Evolution of a couponer

I have to say its been so interesting watch my own journey as well as that of other newbies into the world of couponing..We all probably started out the same ....interested but unsure...How could these people be saving so much, how did they get so much for free or cents?

Remember when you used your first coupons? was it nerve wracking and exciting all at the same time? and maybe we didn't pay as little as some, but dammit we payed less!! How empowering....it made us want to do better..

Then on to getting braver, looking for better deals...steeling your nerve to head to checkout, hoping you wouldn't get the "evil" cashier or worse yet.....the dreaded CSM...lol...

and finally feeling like you've mastered that...on to the quest of overages and stacking...finally feeling prepared to take on the store and any employee who dared to reinforce a policy in the way they interpreted it.....

to finally the mastery of so many of this site like couponmommy, Jennyfromtherock, coupondude, just to mention a few who's posts I read diligently.......Tell me how you've evolved and where you are in the evolution.....its exciting to see the progress!!

Well, I'm still in the first stage. I saved $10.00 off my last shop, which I thought to myself "good, but I can do better and I need to learn more"

$10.00 off is more than I would have saved before for sure, as I barely even looked at the flyer for deals so using coupons on deals is new and exciting for me.

Hoping with time I'll be able to find more coupons I can use and eventually be more confident and find better deals and then work up to a small stockpile.

Have to edit. I had $10.00 in coupons. Most of what we bought was also on sale, but then I don't buy things unless we realllllly need them or they're on sale, or it's weekly fruit/veggie staples we need.

I think I saved around $10 on my first PM & coupon combo shop, but it was the first time I realized I saved over $35 on my grocery bill that I really was proud.

I think you really start getting excited when you get your first free item from a sale/coupon combo or your first overage. Or even your first multiple item haul.

I've learned so much in the little time I have been couponing. There is no way I will ever go back to full retail. I've gotten so many things for free or close to free and have run out of room already in my pantry......love it, love it, love it

Couponing is letting me stay at home with my girls! Thanks to everyone here!!! My girls thank you too!!!

I remember my first OH MY GOD, NO WAY coupon moment. I had just discovered coupons, last summer I think. Before I actually signed up for SC and was just browsing random deal sites regularly. I had clipped my single brandsaver from my paper, and held my coupons tightly in my hand as I entered walmart. I, the fool I was spending money on things back then, told my mom I needed a new deodorant.

This was back in the dark ages when when I needed something, I had to go to the store to buy one because I didn't have 30 to choose from on a shelf in my basement.

Anyway, we go to the deodorant section, and I was holding onto my $9 WUB 3 women's product coupons from brandsaver. I don't remember what ridiculous price the deodorant was, but 3 together had to cost at least 10 dollars, because I remember walking out of there having paid one dollar for three deodorants. I was stunned. My mom was stunned.


Then fast forward a few months later. It seems like yesterday. October 2010, I was sitting at my computer with my coupons in hand, they were spread out on my keyboard. I was busy scouring the LD website and flyers, looking for deals and figuring out how much I could combine with what little I had.

I had just gotten my license to drive, I had never stacked before, and decided now that I could drive, I had to try. I drove to LD around 6 or 7 pm, it was dusk. I walked in tentatively and asked a lady wandering around if they stacked. She said yes. I shyly got my items, which were some always pads and liners, a toothbrush and some deodorant (all P&G brands :P). Here's my receipt (yes, I took a picture! I was proud!)

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/9316/eed0276d.jpg

I also had a coupon for free cookie dough from a Listia auction, so I walked to the grocery store across the parking lot and bought that. I was so, so happy. It would have cost me about $40 for what I purchased there, and instead I walked away spending $11.

I graduated from stuffing my flyers in my purse and having envelopes for my coupons to folders and a bag, and now my folders have become a huge photo album full of coupons.

Since my initial stacking trip, things have just grown and grown. You can look at my album if you want to see from December 2010 - recently how big.

I started when I was still 16, I'm 18 now and really, it's been the biggest accomplishment of my life so far. Looking back, the $11 I spent that weekend is about what I spent this weekend in tax, but I got $109 worth of stuff at LD rather than $30.

I agree! This is my new hobby and keeping me busy, and money in our family account. This was my first month taking coupons seriously. Next month my goal is to save all reciepts and tally it at the end to see how much i spent, and how much I saved.
SC is my new favorite website. I sooo wish there was an app for smart phones, lol
My DH question is now, ok you saved X? but how much did you spend?
So, I will have answers!

