Will I not talk about how my family keeps our budget? YES I will, but in the process of saving money we need to keep a perspective on why we do it. Are you trying to save money to get out of debt, maybe to eliminate a part-time job? Maybe you are saving money to be able to maximize your giving. Whatever the reason, we need to keep it in the right perspective to where our lives are right now.
How are you doing right now? Feeling a little frazzled with life, maybe a little frustrated with work? Or you feel like you are doing fine but know that things could get better. What is it that you wish you had more of? What is it that you need to hear more about right now? It is my hope, that we can find out those answers together no matter what season of life you are in!
Will I not talk about how my family keeps our budget? YES I will, but in the process of saving money we need to keep a perspective on why we do it. Are you trying to save money to get out of debt, maybe to eliminate a part-time job? Maybe you are saving money to be able to maximize your giving. Whatever the reason, we need to keep it in the right perspective to where our lives are right now.
How are you doing right now? Feeling a little frazzled with life, maybe a little frustrated with work? Or you feel like you are doing fine but know that things could get better. What is it that you wish you had more of? What is it that you need to hear more about right now? It is my hope, that we can find out those answers together no matter what season of life you are in!
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