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!

Coupon Binder

I have been meaning to update on my new coupon binder. I just LOVE it. It is fantastic!! You may remember that I bought a 1-1/2 inch three-ring binder and filled it with dividers and clear baseball card pages (can be found at Walmart or Target). The notebook is lavender, my favorite color that makes me oh-so-happy. The dividers are also fun pastel colors so that I delight in using this thing to save money. I have about 30 different sections including Beverages (Fl has coupons for LIQUOR!), Baking, Baby, Cleaning, Drug Items, Shampoo/Soaps, Laundry, Pasta, Rice, Canned Goods, Dairy, Meats, Meds, Frozen Foods, etc. Within the Drug Items section, for example, I have sheets divided into toothpaste & brushes, razors, etc. It is so simple to compare costs of items with my new coupon binder. I have been saving even more lately as I double store coupons from Target or Publix with manufacturer's coupons. I am saving well over $20-40 each time I shop. I have not figured out how to get free milk or produce, but I have gotten some other freebies and even earned a few cents here and there! If you're considering a coupon binder, I say go for it!!!

I use this binder even when shopping with our 2 year old. I sit it in the cart beside her or behind her and save away!

Coupon Binder

I have been busy the last several days organizing a new coupon binder. Money Saving Mom has great tips and coupons and I use her website for links to extra coupons. You will be amazed at how much you can save!!! Target has specific Target coupons which can be stacked with manufacturer's coupons for great savings. I just used a Target buy 2 save $1 ($1/2) and a manufacturer's coupon ($1/2) to buy 2 packs of Bic mechanical pencils for $.48!! I am going to use them as stocking stufffers.

It took LOTS of time and money to set up my new binder but I love it. I picked a lavender binder because that color makes me happy. I bought cute tab dividers in pastels (pink, green, lavender, Tiffany blue) and labeled them with a Sharpie marker. You can use this post on Money Making Mom to guide you. I made up my own categories based on my small accordion coupon organizer that is now defunct. Within a category like Drug Items, I filled one whole baseball card page just with deodorant, another with razors, etc. I have a special section for Meds, and another one just for soaps/shampoos. I think it's best to organize it so that it is tailored to your needs. I have always used coupons and used to cut them for my mama to use when I was a little girl. However, this new method allows you to see ALL of your soap or shampoo coupons at one time so that you really get the best deal. It's incredible! Try it. You will love the savings!!

You can also learn how to shop the CVS & Walgreens deals for extra savings, but if you've never even used coupons, you need to start small and then do more as you learn. It's so fun to see how much you can save! I will try to post pics of my binder soon!