Where do you keep track of what you spend and what you save? Do you include sale prices in savings, such as regular $3.99, on sale $2.99 so you include that extra $1?

really great comments. I am wondering also about how you are keeping track Jill. Excel spreadsheet or something like that?

I posted another link, called my august savings plan for my DH.

I am not including taxes, and yes I am using a spreadsheet.... Totalling purchase price, quantity and then the coupons used. In seperate columns I am totally, the bonus points earned, and new coupons that I picked up on the purchases.
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/223571-...-fo-dh-canada/

Its to hard to post the spreadsheet. I will adjust it as I go.

I haven't thought about using sale prices, because they vary, and it might be a nightmare to track all of that..

I was always interested in coupons before but it would be the odd one in the store and mail and that was it. I had no idea there were that many different coupons out there.
I went from just shopping sales and stock piling to now using coupons and wow is all I can say! My freezers have never been so full and I have shelves upon shelves of stock pile so I will never have to pay full price for anything again.

Coupons have allowed me to stay home with my kids and allowed us to purchase things that we wouldn't normally be able to. Our savings by using coupons to match with sales (and the advice given here) will allow us in the next few months once we get caught up on debt to save for IVF and building our future home. I know it may sound crazy but we are able to save hundreds every month which will add up to thousands every year so if we can put what we save into an account I think it maybe possible.

Anything priced over a dollar after coupons anymore seems expensive to me (with the exception of fresh produce, dairy and meat) Personal hygiene like shaving cream, deodorant, beauty supplies etc I refuse to pay more than just tax. It has really shown me that you don't need to pay $10 for bathroom tissue.

I think my favorite thing of all is learning how to really maximize my savings using rewards cards, especially Optimum. Before I'd be able redeem my points once every few years, now I have been able to get a .16 cent WII and my kids Easter was covered completely by these points. I also use swagbucks like crazy as well. I haven't figured out aeroplane, airmiles or superpoints yet but hoping that I will find threads which will explain those better (anyone want to share some tips??)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jjbmat

Couponing is letting me stay at home with my girls! Thanks to everyone here!!! My girls thank you too!!!

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Now that is an awesome brag! Mom's should be able to stay home to raise your family...I hate that the economy is such that most people can'ts...kudos to you for finding a way to do it!

i have only been couponing for a month and i have saved loads of money already.

i was thrilled when i got my first free items and dh was hooked when he saw i saved $68 and only spent $11 (especially when he saw what I got)!

my skin is nicer (free lotion) the house smells nicer (cheap smellies) and cleaner (i really want to clean more with my cheap cleaner LOL).

he said, "this sandwich tastes better knowing it has free meat in it"

I totally agree!!!

Ps - i have also met a totally cool group of like minded ladies, willing to share info and coupons!!

A year ago, I would have laughed if someone had said a .50 cent coupon was worth a lot. It's worth .50 cents...isn't it? And .50 cents off my grocery order wasn't a big deal.

And one day, by accident, I came across SC. And then I started creeping SC. LOL I admit it. I creeped you guys. A lot.

For whatever reason, out of the blue, I woke up and went to every store in the city and collected coupons (no not all of them, a few here and there :) ). The same day, I ordered coupons online. And then there was a smartsource not too many days later (redplum didn't thrill me as much).

So I was lucky and had a big pile of coupons really quickly. But I would never bring all of them to the store, just the ones I needed. Right? It only took about 2 missed opportunities for great clearance deals to put a stop to that. So I'd remain discreet and just have a little file folder right? Keep it in my purse, neat and tidy, nobody had to know.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Now I have a huge honkin 4 inch binder, organized by category, that I carry in a huge honkin bag that also holds my calculator, pens, wallet, envies, stamps and scissors (never know when you're gonna need to clip a coupon somewhere).

After I got my binder, the first person that asked "are you one of those extreme couponers" made me turn red, felt like I had to give this long explanation...etc etc. Now I just say "yeah, I do ok" and carry on with my life.

But I'd never need to trade. PFFFFFFFT. Yeah right. There are coupons I have now that I didn't even know existed. I can only say, "Aw, why didn't I get that one?" so many times before I say "hey, can I have that one?" So far, everyone has been more than fantastic and my trades have been not only productive, but fun!

