I have really become quite the sale seeker. Thanks to wonderful websites such as Money Saving Mom, I have learned to use my coupons wisely. I went through a stage a few years ago where I was trying to use coupons when I grocery shopped but would be frustrated because most of the coupons were for stuff that was laden with sugar and corn syrup. Not only that, but it seemed even with the coupons, the stuff was still only comparable to the price of the store brands. I gave up and pretty much never looked at a coupon again.

Then I found MSM’s site (once again, thanks to Home Ec 101’s aggregator)and had my “Ah-ha!” moment. Through her tutorials on how to shop Walgreens 101 and CVS 101, I learned how to combine my coupons, shop deals and actually get stuff for free. I then took these lessons and applied them to supermarket shopping.

I have got tons of stuff for free:

A couple of weeks ago I got 4 soy joy bars, toothpaste, a kids toothbrush, a shaver, and Toby’s albuterol inhaler free- plus $15 back! Almost every week for the past month I have got several items for free at Walgreens and CVS.

I also have cut over $240 a month on my groceries and my pantry is fuller than it ever has been before. All this saving money is definitely a lot more work and requires better planning, but for for someone that really wants to cut back, it is so worth it!

Are you interested?

1. Check out MSM’s tutorials I mentioned above. Subscribe to her feed, she is extremely helpful.
2. Start looking through sales flyers. Compare prices in your area.
3. Get the Sunday news. Cut coupons. This is how I have my coupons organized and it works wonderful.
4. Match coupons to items that are already on sale. Stock up on those bargains.
5. Plan meals according to sales.
6. Check sales slips. I’ve had several mistakes and had them corrected saving- one time $15 in a day!

In the beginning it may seem a little overwhelming, but after a few trips, it becomes old hat. I honestly can’t believe how much more I have been getting all the while spending so much less.

Ok, I feel like an infomercial now, but honestly, give it a try

I am thankful for…

My in-laws. They came to Thanksgiving yesterday and we had a nice time. The kids had a ball playing with them (and all the new toys and science experiments they brought) We still have the magnetic and color changing slime they made on the kitchen counter. My MIL also did most of the dish washing so she automatically gets a gold star in my book!

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