Common Cents

As our household manager, it is my job to manage our spending carefully. At our house, DH is the one who has a salary, but it is my job (and joy) to spend it wisely. While I take my job seriously, I don't always do it well. However, I have found some real ways to save money on the little things so that we can enjoy more big things such as private school, lessons, and trips. First of all, I use coupons. I SHAMELESSLY have used coupons since before coupons were cool. I started cutting them for my mother when I was a young teenager, and I have never stopped. I love the thrill of seeing money come OFF of my bill. My coupon cutting has grown into a part-time job! I have a big coupon binder that holds all of my savings. I read Money Saving Mom, Fiddledeedee, and Southern Savers for inspiration. I go to coupons.com and print coupons like crazy. I have never been afraid to have too much food in the house.
If you are using coupons well, then you must take advantage of BOGOS (buy one, get one free) or triple and double coupon days if you have such things. Unfortunately, Publix in Florida do have BOGOS but they do not ever double or triple coupons. Each week, I carefully shop the BOGOS, just as I did yesterday. Our D loves Wheat Thins. Yesterday they were BOGO. I was able to use a manufacturer's coupon on top of the BOGO. THAT is is the way to shop well. Granted, we have a small kitchen and these extra boxes have to go somewhere. DH & I added some great shelves in our garage with the help of my father. The shelves are filled with extra cereal, oatmeal, crackers, and canned goods that I have bought on sale. When pastas was just cents a box, I stocked up. The great thing is that I can always make a meal because we have a stocked pantry. I can have a spontaneous hot dog party by the pool because my BOGO chips and hot dogs are waiting. Being frugal is smart.
I learned many tricks by true professional frugalists: my parents. If anyone can stretch a dollar, they can. Some laugh at their frugality. At times, I, too, have laughed. But I'm not laughing anymore. They are smart. Keeping money out of the pockets of others so that you can buy things you enjoy is smart. Often those with the most don't look like it.
I will write another post showing you my coupon binder and how it works for me. Everyone has a different system. I just encourage you to start using coupons if you don't already. Yes, you DO have time. We all have 24 hours in a day and we each decide how we want to use them. If you love to watch tv, then clip your coupons while you watch. I've been known to carry scissors in the car and to clip while I wait. If you make time to create a coupon system, you'll be amazed at how quickly have saved enough for a new pair of Revas, or that Lilly shift, or even a night away!