Couponing 101...{The Story of a Newbie}

Spring has sprung here in Arizona, so it's time for some spring cleaning {in all areas of our life} as I wrote about HERE and to get back to the Dave Ramsey way of life.

Saturday I cleaned out the spare garage and dejunked a few areas in the house. I'm a nut when it comes to clutter...it makes me want to pull my hair out and I'm not kidding!! I also hate feeling like I'm being wasteful so it's time to tighten up the budget again so we can really crack down and save for THIS. We've been in a rental since May, and while we've been able to save money and pay down some debt, we could be doing a lot better.

Last month at Blissdom, I met a sweet and adorable friend named Ruth (on the left). She not only looks like a super model, but she's smart, domestic and SO much fun!! Ruth blogs over at Living Well Spending Less where she inspires women to use coupons and live a fabulous but frugal lifestyle. Her motto is save money on things you have to buy so you have more money for the things you want to buy.

Take a look at her blog and see for yourself the loads of money she saves each week!! If you are interested in starting to coupon but it seems overwhelming and you don't know where to start, go HERE.

In the past I've used the excuse that I don't have time or that it's a pain in the tush, but the reality is, I'm not homeschooling anymore and the stores/internet have made it pretty simple once you get the system down. It also helps that I've got Ruth on speed dial! :)

I did my Couponing 101 homework this weekend and ordered 3 Sunday papers, printed a few coupons online and organized my small accordian envelope (to fit in my purse) and a hanging file system to stick the weekly paper inserts in. Here's how I did so far this week...

On my first run to Fry's Marketplace, I bought $135.oo worth of groceries and with coupons and VIP card saved $50.15, bringing the total to $84.27 a 37% savings!!!

I had to rush home to take the kids to school, but went back on my way home and got all my laundry & freezer/dairy items. I bought $166.00ish worth of groceries and with coupons & VIP card saved $78.81 bring the total to $88.76 a 48% savings!!!

I was pretty excited but I have to say, I know I can do better so it frustrated me a little, baby steps I guess! It will help once I learn what  the rock bottom prices are so I only buy sale items that are REALLY low, and once I learn how to stack coupons and get a stock pile of them. As the "house manager" though, it was nice to feel like I'm saving money for once rather than just spending it.

I am also working on using what I have on hand BEFORE it goes bad...especially w/ veggies. Don't you judge me, I know you do it too!!  The ultimate goal is to get a one year supply of food and necessities.

Thanks Ruth for all your help and inspiration!