Like I said in another thread, the first time I combined a coupon + a sale, I thought I was breaking the freakin law or something. Like sirens would go off and they'd kick me out or something LOL. Now I won't buy anything if I don't have a coupon and it's not on sale.

And I can price match like it's nobody's business, without taking up much more time than a regular transaction...until the cashier takes the magnifying glass to the coupons LOL.

Oh, and those Cranky cashiers? Used to be terrified. Now? Ok, still a little afraid of the cranky pantses. But it's getting better. :)

And I track each transaction with sale prices, regular prices and coupons used (I use a spreadsheet)...and I can proudly say I now save 50% consistently and have many good days with 60-80% savings. My stockpile is getting awesome too!! Right now, we could only buy nothing produce and milk for the next 3-4 weeks and be just fine :) YAY for stockpiling!!

"And I can price match like it's nobody's business, without taking up much more time than a regular transaction...until the cashier takes the magnifying glass to the coupons LOL."

I haven't been having as much luck with the price-matching. We usually shop at RCSS and if the flyer says "Select" varieties they will only price match the pictured item regardless of the description.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by momof4monkeys

he said, "this sandwich tastes better knowing it has free meat in it"

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:lolsign: :top:

My story is alot like wisewithwords, I have always been interested but never really did much other than the odd cpn or I was famous at one store for scop for awhile, they always seen me coming. I then seen THAT show and then all hell broke loose! Lol I went to the stores and gathered cpns, went on a recycle walk and got TONS of cpns! It has only been about 2 months and I am very proud of my accomplishments!
My 14 year old son plays AAA hockey and that is very expensive hockey!! Payments are always more than a house payment and car payment combined! And that is just the fees...next is the equipment then the transportation, gas and then plenty of fuel for the kid as well!! Your prolly think we are nuts, yeah we are, but the kid has talent, and he himself has takin me all over the US and Canada! All expenses paid!! All because he is sooo talented at what he does and he wants to play in the NHL, that is his dream and we are here to help him accomplish that dream. I now have his bodywash covered for the season! And at 5+ showers a week we were spending LOTS on that alone! Deodorant is covered FOREVER!! I will never pay more than a $1 for deodorant again! Cat food, soap, cleaning stuff!! If I ain't paying pennies then I ain't buying..
Now with the savings I can send my daughter to the movie or maybe a concert or 2 instead of the same old line "we have no money" or "no, we need to buy a hockey stick" (which are never below $100 bux!)
It definitely is a job in itself that is for sure! And you definitely have to be dedicated.
I still get nervous at check out, not as bad as when I first started, always waiting for that encounter, having fun at the same time in a nervous, exciting way!! I still have alot to learn but have enough knowledge now than ever before!! And it will only get better! Thanks for all the great tips and helpful links and everything else!! Much love!!!:flowers:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iceblueraven

A year ago, I would have laughed if someone had said a .50 cent coupon was worth a lot. It's worth .50 cents...isn't it? And .50 cents off my grocery order wasn't a big deal.

And one day, by accident, I came across SC. And then I started creeping SC. LOL I admit it. I creeped you guys. A lot.

For whatever reason, out of the blue, I woke up and went to every store in the city and collected coupons (no not all of them, a few here and there :) ). The same day, I ordered coupons online. And then there was a smartsource not too many days later (redplum didn't thrill me as much).

So I was lucky and had a big pile of coupons really quickly. But I would never bring all of them to the store, just the ones I needed. Right? It only took about 2 missed opportunities for great clearance deals to put a stop to that. So I'd remain discreet and just have a little file folder right? Keep it in my purse, neat and tidy, nobody had to know.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Now I have a huge honkin 4 inch binder, organized by category, that I carry in a huge honkin bag that also holds my calculator, pens, wallet, envies, stamps and scissors (never know when you're gonna need to clip a coupon somewhere).

After I got my binder, the first person that asked "are you one of those extreme couponers" made me turn red, felt like I had to give this long explanation...etc etc. Now I just say "yeah, I do ok" and carry on with my life.

But I'd never need to trade. PFFFFFFFT. Yeah right. There are coupons I have now that I didn't even know existed. I can only say, "Aw, why didn't I get that one?" so many times before I say "hey, can I have that one?" So far, everyone has been more than fantastic and my trades have been not only productive, but fun!

