Ok - I took a major break from this, so I am getting back to it now. I also got a little bit burned out on the couponing...I started putting off the cutting, and then I had a giant stack of coupon inserts...I still used the coupons as much as possible, of course. ;-)
But a new year means new resolutions and renewed motivation to save money. Hit the reset button. Start fresh. So I tossed the older inserts and cleaned out my binder. I haven't pulled myself completely back onto the wagon, but one step at a time.
My biggest savings lately have been at CVS. I continue to save tons of money there. Today I went and bought 4 12-packs of coke zero, a Schick Hydro 5 refill for DH, two bags of valentines M&M's for decorating (and eating, of course), and some rubber bands for doing DD's hair (I found a CUTE blog called "Princess Piggies") for a grand total of about $15 after using coupons, extra care bucks, and a gift card I scored last week. I visited the store toward the end of the year and the summary said I saved over $1000 last year (and that was only from May through the end of the year).
But these kinds of savings can be found at ANY store. You have to play the game. And you have to be patient: you have to wait for the best price. You also have to be patient with customer service representatives and with other shoppers.
This "extreme couponing" is becoming more and more popular. I frequently go to the store to find empty shelves. I just shrug it off and say I'll try again next time. Apparently there are many people out there who feel it is necessary to go to every store in the immediate vicinity and pull every package of floss off the shelves. I like to hope that those are going to people in need. Because if there is something I find that is free that I don't need or use, I give it away. Make that your priority too.
Let's start this new year discovering better and easier ways to save money, buy smarter, and help others. We'll discover them together.
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