Couponing

So I have decided that I am going to start couponing! Today was my first experience and let me tell you, it's not as easy as it looks. It took me 2 hrs to do my normal 45 minute! The thing I have to be careful of is I buy alot of off brands already so I have make sure if i buy a brand name with a coupon it needs to be cheaper than my off brand. Also, another thing I have to be careful of is buying stuff I don't usually buy because then that destroys the purpose of saving money.

I tried to prepare as much as possible so it would not take me long but obviously I didn't do it well enough. Anyway, I saved $20 my first grocery shopping trip! I was happy, I know that doesn't sound like a lot but $20 is diapers and wipes in this family! Hopefully, as time goes on, I will get the hang of it and get quicker and better. I just wish we had a Publix, Winn Dixie or Kroger on the mountain. They have the best sales! There is this great blog called the Krazy Koupon lady and it lists in alphabetical order all the coupons out there with links. That helps a lot. The thing that stinks is you do have to put your info in everywhere so they can track how many coupons are being printed so its a little time consuming but I think that is just the initial work and from that point you get notifications to your email what the sales are.

In this day and time, a lot of people are in financial woes. I am really trying to do a better job of saving and doing without because you never know what the future holds. I get so addicted to bargain shopping, I almost refuse to pay full price anymore. The boys clothes are bought at Consignment sales or off my americanpregnancy.com/forum from other ladies. You should see the stuff I get for next to nothing! Believe me when you have to buy for twins, you find ways to save money. Plus I have always had limits on stuff I buy. Namely because I know I can find it at that price and refuse to pay more. Here are some of my limits and please don't choke if you are drinking and eating lol and yes I am very strict about these and get it for these prices. Some items I get ebay. Some items I will not buy second hand but know where to get them at discounted prices:

Summer tops - $7
Winter tops - $10
Sweaters: $12-$15
Business suits - This used to be $40 but now since discovering ebay, I have hooked up with a few ex business women now stay at home moms and my limit is $10
Pants: $15
Shoes: $15 excluding sneakers I have had the same pair for 5 years now and still going strong.

This year I had to go through and weed out stuff that I had not worn in a long time that just sits in my closet. So I allowed myself to do some shopping online and this is what all I got for $40

1 suit
3 dress pants
1 capri pants
3 button up shirts
1 regular summer top
1 skirt
1 long sleeve shirt
6 tank tops

I think that was all....anyway, seriously how can you beat that?!?!

Alright, Tripp is tired of playing peek a boo with me on the couch so off to play! Hope everyone has a good book and a blanket with this rainy weather :-)