Derek and I recently started couponing. I mean I have used coupons before, but only if I happened to get one somewhere checking out or attached to a product. This is not entirely because of the show on TLC...I have only seen it once and it just seemed crazy to me. We actually read about so many other people through blogs who seem to have great success couponing and we decided to give it a whirl. I must admit...the first week or so I didn't like it. Too much time clipping, organizing, and I felt like I didn't know where to start. I was a little overwhelmed.
However, after getting everything organized in a nice binder that is easy to manage I am happy to report that couponing has been a great success so far. I tend to be somewhat frugal anyway, so I am kind of surprised I had never done this before! There are also many great blogs out there that help you know what stores have the best deals of the week that you can match with your coupons.
Most shopping trips we have been able to save at least 50% if not more. Now that I have started this, I don't think I could go back to buying most items without coupons. For example, in the past 2 weeks these are the items I have been able to purchase for less than 50 cents (and some of them free!): bar soap, body wash, deoderant, frozen veggies, pasta, rice, soups, hair bands, razors, salt, mustard, barbeque sauce, peroxide, toothbrushes, etc. I could go on and on. As we are always trying to save money, couponing has been a great blessing and it's kind of fun hunting for the best deals. Who doesn't love saving money?
