This past week, my bill would have been $311...EEK! We walked out spending only $120 out of pocket! Once I subtracted taxes and the produce and milk, for which I didn't have coupons, I only spent $66! Talk about an exciting trip. I was, however, sweating and snapping at Jasen in the checkout line...he was in my way, ok?! I analyzed my perspiration and snarkiness afterwards over lunch and realized that though I know I'm going to save A TON of money, I'm not the couponer who knows what I will be spending before the cashier tells me. It's kinda like playing the lottery for me. . .I'm nervous about hitting the jackpot and how big...or little it will be. But, thankfully, this is about the only stressful part. So don't fret if you overspend...I have a secret...grocery stores take returns!! You might want to wear a baseball hat and dark sunglasses because it is kinda embarrassing to be returning 15 cans of chicken broth because you went a little overboard...been there and done that, but they take it back...so stop stressing, ok?
So down to the good stuff...Here are my favorite sites that I routinely read for coupons, tips, sales, and ideas. Each one has their own great thing, but at the risk of another huge post and no pictures...I'll try to keep it short :)
Couponing to Disney: This site is great, she gives great sale notifications, as well as shows you how to always be getting samples or coupons in your mailbox. All of her savings go toward their trips to Disney for their family. She's pretty amazing. She has great explanations and stories. She also has a section on how much they are saving by not eating out as well as getting skinny for their next trip!
Southern Savers: This is the site that I LURVE. . .she takes the weekly grocery store sales and makes them into printable shipping lists...as though that wasn't enough, she links ALL the printable coupons and where they appeared in the circulars, right there in the list for you! All you have to do is click and print. That is MY kind of site. She also posts about great sales for all kinds of things too. I really like her tutorials on how to get started and this is where I would point you if you need some step by step directions.
Money Saving Mom: She is really good not only linking sales, but great with ideas and how to incorporate your family into your savings as well as teach your children about it. She also has some AMAZING recipies and meal plans too!
The Thrifty Mama: She links sales and coupons and has lots of natural and green ideas and sales links as well.
Deal Seeking Mom: Great deals and commentaries
I Heart Publix: A great resource for Publix deals and information. They post a lot of things that you may find useful if you have Publix near by.
Totally Target: This site is great...everything about Target and has a weekly list of things that are $1 and under!
Truly...these are the ONLY places that I get my sales and coupons...there are some of you are hyperventilating and others who are thinking "that's not that bad" You don't have to do them all! A lot of them post the same sales but have different concentrations on their sites. . .find the ones that fit your personality for scoping out sales in general, but I recommend Southern Savers hands down for grocery store couponing...I haven't found a better place for making your grocery store list for sales.
Stay tuned for the next post "To have a Freezer or not have a Freezer...that is the question" In the mean time, rock your own style for couponing and take it one step at a time. . .if you get overwhelmed, take a step back, you will get the hang of it and find the right balance for your family!
