Coupon Club

True Life: I'm really into couponing.

I've said it before and will say it a thousand times: couponing is the jam. It's amazing how much money you can save with a little bit of effort. 

I think I'm so into it because my grocery expenses take up the largest percentage of my budget. I'm okay with that because as you know, I love to cook and try new recipes so it really does not bother me one bit to mark a large chunk of my budget to that category.  I expected it. 

I'd rather spend an extra $10 bucks at the grocery store to make a really cool supper than spend $10 bucks seeing a movie at the theatre.  I'll wait until the DVD comes out to Netflix.  To each his own.

I digress.

Sure, couponing takes a little bit of planning, but I swear it's worth it. Especially if you plan your couponing {new verb} when items are on sale.   That's when the savings really get incredible. 

Case in point: a few weeks ago at Publix, cheez-its- by far my biggest weakness- were BOGO.  I had a manufacturer's coupon that was buy two boxes, save $1.00. Cheez-its are reguarly priced at $3.49 a box. So instead of paying $6.98 for two boxes, I paid $2.49 for two, saving $4.49!

It was so great, until I realize I was dangerously close to killing two boxes on my own. That's when drastic times call for drastic measures.

I abandoned my cheez-its in our office's breakroom.  They cried, I cried, but I have not had one since.  Rehab is for quitters.

I digress again.

Anyways, I've saved some serious cash.  My highest savings has been $32 and change {I almost did cart wheels at the check out line}, and I've followed it closely with $31, $30, $27 dollars in savings- spending roughly $70 - 85 each time.  I'm to the point where I honestly look forward to receiving Publix weekly ad email Tuesday night.  Yes, I know, you don't have to tell me how nerdy cool I am.  But, I did want to tell you about my book. . . in case you want to join into the coupon club.

This book right here is my coupon lifeline.

It probably should be more applicably named my wine wallet.  Every dime I save, more funds for Total Wine runs :)

Anyways, it is so great.  I have all my coupons filed in clear plastic business card holders. If I could do it again, I'd probably try harder to find baseball card holders, but I got desperate.  Each page is organized according to type- cleaning supplies, paper products, dry foods, medicine, toileties, breakfast items, and so on.  Type A personality, can you tell?

Though I'm so proud of this organization, I have to admit that I am sooooo thankful that I have not seen anyone I know yet when shopping with this bad boy. . .  I'd probably be really embarassed and run in the other direction. hehehe.  Is that hypocritical?

But I promise, you really need to give it a try!