Coupon Crazy

So I've been wanting to learn how to really use coupons.  It just baffles me how people can get a ton of groceries for practically nothing.  I've taken this rainy afternoon, with the help of a Christmas movie to occupy the kids, to research this.  I have found some interesting info on shopping with coupons.  My favorite site is Southern Savers.  She gives really good tips.  My advice is to check out the site, but also watch the youtube videos she has on there.  They are really good and packed with some good tips.  She is very practical and doesn't advocate hoarding, just ways to save some cash. 

First on the list for me this week will be to get a binder and some baseball card page protectors.  Then I will begin to shop, really shop, with coupons.  I honestly just want to see if I can do it.  I also believe if I'm going to do something I need to give it all I've got.  "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10  So, if I'm going to try the coupon "thing", I am going to go coupon crazy!!!!

Why do I feel the need to do this?  I don't have to use coupons to buy my groceries.  Several weeks ago after checking out and spending $200 for a week's worth of groceries, I just became convicted that I was not being a good steward of the money God had given me.  Also, who wouldn't rather save money, still eat good, and have that extra money to spend on other stuff?? 

After a little research, I realized my problem.  Every week I make out a list of things I NEED.  I just buy them no matter what the price.  Now, I am not stupid.  If I need laundry detergent and Gain is on sale, I buy that.  I don't just stick to certain brands for most items.  I do try to shop for what I need as best that I can.  Occasionally I will see something that's not on my list but at a good price and decide to get a few extras of that item.  Just recently, FL had a B1G1 free offer on noodles.  I bought them.  But, what if I would have had a coupon for the noodles in addition to the sale price??!!  I learned today that I need to buy when it's on sale and stores have a 6 week sale cycle.  If laundry detergent is on sale, I need to buy enough to last 6 weeks.  The same goes for food products.  Just buy what you need for 6 weeks.  If taco shells are on sale, don't buy 5 boxes if you won't use them in 6 weeks.  This is not to say if your family needs toothpaste or toilet paper and it's not on sale, that you do without.  Don't be that crazy about it.  ;-)

I also learned that I need to find the store with the best deals and best coupon policy.  I'm thinking it may be Bilo for me.  I have been a Food Lion and Wal-Mart shopper, but I am willing to change.  This is one thing I'm going to keep researching.

Another thing I learned is printable coupons are accepted.  I'm not sure why, but I was always afraid that they would be denied.  I guess I just thought it was too good to be true.  Some sources for coupons are http://www.coupons.com/, http://www.redplum.com/, and http://www.smartsource.com/.

What's really a good deal?  B1G1 Free is always good and anything at least 40 % off regular price is a good deal.  If it's 30 % off, wait, and watch for the price to go lower in that 6 week cycle.

I am excited to begin my coupon binder and start SAVING!

I will keep you all posted and I will continue to just share it!!

Kristen 

Why I Love Mondays

Last week, WOW.  That's all I know to say.  It wasn't a BAD week at all, just didn't go as planned.  So yes, you will see some "repeats" on the menu.  I didn't even get around to blogging most of the week.  My plan is to do better!!  I hope LIFE cooperates.

Some people hate Mondays.  I understand.  It begins the work week for most people and signals the end of the weekend and fun.  I just don't look at Mondays that way.  I enjoy Mondays.  I see it as a frest start.  If the week before was crazy, I can get up Monday morning determined to make this week different and better.  Last week, I had a plan and had good intentions on sticking to them.  For some reason, I let certain things get in the way and my plan crumbled.  That left me unprepared, running behind to things, and just frazzled.  I hate being that way.  I love being prepared and having things under control.  The key is learning from your mistakes.  If I learn from the mistakes I made last week, then they weren't made in vain.  I definitely needed this Monday for a fresh start on some things.  Check out this blog on  Fresh Start Mondays.   

 Lamentations 3:22-23 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." 

If you had a bad week last week or life just isn't going how you want it to, I pray this Monday will bring a fresh start for you and that you're able to reflect back on the past and learn from your mistakes.  Just don't forget to share what you learned!

Here's the menu for this week! 

Sunday: Roast with potatoes, carrots, and onions served with biscuits
Monday: Cajun shrimp alfredo with texas toast
Tuesday: Pinto beans, cabbage, and cornbread (Yes, I'm from the South!!)
Wednesday: Meatloaf, rice, and corn
Thursday: Cube steak with gravy, rice, green bean casserole, and deviled eggs
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Baked potato soup

Kristen