Like I said in another thread, the first time I combined a coupon + a sale, I thought I was breaking the freakin law or something. Like sirens would go off and they'd kick me out or something LOL. Now I won't buy anything if I don't have a coupon and it's not on sale.

And I can price match like it's nobody's business, without taking up much more time than a regular transaction...until the cashier takes the magnifying glass to the coupons LOL.

Oh, and those Cranky cashiers? Used to be terrified. Now? Ok, still a little afraid of the cranky pantses. But it's getting better. :)

And I track each transaction with sale prices, regular prices and coupons used (I use a spreadsheet)...and I can proudly say I now save 50% consistently and have many good days with 60-80% savings. My stockpile is getting awesome too!! Right now, we could only buy nothing produce and milk for the next 3-4 weeks and be just fine :) YAY for stockpiling!!

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OMG, you had me ROFL!! I read this to my husband and he too chuckled. He said "hmmm, sounds like someone I know!" The only difference is I don't have a binder yet. Well, in a couple hours I will. I couldn't find those hockey sleeves anywhere and just I realized that years ago we put away our son's hockey albums when he moved out! Those albums are full of those sleeves (and hockey cards, but those will come out quite quickly and go into a box LOL!) YAY!

I started up couponing again recently and the last 3 weeks in July I only purchased sale items and used coupons with those sale items (exception produce/milk). The produce purchased was on sale but never have coupons - do they even exist? Milk NEVER goes on sale here with the odd exception of buying 3 cereal, get free milk - every blue moon!

Anyway, the full price of my purchases was $334.52. The sale price was $193.57 and OOP (after applying coupons) was $123.75. Almost 40% savings!! I'm am quite pleased with that. I popped the $71.83 savings into my savings account right away!

Today I'm heading out to Walmart and I have $25 in coupons to use!! AND I'M GOING TO BRING MY BINDER!!!!! lol (nothing more exciting than seeing an item marked waaaaay down and you have a coupon!)

So glad I started using coupons again!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by iceblueraven

A year ago, I would have laughed if someone had said a .50 cent coupon was worth a lot. It's worth .50 cents...isn't it? And .50 cents off my grocery order wasn't a big deal.

And one day, by accident, I came across SC. And then I started creeping SC. LOL I admit it. I creeped you guys. A lot.

For whatever reason, out of the blue, I woke up and went to every store in the city and collected coupons (no not all of them, a few here and there :) ). The same day, I ordered coupons online. And then there was a smartsource not too many days later (redplum didn't thrill me as much).

So I was lucky and had a big pile of coupons really quickly. But I would never bring all of them to the store, just the ones I needed. Right? It only took about 2 missed opportunities for great clearance deals to put a stop to that. So I'd remain discreet and just have a little file folder right? Keep it in my purse, neat and tidy, nobody had to know.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Now I have a huge honkin 4 inch binder, organized by category, that I carry in a huge honkin bag that also holds my calculator, pens, wallet, envies, stamps and scissors (never know when you're gonna need to clip a coupon somewhere).

After I got my binder, the first person that asked "are you one of those extreme couponers" made me turn red, felt like I had to give this long explanation...etc etc. Now I just say "yeah, I do ok" and carry on with my life.

But I'd never need to trade. PFFFFFFFT. Yeah right. There are coupons I have now that I didn't even know existed. I can only say, "Aw, why didn't I get that one?" so many times before I say "hey, can I have that one?" So far, everyone has been more than fantastic and my trades have been not only productive, but fun!

Like I said in another thread, the first time I combined a coupon + a sale, I thought I was breaking the freakin law or something. Like sirens would go off and they'd kick me out or something LOL. Now I won't buy anything if I don't have a coupon and it's not on sale.

And I can price match like it's nobody's business, without taking up much more time than a regular transaction...until the cashier takes the magnifying glass to the coupons LOL.

Oh, and those Cranky cashiers? Used to be terrified. Now? Ok, still a little afraid of the cranky pantses. But it's getting better. :)

And I track each transaction with sale prices, regular prices and coupons used (I use a spreadsheet)...and I can proudly say I now save 50% consistently and have many good days with 60-80% savings. My stockpile is getting awesome too!! Right now, we could only buy nothing produce and milk for the next 3-4 weeks and be just fine :) YAY for stockpiling!!

