I am so happy to be contributing to Liz 2.0. I want to begin by sharing my couponing journey.
In October 2007, I found myself facing what was no doubt, the hardest challenge of my life. In a few short months, I would be student teaching (ie. working 60-70 hours a week for NO PAY!). Since I was 15 years old, I couldn't remember going longer than two weeks without a paycheck. Talk about a reality check! If my husband and I didn't start now, there was no way we were financially going to make it through my student teaching semester.
My search for money saving tips led me to couponing and I am was so excited to jump aboard! Within a week, I had all the basics down. I had newspapers, an organization method, my shopping list and I knew the rules & regulations. I began shopping at every store, doing all the deals.
Just to give you an idea of where we are now, I am teaching at a local high school and my husband just began his internship for his master's program. Since his internship is unpaid, we are faced with the same challenge again. This time, instead of being concerned, I am confident that we will get through the semester without any problems.
Since October 2007, I've used thousands of coupons and saved my husband and myself thousands of dollars. I have gotten the following items for free or less than $0.25 each:
Groceries: rice, mints, gum, pickles, chex mix, cereal, taco shells, taco seasoning, jello, Powerade, crackers, frozen meals
Health & Beauty: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, vitamins, hand sanitizer, razors, shaving cream, face wash, makeup
Household Supplies: dish soap, dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, window cleaner, toilet cleaner, air freshener, candles, dusters, paper plates, napkins
Baby Care: wipes, lotion, soap, shampoo
(I do not have pets, and I don't purchase any pet supplies. But, pet coupons are very common, so you should be able to save in this category as well.)
After you learn the basics, you too should be able to get all of the above very cheap, if not FREE.
In upcoming posts, I will show you how you too can save your family hundreds on your household expenses. Stay tuned to learn about where to get coupons, coupon rules/regulations, store coupon policies, special promotions, and much much more!
In the meantime, head over to www.hotcouponworld.com and just explore a little bit. Also, feel free to leave a comment here. Ask me a question or let me know if you already coupon.
Now, to share what is on my shopping list this week:
PUBLIX (sale ends 1/14)
Nestle Hot Cocoa - BOGO $1.99 - Internet Printed Coupon (do not copy, fax or scan)
Jello - 3/$5 - $0.50 coupon in 1/4/09 SmartSource
KROGER (sales vary by region - the sales below are for the Southeast Region)
Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey - 10/$10 (no coupon)
Brut - 10/$10 - $1 coupon in 11/9/08 SmartSource - FREE
Del Monte Fruit Cups - 10/$10 - Internet Printed Coupon (do not copy, fax or scan)
It's a pretty slow week for me. Please share what is on your shopping list this week.
Next week's post: Coupon Terminology
