Lately I've been so excited and proud of the supply of food we are building. When I started couponing my goal was to spend our full grocery budget for 6 months to stockpile, then try and cut our budget in half, to $150 a month. Well, I've been going for 3 1/2 months, so things are looking good. I have hardly bought a thing in the last few months that were not a coupon/sale combo item. In other words, I can probably count on one hand the amount of full-price items I have bought. (except milk, gotta have milk.) And here are the fruits of my labors:
I did my weekly menu planning like I try to do on Sunday or Monday, and with 5 meals I only had to buy a total of 5 minor ingredients. 5!! Everything else was on hand. Amazing.
All this supply makes me feel safe, rich. I love knowing that I have an array of food to choose from, a selection of food to offer my family, and many healthful choices, as well as some extravagant items I would otherwise never be able to afford. Have I mentioned I love this job/hobby? Every aspect of it. Very rewarding. My mom and I were talking about it recently, lamenting that other people we know don't have time to devote to couponing. Then I got to thinking- I invest a lot of time in it, but that is because I want to, I like to, and I can. I always say I have time, I don't have money. However, it's the kind of thing that you could devote as little or as much time as you have. Even if you run a tight schedule and think you have no time, I bet everyone could do something, and every little bit helps, especially in these perilous times, no? I have a few people specifically in mind...Denise, Michelle- I'm looking in your direction... So if anyone has a vague interest, you should email me because I have some ideas for a beginner, or someone who only wants to invest minimal time but still reap rewards.
A couple days ago I was pulling into a spot at one of my oft-visited stores, Harris Teeter, and I pulled right in front of this coupon woman I met months ago. At the time Molly had just started couponing but hadn't really given me any details, so I was curious. While I was shopping at the same Harris Teeter I saw this woman whith what I thought at the time was a rediculous 3" binder filled with what appeared to be thousands of coupons. So I asked her if I could bother her and ask her a few questions. She very enthusiastically answered 'Of course, this is what I do!' So I asked her a few things and after a few minutes went on my way. I ended up signing up for the Grocery Game under her, and now here I am. I feel like this is my conversion story and now I am an enthusiastic missionary excited to convert the world! Flash to present- I pull in front of her and honk as she pulls out. I leave my car running with Fiona inside and run up to her. I ask if she remembers me and she says 'Of course!', so I proceed to tell her that now I'm all over it. The 3" binder, the websites, the mutiple papers I purchase, the glee, the excitement... I leave of geekishness since I'm not sure she would appreciate that take on it. However, this is definitely the geekiest thing I've ever done. She hugged me and squealed 'I'm so proud of you!'. It was funny. Ah, crazy coupon ladies, of which I am one.
9 comments:
I'll take any ideas you have for a beginner who "wants to invest minimal time and reap maximum benefit."
I love your run-in with the coupon lady! I had to laugh out loud!
I am very proud. How nice to have so much good food, and at such a low cost!! You have now become the "coupon lady".
way to go, Jess! Having a stocked fridge and pantry gives me a sense of security, too. I just found out that my VT companion is a couponer. Maybe I am destined to do it...
Wow, what a turn of events for you! I'm so impressed with how well you've done with all of this and am always interested in seeing your deals.
I think couponing is on my list of "when I retire" activities....or maybe just "when life slows down" or perhaps " when the retail move is completed" or could it be "3:00 am isn't that much later than 2:00am"!
Good going girl!
I am so proud of you and jealous of course! This is mighty impressive. I agree with you on that feeling of security and safety. Congrats!
I want a tutorial!! I have always clipped coupons, but I need some pointers for beginners. I love the idea of your over-flowing pantry. Please--share!
Jessie I have a vague interest but I am definitely a beginner! I'm interested in hearing your tips. I've tried to figure it out myself but it seems really confusing! Help!
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