Friday, April 17, 2009

Coffee Time!

Oh, how I have missed Coffee talk! I cannot wait to drop in on some of you and see what has been going on! I have learned so much during my time of fasting and I cannot wait to share it. But today, I love Rachel Anne's idea of sharing ways we save money during these hard times, so my other reflections will have to wait!

Please sit down and make yourself comfortable! I have Diet Pepsi, granola bars or some slice and bake cookies (got 'em on a GREAT sale) for a snack...no coffee, I haven't changed THAT much!

We have also felt the tug of the economic pressures around here, and while I am SO thankful for Tigerfan's job security...the cuts in insurance, raises, bonuses, etc. have caused us to tighten up! The biggest thing I have been LEARNING to do is coupon shop. I have used a coupon here and there over the years but haven't been a real "go-getter". I have met a new friend, though, that is a die hard coupon shopper and she has been teaching a few of us the ropes.

I now have a three ring binder filled with baseball card pages so I can see all my coupons. Every week, I get the sales adds from our local grocery store, Walgreens, Target, etc. and match them up with my coupons. It is amazing the money you can save! I have also learned the "special places" in the grocery store where they put deeply discounted items that need quick sale or are being clearanced out. I often revise my dinner plans to incorporate the meats, etc that I find here. We have even got to enjoy some lovely Steak dinners and enjoyed one night of shish kabobs as a result of bargains in the butcher's dept. Yesterday, I went in to pick up lunch stuff and milk and ended up SAVING $27.oo. It is rewarding and actually kind of fun! It can become very time consuming, which is why I haven't become as successful as my friend...I just don't have hours every week to shop, etc. But every little bit helps!

Hope this helps someone out there, I can't wait to read some of your money saving tips! And for those who actually come by here regularly...two posts in twelve hours! Wow, this could be a record for me!

Have a blessed weekend!

8 comments:

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

This sounds like something I should do, instead of hiding in the closet!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm not a coffee drinker either and am thankful because I would have ONE MORE thing to cut loose!

Cheryl said...

I used to be an avid coupon clipper and used the same method. It made a huge difference and I usually doubled my shopping dollar each time I did a "big" shop! Keep up the great work!

Janet Benlien Reeves said...

Putting the coupons in baseball card holders is a great idea! That will save a lot of time, too.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! Love coupons!! I don't drink coffee either....on occasions, but never regular.

Anonymous said...

coupon gaming is what i've heard it called. i also have a friend that does this and she has saved boo-koo bucks! i need to do more of couponing. i save a few...but not enough to really make a dent. i think i've been inspired by your post!

Rachel Anne said...

Great idea with the baseball card folder! I am ashamed to admit that I'm not much of a coupon shopper. Mostly because of time, unfortunately, but also because I buy off-brands a lot, and I find that they can be cheaper than the big brands with coupons.

I have a lot to learn!

Anonymous said...

Great ideas! My grandma has taught me about shopping according to the sales fliers, which has really helped. We're also a fan of the quick sale section and it has saved us so much money on veggies!

secondofwett said...

Well, you wont find coffee in my house either and unfortunately I don't use coupons....I've tried but usually find them in my purse when I get home!...but I do admire your initiative and energy to keep up with it!