Couponing and Saving

I thought I'd just share how I got into couponing and how it has helped me be a better steward with the resources the Lord has provided for our family. Hopefully, my journey into the couponing mania will be something you could learn from and help your family as well.

I started couponing when I was in college. We had just moved here from Thailand (where I was born and raised). I didn't have a part-time job quite yet, and there wasn't a lot of money floating around. To help offset costs, my mom would actually mail me coupons to my dorm mailbox. Not only did I like getting mail, but I felt good being able to save. Since then, I have researched and found different blogs and sites that post money saving tips, and coupons to print off. Most stores do take printed coupons.

The first thing I learned (that hard way) was that just because I had a coupon for it, does not mean I need to buy it. I went through this phase where if I had a coupon for it, and it "seemed" like a good price, I'd get it. Now, I use a very specific list when I shop. I list what I'm buying for each store, what it's going to cost me, and what coupons I have to use that shopping trip. I use to take my coupon book with me, but I usually leave it in the car. That way I am not tempted to buy something we don't need or isn't acutally free. If I do stumbled across a 'freebie' item, i'll just run back to the car, so stop another day.

From the past few years, I've learned what items I really do not need to spend money on and can usually get them for mere pennies or free in many cases. There are:

• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Body wash (men's and women's)
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Cleaning supplies
• Air freshners (Spray, disinfectant, and plug-ins)
• Salad dressing (seldom, but when I can get it for free, I stock up)
• Shavers (men's and women's)
• Shaving cream (usually 99 cents or free)
• Mouthwash
• Lotion
• Medicine (seldom, but I've done it)
• Cereal bars (usually around $0.50 a box)
• Soup (campbells)

I think it was when Tim and I were engaged that I told my mom I wanted a "coupon box" like hers. Since then I've had to "expand" into a "coupon album." However, the coupon box consisted of a series of categorized envelopes for items I used (like bread, dairy, hair products, soap, etc.). My coupon-album works the same way, it just allows more room and more categories. I noticed if I was more specific, it cut down the time for me to search and file my coupons. Honestly, I can spend a good 2 hours clipping and filing coupons. I usually do it while Natty is napping or down for the night. Otherwise, I take my stuff to work and do it during my prep. The clipping and filing is a lot of work, BUT it is worth it to be able to save for your family and being able to provide what they need and beyond! Tim and I really do not eat very elaborate meals, but we are never starving. We don't always have the latest outfits or styles on, but we have clothes. We don't eat out that often, and when we do get order off of the budget meal and sometimes use a coupon as well. It's small sacrifices that has allowed us to learn to be responsible with our money and save to support our family.

It is also important to know the coupon policies of stores you go to. Here are a few in a nutshell:

• Costco - only accept their store coupons AND formula checks
• Walgreens - accepts store coupons and manufacturer's coupons combined
• Target - accepts both store and manufacturer's coupons
• Albertsons - accepts competitor's coupons

It is important to be knowledgable where you shop and how you can save there. Well, bascially that has been my journey to where I am today with couponing. I am, by no means, an 'expert' on couponing. I follow many blogs of older, wiser moms who are doing the same thing to support their families. Mostly importantly, I want our family's way of living to be glorifying to the Lord. I want to be responsible with what He's given me, no matter how much it may be.

I intend to update this blog with some pictures of the old "coupon box" and my current "coupon album" when I get around to it. I'll also post a blog with a list of different blogs I follow to get weekly deals.