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LMAO :biggrin: I am still at the *file folder* for going into stores stage, you know..one of the little organizational folders with seperate compartments in it :rolleyes: I do *have* a binder...with the hockey card sheets in it, but I usually keep the coupons I'm intending to trade in it. Of course I have kicked myself a couple times for not bringing it and not having coupons I could have used after seeing an item on sale or clearance.
As far as cashiers..the only cranky one I have met so far was at Shoppers :rant: the rest have been really nice overall so far :)

LOL I used to feel like I was stealing when I would take coupons off the shelves in the store..it's not as bad now but I still try to be discreet for whatever reason, I think we've been brain washed that it's not ok to take things out of the store for free ;)

I have been couponing for a long time. 20 years or so(since I was a teen). We used to be so lucky and had Double Coupon Day at 3 different stores so every Weds, my friend and I would drop the kids at school and head to the store Then two of the stores cancelled their Double Coupon Days and I sort of lost interest. I would use the odd coupon here and there but that's it. Then I stumbled onto .com and saw her brags. Googled for some more more brags and found SC. For a couple of months, I just gawked at the pics in the brag section and weent back to Double Coupon Days.

Then one day, we were dropping our recycling off at the depot and I spotted an entire stack of inserts and took them home. Posted them for trade and have never looked back!

It didn't take me long to realize that I could make a seriously huge difference in the community with my coupons. Donating makes me happy!

Lol. Its fun reading this thread, knowing you are not the only one. I can’t remember how I found this site but I remember when I become hook on coupon. I think it was about three years ago Scott paper towel had a promo running, a prize was printable coupon for a free two-roll pack of paper towel. At the time there was no limit on the amount you would print/ or use.

God I remember how nervous/ affair I was walking into sdm with my one printable coupon, not knowing if the cashier was going to take, what people would think about me for using a coupon or for holding up the line. I gave the cashier my coupon, she read it and handed me a receipt with a zero balance owning. The relieve, the joy, the rush of blood thru my system, the awakening. Like a true addict I wanted that feeling again, so the next day not only did I print three more coupons, I told my sisters, friends, co-workers and anyone who was willing to listen about my free paper towel. At the end of the Scott promo I had enough paper towel for two years.

Now I pay full price for nothing, I stock up on sale items, I buy stuff out of seasons, and I negotiate. My family call be the cheap one, so what? Who do they call to find out what store has the best price on a particular item or if I have extra coupon? Me. And I am happy to do so. I have to main hobbies saving money and working out (pay $20 a month at goodlife) and I enjoy them both.

Hi, my name is Annatree and I am addicted to saving money.

Me too, me too! I started looking for freebies & coupons while I was pregnant with my twins - they are 3 now and I have a great stockpile, almost never pay full price for things - with the help of PMing, sales, coupons, rewards programs etc. Before I would just use the odd coupon if it happened to be right there on the shelf, would have to pay full price for items I needed because I ran out. I donate to the local foodbank on a regular basis too, something my dh and i did before too but not on the same scale and we were paying alot more for what we gave. I always think it's funny how my idea of a good deal has changed - 3 years ago I would have thought $1.99 was a great sale on deodorant/shave gel etc. whereas now I would never pay more than 25 cents! Pasta/soup has to be 25 cents or less too. Oh and I still use smaller coupon holders and some envelopes just so I can fit them in my purse - I don't go anywhere without them!
Jax

I always used the odd coupon, but never checked the flyers etc. I lived in a small town and only had one grocery store, but I would go to the big city 45 mins away to buy a big shopping trip once a month.

I was single mom of 2 growing boys and never used coupons...you know the old saying "if we knew then what we know now".

I started really using coupons few months ago when I had to go on medical leave from my job, I had lots of time and no money. My neice posted a blog about some stuff she got via mail....well that got me thinking......

Being as I had so much time I spent hours and hour surfing the net, reading, sending emails etc....then I went to London Drugs...never shopped there cause I always thought it was to expensive. Well I got finish for free! I was so excited and went home and did more reading and more surfing. Signing up for everything I could find. Then I got coupons in the mail! It was like christmas all over!

