I am guessing that the 10% of shoppers and cashiers, who
perceive me to be a criminal, developed this opinion based on shows that depict
couponers as people with mass stockpiles of processed foods, cat treats and air
fresheners. For some, I’m sure this hobby
goes beyond saving money and becomes more of an addiction. So to clear the air, I am not an Extreme Hoarder, for lack of a better
way of putting it. I do not have a room in my house dedicated to storing tubes
of toothpaste.
Every week, I go to the store and buy the same products as
other shoppers. The difference is, I am
often buying enough of a certain product to last two to three months. This is because the average item goes on sale
every 12 weeks. Given that I am part of
a relatively small household, a three month supply of toilet paper or pasta does
not take up an outrageous amount of space.
One investment that my husband and I did make was a chest freezer that
is housed in our garage. It is great for
storing frozen meat, fish and vegetables, as well as meals that can be made in
bulk and frozen.
On a weekly basis I make three stops. I pick up items at Target,
CVS and either Whole Foods or Jewel-Osco.
Every other week, I order fresh organic produce and meat from a local
butcher, using a site with great promotional codes called Artizone.com. Like
other shoppers, I purchase the basics, fresh produce, proteins, paper products,
cleaning products, pet items and toiletries.
I have a set budget of $25.00 to $30.00 for the week. I try to buy
organic when I can, as well as grass-fed and hormone-free meats. My typical cost before coupons is between $90.00
and $120.00. After combining manufacturer
coupons, store coupons, sales and Catalina promotions, I almost always stick to
my $25.00 budget.
I will be honest. There is time that must be invested.
However, it is not the 40 couponing work week that some may assume. I spend about
an hour every week researching, printing and clipping my coupons. I then spend
between an hour and a half and two hours traveling to the stores and
shopping. I have found that if you
invest the time to get organized, the process at the store runs relatively
smoothly.
This adventure in saving money as also had some added
bonuses. I have learned to be more patient and less cynical about people (something
that I have struggled with!) I have learned that not everybody will appreciate
your smile or “thank you,” but it is worth the effort to be polite. For the
first time since high school, I can do math in my head! I have learned that just because something is
free, does not mean that it is a good deal for me. Finally, I have learned that no matter where
you are in life, you can afford to be happier, healthier and even help others
to do the same.
Some of my favorite sites for saving:
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