In 3 months I am now saving about 67% on my grocery bill (toiletiers, food etc) and it is wonderful. Now I love coupon swaps, trains etc. Also my one son and his wife coupon as well. I pass on alot of my savings to them as well as coupons. Having 3 sister, 2 coupons now and the 3rd will if I had her the coupons and say "go here, buy this, give cashier these" LOL

I LOVE COUPONS......

my name is cjcoupons and I am a couponholic!

loved reading this thread. i used coupons here and there in my late teens but didn't get serious about coupons til i had my little one. diapers, wipes, baby food, i had almost every coupon i could get my hands on and was quite proud of those savings at that time. i always shopped sales and did the flyer price comparisons regularly so we saved a decent amount each month. i bookmarked SmartCanucks and read stories and such but didn't really get into it until a full year LATER! Oy! missed a lot! well, after joining SC, i quickly learned the REAL ropes on couponing, deals, got introduced to mail in rebates and price matching and the piece de resistance...the SDM Optimum rewards program. I collected before SC but wow did I max that program to the fullest after reading all the great tips on here...since then we've redeemed for so much free stuff it's laughable!

we saved so much last year but i didn't track it. this year, we did better and i signed up for the ticker (in my signature- it's free to you can create your own at tickerfactory.com). Since January 2011, I've saved over $2,500!!! that's just from coupons, Mail in rebates and the value of stuff i get after redeeming points/airmiles et al. woohoo.

in terms of organizing coupons, i started with a small folder, then baggies but that became ridiculous when i joined my first coupon train and started coupon trading. so out went the baggies and in with the small accordion file...til that broke up...overstuffed! now i have a wonderful coupon binder with categories, folders for policies or printables and i like looking at the "wall of free"...the final hockey card sheet that holds all my FPCs! just as lovely as a sunset :o LOL!

so that's me...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cjcoupons

I always used the odd coupon, but never checked the flyers etc. I lived in a small town and only had one grocery store, but I would go to the big city 45 mins away to buy a big shopping trip once a month.

I was single mom of 2 growing boys and never used coupons...you know the old saying "if we knew then what we know now".

I started really using coupons few months ago when I had to go on medical leave from my job, I had lots of time and no money. My neice posted a blog about some stuff she got via mail....well that got me thinking......

Being as I had so much time I spent hours and hour surfing the net, reading, sending emails etc....then I went to London Drugs...never shopped there cause I always thought it was to expensive. Well I got finish for free! I was so excited and went home and did more reading and more surfing. Signing up for everything I could find. Then I got coupons in the mail! It was like christmas all over!

In 3 months I am now saving about 67% on my grocery bill (toiletiers, food etc) and it is wonderful. Now I love coupon swaps, trains etc. Also my one son and his wife coupon as well. I pass on alot of my savings to them as well as coupons. Having 3 sister, 2 coupons now and the 3rd will if I had her the coupons and say "go here, buy this, give cashier these" LOL

I LOVE COUPONS......

my name is cjcoupons and I am a couponholic!

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great job on lowering the grocery bill. I'm tracking my grocery savings too and we've had some really great months! was so glad when coupons came out for berries, bananas and salad!

I was at Wal-Mart on Sunday with my BF. I purchased a couple things I had coupons for and he kind of smirked...he said he thought i was cute (insert little red fuming face...i hate that word!!)
And i said well i saved some money, are you saving any?
he said, what did you save? $1 or so.
I said Nope...saved $5
He was a bit impressed, but not impressed enough to start using them himself.
I'll convert him....over time.

My co worker told me about this site and since then I am a die hard fan. I look foreward to reading what others have to say about their couponing experiences. I have my coupon binder and take it with me on most of my shopping trips. My 19 year old DD has started to help me and we enjoy going "couponing" our secret word that means going to WM and GT, ""looking for great deals". I enjoy teaching my children to be aware of the prices they pay , to save their money for whats really important in life and above all to remember others that need help.

I can not tell you how much this has ment to my family! I have alwasy worked an evening shift at least for the last 8 years just so i could make ends meet! But couponing has totally changed my life and mostly my kids lifes! When i go to work now only 2 evening shifts a week they dont cry at the dinner table casue i was never able to eat with them casue i started at 5! Now my boys look forward to me leaving only for a few hrs twice a week and they have gotten more time with me then ever before! Thank you to all who have helped me grow <who have taught me amazing things which i can now teach and show others and most of all showing me that i can have more time with my boys! Couponing has changed my life! Okok im getting a little treary eyes but its true you are all so amazing and i cant wait to see how i grow with all you sc ers